Table of Contents

If you’re wondering what to serve with your raw oysters, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 12 of the most popular side dishes for raw oysters.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best side dishes to serve with raw oysters are zesty saltine crackers, crusty homemade bread, or cucumber mignonette. You can also serve with a side of clam chowder, hush puppies, or some bloody marys. For salad options, a wakame and sesame salad, tomato salad, or a snap pea salad would be ideal.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Zesty saltine crackers

Planning a dinner party soon and serving raw oysters?

Add some zesty saltine crackers to go with them.

They’re tangy and have a good spicy kick to them that you can easily adjust – want more heat? Add more chili flakes!

The crackers also add a nice crunchy contrast to the soft texture of your raw oysters.

You’ll love them! These zesty saltine crackers are simple but delicious.

Cucumber mignonette

Nothing beats raw oysters and a flavorful mignonette – it’s a classic (hence why I have two mignonettes on my list!)

Cucumber mignonette will add a clean, crisp, and herby notes to the oysters.

Believe me when I say that this sauce will make your date night treat a success.

And don’t forget to cap this meal off with a cool glass of champagne.

Cold seafood platter

Why not go all out with the seafood theme for your oyster party.

Imagine raw oysters alongside chilled lobster, scallops, and shrimps all beautifully presented in the middle of the table.

That’s a WOW dish.

You can use any seafood you like, plus any dipping sauces you want.

This recipe suggests a classic mignonette, a chimichurri sauce, some garlic aioli, and a cocktail sauce.

Snap pea salad

Raw oysters are already a bright main dish.

But let’s make this star shine even brighter by serving them with a simple and fresh snap pea salad.

This snap pea salad is slightly sweet but also has enough sharp citrusy notes from the lemon vinaigrette to cut through the oysters.

Check out this 15-minute recipe from the minimalist baker, you only need a few ingredients.

Hot mignonette

Want a little heat to go with your fresh raw oysters?

Take a spin on a traditional mignonette and make it spicy.

It’s easy and impactful and it only requires four ingredients.

A little sriracha can do wonders for a dish as briny as raw oysters, especially during the winter when you need something to warm you up.

Southern living’s recipe is top-notch. Check it out here.

Clam chowder

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/348254983695452014/

This one’s a little bit of a different suggestion.

But if you want to turn your oysters into a complete meal you need something with a bit of substance.

And clam chowder provides just that (especially if you serve it in a bread bowl).

It’s perfect as a start before the oysters, or as a second meal for people to tuck into once they’ve had their fill of oysters.

Psst… corn chowder also works!

Traditional kimchi

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/451978512611600958/

Traditional kimchi is another great side dish option that will add an element of fun to your oysters.

This Napa cabbage kimchi offers both a cooling yet hot sensation in your mouth, and it’s nice and crunchy.

Just what you need after swallowing an oyster.

Check out the full recipe here. It’s suitable for making ahead of time, so you don’t have to waste time messing around on oyster day.

Hush puppies

If you’ve ever been to an oyster roast you’ll have had hush puppies.

They’re little golden balls of deliciousness!

Crunchy on the outside yet soft and doughy on the inside. And you can customize the flavor by adding things like minced jalapenos or whole corn in.

They’re not as fancy as oysters, but they’ll round the meal off nicely.

And if you love sauces, serve these bad boys up with some tartar sauce or one of these tried and tested replacements for tartar sauce.

Wakame and sesame salad

Salty, tangy, and a little sweet, this wakame and sesame salad is the perfect low-carb pairing for your raw oysters.

You’ll be transported straight to the ocean.

And don’t worry about the seaweed being slimy because Izzy’s guide tells you exactly how to prevent that, plus how you can avoid a watery dressing.

Crusty homemade bread

Sometimes simple is best.

A buttered slice of warm, crusty homemade bread can put a smile on anyone’s face.

And the comforting flavors are ideal for washing down the salty taste from an oyster.

Although this bread may take a bit of time to make, it’s worth it.

For more tips on making this bread, follow this 3-ingredient recipe.

Psst... try spreading some miso butter on the bread for a little twist.

Tomato salad

Let your fresh produce shine during the summertime with an easy tomato salad.

This salad lets tomatoes and herbs speak for themselves.

And I’m telling you – their talk can impress anyone.

The dressing is a light vinaigrette that’s simple yet impactful – just like your oysters! And there’s some red onions to add more bite.

Try this easy 5-minute recipe from Valentina.

Bloody mary

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/329818372720768021/

Turn things up a notch by preparing oyster shooters.

You’ll need a shot of bloody mary, and a shucked oyster.

Get your guests to combine the two and shot them… now that’s my kind of party.

Of course, if you prefer things to be more civilized you can simply serve the tasty cocktail alongside your oysters.

There’s nothing like enjoying the summer sun with a bloody mary in hand and some fresh raw oysters, right?