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What to Serve with Fried Calamari: 30+ Sides

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

April 29, 2025

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5 from 1 vote

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

Collage of sides for calamari with text overlay.

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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!

What Goes with Calamari?

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Red Cabbage Coleslaw (No Mayo)
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These Air Fryer Shoestring 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, steak fries and more!
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Lemon Risotto with Mascarpone
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.
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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!
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How to cook perfect asparagus sous vide. Bright green, perfectly cooked spears. With three options for flavoring – garlic, parmesan or lemon.
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This vibrant Asian Quinoa Salad has a colorful blend of fresh vegetables topped on a bed of fluffy quinoa. Dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a delicious and naturally vegan meal you can make for meal prep or a healthy dinner.
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This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons. 
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Love artichokes? Try this quick and easy Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts recipe! Seasoned with parmesan and Italian seasonings, they’re an incredibly crispy and flavorful appetizer or healthy snack.
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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.
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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. 
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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!
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Hawaiian Coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette brings a tropical taste to traditional slaw.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. 
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This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.
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Add a tangy, sweet and spicy kick to your fried calamari with Bang Bang Sauce! It’s an easy, creamy chili and mayo dipping sauce made from ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
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This easy Cocktail Sauce recipe is a zesty and tangy dipping sauce that’s perfect for calamari.
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How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these calamari sides 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

  • Sides for Lobster Tails
  • Sides for Burgers
  • Sides for Shrimp
  • Sides for BBQ
  • Sides for Salmon
  • Sides for Steak
  • Sides for BBQ Chicken
  • Potato Side Dishes
  • Sides for Ribs

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.

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Collage of what to serve with calamari.

Full Recipe

30+ BEST Sides 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
Serves 12 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 0 minutes mins
Total Time: 10 minutes mins

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. 

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
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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