Our Favorite Side Dishes for Scallops

Peas and Pancetta in a white bowl
Photo: naples34102

Scallops cook in just minutes over the stove, making them an excellent go-to for weeknight dinners or even last-minute hors d'oeuvres. (Shhh, no one has to know.) But there's more to these mollusks than their quick cook time. Briny, sweet, and meaty, scallops can anchor a number of sides, from bright salads to denser dishes like pasta and potatoes. Here are some ideas to inspire your next shellfish dish .

01 of 10

Refreshing Summer Squash Salad

Refreshing Summer Squash Salad
bd.weld

Lemon peel and mint bring zest and zing to summer squash and zucchini. Crispy, chopped prosciutto and crumbled feta add some salt. All that's missing is a serving of seared scallops.

02 of 10

Peas and Pancetta

Peas and Pancetta in a white bowl
naples34102

Fresh thyme and pan-fried pancetta elevate frozen peas. Serve with garlicky scallops for a restaurant-worthy dinner that everyone at your table will love.

03 of 10

Mom's Zucchini Pie

Mom's Zucchini Pie
Photo by Allrecipes Magazine.

This zucchini pie only looks like it takes a lot of work to whip up thanks to time-saving refrigerated crescent rolls. Serve with bacon-wrapped scallops for a brunch that's sure to wow.

04 of 10

Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Shallots

Mashed gold potatoes with green garnish in floral dish
pelicangal

Never underestimate the power of mashed potatoes to complement seafood, especially briny scallops. The richness of creamy potatoes and the sharp sweetness of shallot will get the job done.

05 of 10

Delicious Creamed Kale with Mushrooms

creamed kale with mushrooms
Alyssa Sherman

Serving scallops over a bed of creamed kale and mushrooms would allow them to soak up some this side's rich sauce. A match made in creamy heaven.

06 of 10

Garlic-Herb Linguine

Garlic-Herb Linguine
Photo by naples34102. naples34102

This basic linguine pares down on ingredients, meaning it would pair oh-so-well with a simple scallops recipe (like these Broiled Scallops).

07 of 10

Roasted Sugar Snap Peas

Roasted Sugar Snap Peas. Photo by Soup Loving Nicole
Roasted Sugar Snap Peas. Photo by Soup Loving Nicole.

Simple sides? Yes, please. Scratch that. Yes, peas. Scallops and sugar snap peas share a subtle sweetness, making them a natural combination.

08 of 10

Lemon Asparagus Risotto

risotto with asparagus on a white plate
Amy Rathbone Wellenkamp

"Excellent. Mellow but balanced flavor, colorful (I added orange bell pepper), and a beautiful side dish for the sauteed scallops I served this with. Just what I was looking for," writes naples34102. "I like a little lemon, but not too much, so I used the lemon juice but not the zest. This was perfect -- no criticisms."

09 of 10

Al's Sufferin' Succotash

Al's Sufferin' Succotash
Renee Paj

This succotash would be a seamless addition to a plate of scallops bathed in butter. Green chiles gives it a kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of scallops.

10 of 10

Chef John's Pasta Primavera

a bowl of linguini with fresh peas, asparagus, and herbs topped with grated Parmesan
Deb Berger

Home cooks rave about this pasta's fresh flavor in addition to its vibrant color. A colorful assortment of vegetables, basil, and diced jalapeños would balance buttery seared scallops in the best way.

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