Seafood salad is a delicious dish that goes well with many side dishes, but sometimes, it can be challenging to come up with new ideas.
So, what to serve with seafood salad? This is where we come in with our quick and amazing dishes to serve with seafood salad.
From simple salads to hearty soups, we’ve got you covered with the best dishes to serve with seafood salad.
These sides will not only make your seafood salad more enjoyable, but they will also provide a balanced meal that is both healthy and tasty.
Seafood salad pairs well with a variety of side dishes, from refreshing salads to carb-loaded bread and pasta dishes.
In this blog post, I am going to share with you some quick and amazing dishes that will complement your seafood salad perfectly. So, let’s get started.
What is seafood salad? What does seafood salad taste like?
Seafood salad is a dish usually served cold, containing cooked seafood such as crabmeat, shrimp, or salmon mixed with a variety of vegetables.
It is often dressed with mayonnaise or a light vinaigrette.
The flavors in seafood salad are bright and tangy, with the various ingredients blending to create a unique taste.
The texture of the seafood can range from tender to slightly crunchy, depending on how it is prepared.
Seafood salad works well as an appetizer, side dish, or even as an entree when served over greens.
Additionally, it can be used in sandwiches or wraps for a healthy lunch option.
Best Sides to Serve with Seafood Salad
1. Green Salad
A light green salad with fresh mixed greens, cucumbers, and avocado is the perfect complement to seafood salad.
The acidity from the salad dressing cuts through the richness of the seafood salad and adds a refreshing crunch.
2. Corn-on-the-Cob
Grilled corn-on-the-cob is a tasty side dish that pairs perfectly with seafood salad.
The sweetness of the corn complements the saltiness of the seafood, making for a balanced and flavorful meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and cherry tomatoes are great to serve alongside your seafood salad.
The caramelization from the roasting gives a sweet, savory flavor that accompanies well with the tangy sauce of the seafood salad.
4. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is ideally a classic side dish to serve with seafood dishes, but it goes particularly well with seafood salad.
The buttery garlic flavor will enhance the richness of the salad, and the bread will be perfect for dipping in the sauce.
Discover More: 15 Perfect and Amazing Dishes to Serve with Garlic Bread
5. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are an ideal healthier alternative to regular fries and pair well with seafood salad.
They have a sweet flavor that will offset the salty seafood and add an interesting texture to your plate.
6. Greek Salad
A Greek salad made with feta cheese, olives, and cucumber is an easy and delicious side dish for seafood salad.
It’s light, refreshing, and has a strong flavor that will complement the freshness of the seafood.
7. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a healthy and hearty option to serve with seafood salad. The quinoa adds a nutty flavor that will perfectly balance the richness of the seafood.
8. Roasted Mushrooms
Roasted mushrooms add a meaty texture to your plate and go well with seafood salad.
The earthy flavor of the mushrooms will give your dish a more savory taste that will complement the sweet and tangy seafood.
9. Potato Salad
A tangy, creamy potato salad can be a great side dish for seafood salad.
It complements the tangy sauce of the seafood and provides a satisfying crunch that will balance the soft texture of the seafood salad.
10. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a cold soup that is served as a refreshing side dish for seafood salad.
The acidity and freshness of the soup pair well with the tangy flavor of the seafood.
11. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a fresh and light dish that goes well with the seafood salad.
The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil brings a burst of flavor to the palate.
12. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a refreshing and creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with seafood salad.
This classic side dish is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
13. Risotto
If you’re in the mood for something more decadent, try pairing your seafood salad with a creamy risotto.
The comforting and satisfying texture of risotto complements the light and refreshing seafood salad.
14. Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes are an excellent option to serve with seafood salad.
The crispy roasted potatoes add a delicious crunch and texture to the plate, and the aroma of herbs and spices elevates the flavors of the seafood salad.
15. Couscous Salad
Couscous salad is a quick and easy dish that pairs well with seafood salad.
The light and fluffy couscous combined with chopped vegetables and fresh herbs make a refreshing and satisfying side dish.
Main Course to eat with seafood salad
A great main course to pair with a seafood salad is grilled salmon.
Salmon is a type of fish that is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to be beneficial for heart health and can help reduce inflammation.
Grilling the salmon will help to bring out its flavor while still keeping it light enough to balance the heavier seafood salad.
You could also add some complementary flavors like lemon juice and herbs, which will really give your meal a delicious finish.
For a side dish, consider steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes; both go amazingly well with grilled salmon and seafood salads.
Try Also: 15 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Blackened Salmon
Appetizers to serve with seafood salad
1. Avocado-Mango Salsa
Avocado-Mango Salsa is a vibrant salsa that combines chunks of ripe avocado and mango with fresh cilantro, red onion, jalapeno pepper, and lime juice for a sweet and spicy kick.
Serve it with seafood salad to create an appetizer that’s sure to wow guests.
2. Baked Jalapeno Poppers
For a cheesy bite-sized appetizer that pairs well with seafood salad, try this recipe for jalapeno poppers.
Start with jalapenos that have been halved lengthwise, then fill them with cream cheese and wrap each one in bacon before baking until crispy.
3. Shrimp Salad Crostini
Prepare shrimp salad as usual and spread it onto small slices of toasted baguette or crostini for a light appetizer that will go perfectly with seafood salad.
Add extra flavor by sprinkling freshly cracked black pepper on top before serving.
4. Caprese Skewers
For a simple yet elegant appetizer, thread fresh mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes onto skewers before drizzling them with olive oil and fresh basil leaves.
These tasty bites are the perfect accompaniment to any seafood salad dish.
5. Crab Cakes
Make your favorite crab cake recipe for an easy yet impressive appetizer that goes great with seafood salad.
Fry up patties made from jumbo lump crab meat, bread crumbs, and seasonings until golden brown, then serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces or condiments on the side.
6. Grilled Oysters
A classic surf-and-turf combination can be created by grilling oysters until they open up and serving them alongside a cold seafood salad dish.
Preparing grilled oysters can be as simple as brushing them with garlic butter sauce and then cooking over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side until they open up completely before eating!
7 Seared Scallops
For another luxurious pairing, pan-sear scallops in butter or olive oil until lightly browned, then serve alongside a portion of seafood salad for an unforgettable appetizer experience!
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top while cooking to add extra flavor before serving hot out of the pan! (Recipe)
What else is served with seafood salad
Drinks to pair with seafood salad
1. White Wine Sangria
White Wine Sangria is a refreshing beverage that combines white wine, citrus fruits, and herbs for a light and fruity accompaniment to seafood salad.
The subtle sweetness of the wine perfectly complements the savory flavors of the seafood, while the bright citrus adds a tart balance.
Learn More: What to Serve with Sangria – Best Food and Wine Pairing Ideas
2. Coconut Water
For those looking for a non-alcoholic option, coconut water is a great choice to pair with a seafood salad.
The sweet and nutty flavors go well with the salty taste of the seafood, while its hydrating properties make it an ideal thirst quencher when served cold.
3. Pomegranate Mojito
Another creative way to pair some booze with your seafood salad is by making a pomegranate mojito.
Combining fresh pomegranate juice, lime juice, and rum gives this cocktail plenty of flavor that will work nicely with the delicate flavors of your salad.
4. Ginger Ale
If you’re looking for something bubbly to go with your seafood salad, then ginger ale may be the perfect solution.
Its sweet, spicy flavor is great for cutting through heavier ingredients like mayonnaise or oily fish in salads, adding a little bit of zing to each bite.
5. White Wine Spritzer
One of the classic drinks to accompany a seafood dish is white wine spritzer; it’s light, bubbly, and has just enough acidity to complement any type of seafood salad without overpowering it.
Plus, they can be made both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, depending on preference!
6. Virgin Bloody Mary
Give your seafood salad an extra kick by serving it alongside a virgin bloody mary!
This non-alcoholic drink combines tomato juice, vodka (or other spirit), and various herbs and spices for an interesting twist on classic drinks like mimosas or screwdrivers – perfect if you’re in need of something more exciting than plain soda or lemonade!
7. Kombucha Fizz
For those looking for something more unique than typical alcoholic beverages or sodas, why not try out kombucha fizz?
This fermented tea drink packs plenty of probiotics and antioxidants that aid digestion as well as provide a tangy boost to contrast with any creamy dressings in your salad recipe.
It also has some natural carbonation that makes it even more refreshing when enjoyed cold!
Desserts to go with seafood salad
1. Apple Pie
Apple Pie is an ideal classic American dessert and is the perfect addition to a seafood salad.
With a buttery, flaky crust and some delicious cinnamon-spiced apples in the middle, apple pie has been a favorite among diners for centuries.
The sweet flavor balances out the sea saltiness of seafood salad and adds an extra layer of texture to the meal.
Find Out More: 30 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Pie
2. Brownie Sundae
Brownie Sundae is a perfect decadent dessert that will make your mouth water! A warm, gooey brownie is topped with creamy ice cream and served with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Seafood salad’s savory flavors pair nicely with this chocolaty treat, transforming it into a unique culinary experience. (Recipe)
3. Lemon Tart
Lemon Tart is a zingy tart that is light and refreshing, making it an ideal accompaniment to seafood salads, which can be quite heavy in flavor.
The light lemon custard filling contrasts wonderfully with the hearty flavors of seafood, while its sweet pastry base helps to balance out the strong tastes of fish and shellfish.
4. Cheesecake
If you are looking for something creamy and indulgent, then cheesecake is the perfect choice!
Rich, delicious cheesecake can be made with either plain or flavored ingredients such as strawberry or blueberry for added sweetness.
It pairs nicely with seafood salads due to its tangy yet sweet nature that helps break up any heaviness from the main course.
5. Chocolate Mousse
For those who prefer something light yet decadent after their seafood salad, chocolate mousse offers just that!
Typically made with eggs, sugar, and dark chocolate melted together into a divinely fluffy texture, this dessert makes an excellent accompaniment to any meal due to its mix of sweet creaminess alongside sea saltiness from the fish dishes before it!
What are the best flavors to go with seafood salad?
Seafood salads are a great way to enjoy the flavors of the sea. While there is no one definitive best flavor to accompany seafood salad, some combinations work particularly well.
For example, pairing a savory seafood salad with bold and tangy citrus flavors like lemon or lime can add a bright and fresh note to the dish.
A splash of white wine vinegar is also an excellent complement, adding subtle acidity to the mix.
Other delicious additions include herbs like dill, parsley, or chives, which can bring out the natural umami flavor of seafood and vegetables alike.
Finally, a touch of sweetness like honey or maple syrup helps balance out the salty notes in seafood salads for a truly delectable dish.
Discover More: What to Serve with Tuna Salad – 18 Dishes You’ll Love
How do you jazz up seafood salad?
Seafood salad can be jazzed up with a variety of ingredients.
Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives add flavor and color. Spices such as curry powder, garlic powder, or paprika can also be added to give the dish some heat and depth of flavor.
For extra texture and crunch, try adding in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts; capers for a briny taste; sweet dried fruits such as raisins; or crunchy vegetables such as celery and bell peppers.
Finally, adding a drizzle of flavorful vinaigrette dressing will help tie all the flavors together!
How do you display seafood salad on a platter?
Seafood salad can be served in a variety of ways on a platter.
To start with, the base of the platter can be layered with fresh greens such as spinach, kale, or romaine lettuce.
Next, top with an array of seafood ingredients like cooked shrimp, crab meat, or diced calamari.
For added flavor and texture, consider adding crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, celery, or cucumber slices.
Finally, for presentation purposes, herbs such as chives, dill, or parsley can be sprinkled over the dish along with an optional drizzle of a light vinaigrette dressing.
This colorful and flavorful dish is sure to impress any guest!
Wrap Up on what to serve with seafood salad.
In conclusion, seafood salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served with many sides. From light salads to hearty soups and vegetables, there are endless possibilities.
These quick and amazing dishes we’ve shared with you today will make your seafood salad more enjoyable and provide a balanced meal that is both healthy and delicious.
From garlic bread to couscous salad, there’s something for everyone.
So next time you’re making seafood salad, try serving it with one of these dishes, and you’re sure to impress your guests.
FAQs
How much seafood salad per person?
For an average-sized seafood salad, it is recommended to plan about one-half cup per person.
To create a more robust and balanced salad, you can include a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, crabmeat, and calamari.
A good combination would be a one-quarter cup of each to give your guests a delicious mix of flavors.
Additionally, you can add other items like tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, or celery for texture and flavor contrast, as well as fresh herbs or greens such as parsley or arugula for added color and nutrients.
If you’d like to make the salad even heartier, consider adding some cooked beans or grains, such as quinoa or couscous, for extra protein.
You can then season the salad with some salt and pepper or choose any of your favorite vinaigrettes for a flavorful finish.
What do people eat with seafood?
People often eat seafood with side dishes such as rice, potatoes, salads, grilled vegetables, or simply a slice of lemon.
Other popular accompaniments include sauces like tartar sauce and cocktail sauce or herbs and spices such as garlic, parsley, or dill.
Breads like flatbreads and naan are also frequently served with seafood dishes.
What meat goes with seafood salad?
A popular meat to pair with seafood salad is grilled chicken.
The juicy and tender chicken, when paired with the light and refreshing flavors of the seafood salad, can create a delicious combination that is sure to please any palate.
For an additional special touch, consider adding some bacon to the salad as well for a nice crunchy texture.
This will help to create a unique balance between the richness of the chicken and the delicate flavors of the seafood salad.
What is the best sauce to eat with crab?
Crab is a delicious seafood that pairs perfectly with a variety of sauces.
A classic pairing is melted butter, which not only brings out the natural sweetness of the crab but also adds an extra layer of richness.
For those looking for something different, mayonnaise-based sauces such as tartar and remoulade are also popular choices.
Lemon juice or white wine can be used to enhance the flavor of these creamy sauces.
Additionally, Asian-style sauces like black bean sauce or sweet chili sauce are wonderful accompaniments to crab dishes and bring out their unique flavors.
Finally, for those looking for a spicy kick, a garlic-chili sauce made from fresh herbs and spices makes for an excellent accompaniment to succulent crabmeat.
