What to Serve with Calamari (20+ BEST Side Dishes)

by
Jump to Recipe

Wondering what to serve with calamari? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide of the 20+ BEST side dishes for calamari.

Collage of what to serve with calamari with text overlay.

These simple side dishes served with your calamari dinner will guarantee an amazing, meal!

Perfect for quick, weeknight cooking, but also amazing served at a dinner party.

PS – Be sure to check out these 15+ Dipping Sauces for Calamari too!

Side Dishes for Calamari

Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
Get the RECIPE
Cooked french fries in air fryer.
These Air Fryer Frozen Fries come out exactly like your favorite fast food fries! They’re crispy, golden on the outside and perfectly fluffy inside. SO much better than deep frying or baking! Plus, you can cook different types of fries – waffle fries, shoestring, steak fries and more!
Get the RECIPE
Lemon risotto in grey bowl topped with charred lemon and basil sprigs.
Indulge in this luxurious Lemon Risotto with Mascarpone. Rich, creamy, and tangy – Its bright flavor makes a perfect vegetarian entrée or a delicious side dish.
Get the RECIPE
Artichokes in instant pot liner.
Instant Pot Artichokes are quick and easy to make with the help of your electric pressure cooker. Plus, this recipe gives them SO much flavor!
Get the RECIPE
Spears of asparagus cooked sous vide topped with parmesan shavings.
How to cook perfect asparagus sous vide. Bright green, perfectly cooked spears. With three options for flavoring – garlic, parmesan or lemon.
Get the RECIPE
Serving spoon in bowl of tomato cucumber salad.
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
Get the RECIPE
Overhead shot of cherry tomato salad in grey bowl.
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons. 
Get the RECIPE
Bowl of Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts with chopsticks.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and covered in a sweet and spicy kung pao sauce. Toss with roasted peanuts and red chilis for a crazy delicious spin on a classic roasted vegetable.
Get the RECIPE
Overhead close up of zucchini fries on platter.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries with Lemon Tarragon Aioli are perfect for snacking. Strips of zucchini, coated in panko cook up perfectly crispy in the air fryer. Dip them in an easy-to-prepare creamy aioli flavored with tarragon and lemon. 
Get the RECIPE
Overhead shot of din tai fung cucumber salad on grey plate with chopsticks.
This copycat Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is bursting with flavor. Beautifully marinated cucumbers drizzled in chili oil is an outstanding vegetarian appetizer you can enjoy for any special occasion!
Get the RECIPE
Hawaiian coleslaw in white serving bowl.
Hawaiian Coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette brings a tropical taste to traditional slaw.
Get the RECIPE
Bowl of cooked pinto beans flecked with cilantro.
Instant Pot pinto beans are easy to make and taste so much better than the canned version! Perfect for meal prep or as a side dish to your favorite tacos, salads, or protein bowls, these beans can be ready in under an hour with no soaking required.
Get the RECIPE
Risotto in grey bowl next to shards of parmesan cheese.
Instant Pot Risotto is hands-down the best way to make risotto! It has the signature creamy, rich goodness you expect without all the stirring and fuss of making it on the stove. Plus there are 6 add-in options to make your risotto extra flavorful.
Get the RECIPE
Overhead close up of bowl of kale caesar salad in white bowl with serving spoon.
This Kale Caesar Salad is topped with crispy homemade croutons and parmesan cheese. Massaging the creamy garlic dressing into the kale makes it extra tender and delicious.
Get the RECIPE
Prepared radicchio salad in grey bowl with serving utensils.
This delicious Italian Radicchio Salad is dressed in a creamy lemon-vinaigrette and tossed with buttery calvestrano olives, tasty breadcrumbs and nutty parmesan cheese. And, a special tip ensures that your radicchio won't be bitter!
Get the RECIPE
Overhead shot of arugula salad next to shaved parmesan.
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
Get the RECIPE
Blistered shishito peppers served on a black plate with lemon wedges.
These Blistered Shishito Peppers are the perfect finger food. They’re so easy to make too. Lightly seasoned and slightly smoky, you’ll find that most are mild… one out of every ten might surprise you. 
Get the RECIPE
Side view of Apple Slaw in speckled bowl.
Apple Slaw with Celery Root is an exciting twist on your basic coleslaw. Crisp apples and celery root combine with jalapeno, cilantro & pickled onions. It’s sure to be a stand out side dish!
Get the RECIPE
Overhead shot of shaved fennel salad in green serving bowl on pink table.
This Shaved Fennel Salad comes together quickly and has such a delicious light lemon vinaigrette and wonderful crunch. It's the perfect side salad for rich and hearty dishes like pasta or braised short ribs.  
Get the RECIPE
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad recipe combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing. It's a perfect make-ahead salad recipe! | platingsandpairings.com
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.
Get the RECIPE

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these calamari side dish recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

More Side Dish Recipes

Did you Make Any of These Calamari Side Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of what to serve with calamari. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Collage of what to serve with calamari.

20+ BEST Side Dishes for Calamari

Wondering what to serve with calamari? I've got you covered with this handy guide of the 20+ BEST side dishes for calamari. Try this Red Cabbage Slaw. A super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

  • ½ head red cabbage (shredded)
  • ½ head green cabbage (shredded)
  • 1 carrot (grated)
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  • Add cabbage and carrot to a large bowl.
  • Whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil and salt. Pour over cabbage mixture.
  • Toss well to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

Notes

In place of the cabbage and carrot, you can use a 16-ounce package of shredded cabbage mix. 
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1276IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Featured Posts