It’s that time of year again, Seafoodies!
As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, our kitchens and calendars are already a flurry of plans and preparations! Who is bringing what and which family member is going where? Are we going to drive to Grandma’s house this year or fly (A.K.A can we really survive the airport again with all the kids, or not)—and “Did anyone remember to ask Aunt Sally if her partner was the one who had gluten sensitivities?”
Amidst all the chaos, here’s something that might make your planning easier: seafood appetizers and sides! For many families, seafood is already a cherished part of their Thanksgiving feast. But if you’ve never considered adding fish or shellfish to your holiday spread, we’re here to tell you you’re in for a delicious surprise! These dishes add variety and brightness to your table, offering a lighter alternative to some of the heavier traditional fare. We can’t think of a better option for guests who want to save room for pie (and for us, that’s everyone who will be around our table—who doesn’t love pie?).
We’ve gathered 20 recipes featuring everything from shrimp and salmon to oysters and lobster—there’s truly something for every palate and plate. And here’s why you’ll love them: none of these require special skills or marathon prep sessions. These recipes understand that your Thanksgiving day is already full enough—so all of these sides and appetizers can be prepped ahead or thrown together quickly, leaving you free to handle the million other things on your to-do list (like tracking down where all the extra folding tables from last year went.)
This roundup has it all— with elegant appetizers that keep guests happy during the final main meal cooking stretch to substantial sides that complement your turkey perfectly. And we made sure that these recipes will work whether you’re hosting the full family celebration at home or bringing a dish to share at Friendsgiving. But aside from flavor and ease, there’s a wellness bonus too! Seafood delivers high-quality protein and heart-healthy omega-3s that satisfy without that heavy, “I-need-a-nap-immediately” feeling. The protein and healthy fats also help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is especially helpful for keeping energy levels high this holiday season!
So, on the long list of things to be thankful for this year, you can add this: Thanksgiving is a prime time to work towards those 2 to 3 weekly seafood servings that are recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to help stay mentally sharp and physically fit. Let’s toast to celebrating family, friends and wellness all at once.
From our kitchen to yours—may your home be filled with laughter and happiness this holiday season!
Appetizers
Forget the traditional charcuterie—put together a stunning spread this Thanksgiving that combines tinned fish, seafood dips and all the fixings for an impressive appetizer that’ll have guests gathering around before the turkey even hits the table.
Ceviche-Style Bloody Mary Shrimp Cocktail
We’ve taken the classic shrimp cocktail and given it a bold makeover with Peruvian ceviche techniques and Bloody Mary vibes! The result is a zesty, sophisticated appetizer that honors tradition—and brings something totally new to the mix.
Deviled eggs are a holiday classic, but adding smoked salmon takes them from expected to extraordinary! We’ve swapped in some low-fat Greek yogurt for full-fat mayonnaise—which also helps cut calories and keep all the creaminess.
Tuna Croquettes with Lemon-Caper Sauce
Savor each bite of our golden, crispy croquettes that taste like restaurant-quality results, without requiring restaurant-level effort! Don’t forget the bright lemon-caper sauce for a savory finish.
Grilled Whole Sardines with Charred Rosemary Vinaigrette
If you’ve never cooked (or even eaten) fresh sardines before and don’t know what to look for at the store, fear not. Ask the fishmonger at the seafood counter to gut and scale your sardine selection, which will make preparation effortless!
Budget-friendly and pantry-ready, these pint-sized toasts prove that simple ingredients can create incredible results! They’re the best last-minute addition when extra guests show up.
The secret ingredient? Chopped canned clams—which seriously enhance the dip’s already buttery flavor, but requires no shucking or cooking! Yet another reason to be thankful!
With most ingredients already in your kitchen, no one will believe it only took 10 minutes to make this salmon dip! Pop it into a pretty bowl and surround with slices of veggies, an assortment of crackers or chips.
Delicate crab cakes ensure everyone at your Thanksgiving table can indulge! Crunchy and crispy on the outside with sweet, tender crab throughout—they’re naturally gluten-free without sacrificing on taste.
Side Dishes
Serve this New England classic as a starter and watch it warm both hearts and bellies on a chilly day! Rich and comforting— it’s the utmost add on for your holiday feast.
Use frozen lobster to bring the prep time down to 10 minutes—then just set and forget for about an hour in the Instant Pot as you mingle with family and friends!
Gluten-Free Acorn Squash and Crab
These beautiful stuffed squash halves are as eye-catching as they are spectacular, but that’s not all! They also debunk the falsehoods that: (1) craveable dishes can’t be good for you and (2) you can’t serve seafood with cheese.
Instant Pot Crab Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Mac ‘n cheese has kept its place as a time-honored Thanksgiving feast favorite for good reason! Our take on this classic not only ups the nutrition but is a great way to introduce crab to your little Seafoodies.
Char-Grilled Honey Parmesan Oysters
Have a platter and long tongs at the ready—mineral-rich oysters cook in under 10 minutes. You’ll know they are getting ready to plate when the shells are nicely charred, and the oyster is bubbling!
Individual servings make this recipe great for feeding a crowd! To lighten up the classic pot pie, we’ve swapped in Greek yogurt for milk and a premade puff pastry topping for a double piecrust.
This isn’t your typical Thanksgiving side, and that’s exactly why your guests will love it. Layers of pasta, sweet crab and nutrient-rich kale create a memorable dish that is quick to prep and then will cook away in the oven—all on its own.
Skip the constant stirring and let your Instant Pot do the work! Within 20 minutes, you can find yourself indulging in a cheesy risotto bursting with yummy scallops and shrimp.
Made primarily from Alaska pollock, surimi delivers a sweet, mild seafood flavor with incredible versatility and convenience—exactly what you want when looking to make a lightened-up side that can still feed your entire crew.
Instant Pot Fish Tortilla Soup
Don’t get us started on the topping options: crispy tortilla strips, silky crema, sharp cheddar, cooling avocado, fresh cilantro and an abundance of fresh lime to tie it all together. Add as little or as much as you like—each family member can completely customize their bowl.
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