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What to Serve with Mussels? 14 TASTY Side Dishes

Mussels are a classic seafood dish that can bring an elegant touch to any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting guests for a dinner party or just making a cozy Sunday family meal, mussels are the perfect choice for adding sophistication and flavor.

But what do you serve with them?

Sure, you could go with french fries like they do in Europe, but why not step it up a bit by trying out some more interesting side dishes?

Today we’ve rounded up 14 tasty sides guaranteed to accelerate your mussel-eating experience!

From sweet and savory salads to succulent roasted vegetables and light dessert options – there’s something here that will please every type of palate.

Read on for all the details!

What to Serve with Mussels? 14 TASTY Side Dishes

1. Potato Fries

Potato fries are a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with mussels.

They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect balance of textures.

When it comes to taste, potato fries are salty and savory, which makes them a great compliment to the sweetness of mussels.

There are a few things you can do to elevate your potato fry game.

First, try using different types of potatoes.

Russet potatoes are classic, but you could also use Yukon golds or sweet potatoes.

Second, experiment with different seasonings.

You could go the classic route with salt and pepper or get creative with herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your dipping sauces.

Aioli is always a good choice, but ketchup or BBQ sauce can also be delicious.

2. Grilled Bread

Grilled bread is the perfect side dish for mussels.

It’s simple yet satisfying and can be easily elevated to make it even more delicious.

The key to great grilled bread is all in the preparation.

Make sure to brush the bread with olive oil on both sides before grilling.

This will help to create a nice, crispy exterior.

Season the bread with salt and pepper before grilling for even more flavor.

To take your grilled bread to the next level, try adding some garlic or herbs to the olive oil before brushing it on the bread.

You can also top the grilled bread with cheese or other toppings of your choice.

3. Aioli

Aioli is a smooth, creamy sauce made from olive oil, garlic, and egg yolks.

It’s similar to mayonnaise, but the flavor is more intense, and the texture is silkier.

Aioli is traditionally served as a dip for vegetables or fish, but it can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or a topping for grilled meats.

The key to making a good aioli is to use high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic.

The olive oil should be mild and fruity so that it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors in the sauce.

The garlic should be peeled and minced very finely so that it doesn’t end up being too harsh or overpowering.

To elevate the flavor of your aioli, try adding some fresh herbs such as basil or thyme.

You could also stir in some sun-dried tomatoes or capers for extra flavor.

If you want to make a spicy aioli, add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

4. Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a delicious side dish to serve with your mussels, look no further than garlic Parmesan Brussels sprouts.

These tasty little morsels are packed with flavor and texture, and they’re sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

When it comes to taste, garlic Parmesan Brussels sprouts are simply irresistible.

The combination of garlic and Parmesan is always a winning one, and the Brussels sprouts themselves add a lovely crunch to the dish.

As for texture, these babies are tender but not mushy, making them the perfect accompaniment to your mussels.

There are a few simple tips you can follow to elevate this dish even further.

First, be sure to use fresh Parmesan cheese – it makes all the difference.

Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of garlic.

Roasted garlic would be especially delicious in this dish.

5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Grilled Cherry Tomatoes and Balsamic Glaze

There’s nothing quite like roasted sweet potatoes.

The sweetness of the potato, when paired with the smokiness of the grill and the acidity of the balsamic glaze, creates a dish that is absolutely delicious.

And when you add in grilled cherry tomatoes, you have a side dish that is sure to please everyone at your next cookout.

The key to making this dish great is to make sure that your sweet potatoes are properly roasted.

You want them to be soft on the inside but crispy on the outside.

One way to achieve this is to roast them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.

Then, take them out of the oven and put them directly on the grill.

Grill for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly charred.

While your potatoes are roasting, toss your cherry tomatoes with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Then, place them on the grill and cook until they are slightly charred.

Once everything is cooked, drizzle your balsamic glaze over the top and serve immediately.

6. Kale Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Citrus Vinaigrette

This Kale Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Citrus Vinaigrette is a bright and flavorful salad that is perfect for any season.

The kale is slightly wilted from the citrus vinaigrette, making it easier to eat.

The pomegranate seeds add a lovely pop of sweetness and the crumbled feta cheese adds a nice salty contrast.

This salad can be easily elevated by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.

The taste of this salad is fresh and tangy, with a slight sweetness from the pomegranate seeds.

The texture of the kale is slightly wilted from the vinaigrette, making it easier to eat.

The pomegranate seeds add a lovely pop of sweetness and the crumbled feta cheese adds a nice salty contrast.

This salad can be easily elevated by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.

To make this salad even more special, I like to add grilled chicken or shrimp.

The protein elevates the dish and makes it more filling.

If you are looking for a vegetarian option, you could add roasted chickpeas or white beans.

This salad can be served as a main course or as a side dish.

It would be great for a summer picnic or potluck.

7. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful side dish to serve with your mussels, look no further than roasted beet salad.

Beets are naturally sweet and earthy and pair perfectly with the briny flavor of mussels.

Goat cheese adds a creamy element to the salad, while balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs round out the flavors.

This dish is also beautiful to look at, thanks to the vibrant colors of the beets.

Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness, and they become tender and slightly caramelized.

The goat cheese provides a creaminess that balances out the acidity of the balsamic vinegar, while the fresh herbs add a touch of brightness.

To make this dish even more special, try using heirloom or candy cane beets.

Their gorgeous colors will add an extra pop of color to your plate.

8. Grilled Peach, Burrata, and Arugula Salad

This dish is the perfect blend of sweet and savory.

The grilled peaches add a lovely smoky flavor to the otherwise fresh and light salad.

The burrata adds a creamy element, while the arugula provides a slight bitterness and crunch.

To really elevate this dish, I would recommend using high-quality ingredients.

Use ripe peaches that are in season for the best flavor.

Choose a good quality olive oil for grilling the peaches – something with a high smoke point, so it doesn’t burn.

And finally, use a high-quality balsamic vinegar for the dressing – something that is thick and syrupy.

9. Caesar Salad

There’s nothing quite like a Caesar salad.

The combination of crisp, fresh lettuce with the creamy dressing and crunchy croutons is simply irresistible.

And while it may seem like a simple dish, there’s definitely an art to making a great Caesar salad.

The key to a great Caesar salad is all in the dressing.

It should be thick and creamy, with just the right amount of acidity from the lemon juice.

The best way to achieve this is to use good quality mayonnaise as the base for the dressing.

Then, add in some grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and anchovies.

The anchovies are optional, but they really do give the dressing that classic Caesar flavor.

Once you’ve perfected your dressing, it’s time to move on to the lettuce.

You want to use a crisp, fresh variety like Romaine or iceberg.

Avoid using leafy greens like spinach or arugula, as they will wilt under the weight of the dressing.

Cut the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and toss with the dressing until evenly coated.

Then, add in your croutons and Parmesan cheese and give everything one final toss.

10. Caprese Salad

The classic Caprese salad is a simple dish of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, but it’s the quality of the ingredients that really makes this dish shine.

The best Caprese salads will feature ripe, in-season tomatoes that are bursting with flavor.

A high-quality mozzarella is also a must – look for a local cheese shop or an Italian import for the best results.

Finally, use fresh basil leaves – they should be bright green and free from brown spots.

To assemble the salad, start by slicing the tomatoes into thick rounds.

Arrange them on a plate or platter, then top with slices of mozzarella.

Scatter some torn basil leaves over top and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.

This dish is best enjoyed when everything is at its peak of freshness, so make sure to use the ripest tomatoes you can find.

For an extra special touch, try grilling or roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the salad – this will intensify their flavor and add a lovely smoky element.

11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

These roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

They’re tossed in a balsamic glaze, which adds a sweet and tangy flavor.

These Brussels sprouts are a simple side dish that can be easily elevated.

One way to ensure that your Brussels sprouts are cooked to perfection is to drizzle them with a balsamic glaze before roasting.

This not only adds a touch of sweetness but also helps to prevent the sprouts from drying out during cooking.

For an extra special touch, try serving the roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic reduction sauce on the side.

12. Roasted Carrots with Honey and Thyme

These roasted carrots with honey and thyme are the perfect side dish for any meal.

The carrots are roasted to perfection, and the honey and thyme add the perfect amount of sweetness and flavor.

These carrots are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

The carrots are roasted until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

The honey and thyme add a touch of sweetness and flavor to the dish.

These carrots can be served as is, or you can elevate the dish by adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or other spices.

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious side dish, look no further than these roasted carrots with honey and thyme.

The carrots are roasted to perfection, and the honey and thyme add the perfect amount of sweetness and flavor.

13. Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan Cheese

There’s something about roasted cauliflower that just makes it taste so much better than when it’s raw.

Perhaps it’s the fact that roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetable, or maybe it’s the crispy texture that you can only get from roasting.

One of our favorite ways to serve roasted cauliflower is with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

The sharpness of the cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cauliflower, and the creamy texture takes the dish to another level.

If you’re looking for an easy way to elevate your roasted cauliflower, we highly recommend giving this a try.

  • Cut your cauliflower into even-sized pieces so that they all roast evenly.
  • Preheat your oven before adding the cauliflower in – this will help them get nice and crispy.
  • Season generously with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
  • Roast at a high temperature (400 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) for best results.

14. Grilled Asparagus Spears with Lemon Hollandaise Sauce

Grilled asparagus is a delicious and healthy side dish that goes great with mussels.

The asparagus spears are grilled to perfection and then served with a lemon hollandaise sauce.

This dish is simple yet elegant and is sure to impress your guests.

The asparagus spears are grilled to perfection and have a slight char on them.

They are tender but still have a bit of bite to them.

The lemon hollandaise sauce is rich and creamy and complements the asparagus perfectly.

There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.

Firstly, you could use thicker asparagus spears so that they don’t get overcooked on the grill.

Secondly, you could garnish the dish with some fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.

Lastly, you could serve the grilled asparagus with some crusty bread so that your guests can soak up all of the delicious sauce.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a variety of delicious side dishes that pair well with mussels.

This blog post has outlined some of the best options to elevate your mussel dish.

From roasted potatoes and grilled bread to a simple Caesar salad, there is something for everyone.

With these sides, your mussel dish will be complete and sure to impress your guests.

So, the next time you are wondering what to serve with mussels, be sure to reference this blog post for some inspiration.

What to Serve with Mussels? 14 TASTY Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Potato Fries
  • 2. Grilled Bread
  • 3. Aioli
  • 4. Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
  • 5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Grilled Cherry Tomatoes and Balsamic Glaze
  • 6. Kale Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Citrus Vinaigrette
  • 7. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese
  • 8. Grilled Peach Burrata, and Arugula Salad
  • 9. Caesar Salad
  • 10. Caprese Salad
  • 11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
  • 12. Roasted Carrots with Honey and Thyme
  • 13. Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan Cheese
  • 14. Grilled Asparagus Spears with Lemon Hollandaise Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!