What’s cooking, Seafoodies?
If you’re still figuring out the answer to that, you’re not alone! From coast to coast, Thanksgiving is the most anticipated meal of the year… Are you ready? Whether you still have to start prepping or are scrambling to accommodate last-minute RSVPs, don’t panic! All you need to do is add a spectacular seafood side dish (or two) to your menu. Shrimp, salmon, scallops, crab and even lobster are simple to cook, pair beautifully with Thanksgiving flavors and serve up a welcome surprise for your guests, especially the pescatarians and flexitarians in the crowd.
Succulent seafood brings so much flavor and pizazz to the table that we sometimes forget it’s good for you, too! It’s hard to find a tastier source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients like selenium and B vitamins that help keep our minds and bodies strong. Try some of these healthy seafood side dish recipes this year, and we bet you’ll be making them an annual tradition!
If you make Thanksgiving an all-day affair — and we say, why not! — you want to start with something light. The super-easy egg casserole bursting with smoked salmon and veggies will tide your guests over while they’re watching the Macy’s parade or the NFL tripleheader. Or, pass around some crab-stuffed potato skins or shrimpy wontons for an enticing snack that won’t spoil anyone’s appetite for dinner.
And speaking of the main event, we’ve got lots of options, from guiltless to downright decadent! (Thanksgiving only comes once a year, after all.) On the clean-eats end of the spectrum is a fabulous grilled salmon salad with rice and colorful veggies in a lemony, Dijon-shallot vinaigrette. If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, you’ll want to dig into the mashed potatoes whipped with herbed cheese and topped with buttery morsels of sautéed lobster. Pure bliss! For a comfort-food side that strikes a healthy balance, we recommend a twist on a Southern classic: a moist and flavorful baked dressing featuring cheesy shrimp and grits. And the pan-seared scallops are a marvel, floating on a gorgeous purée of sweet peas and peppered with crisp pancetta, offering a tantalizing variety of textures and coming together surprisingly quickly.
If this sounds good to you, be sure to check out all of our seafood side-dish suggestions. Many can be prepared ahead of time, so they won’t compete for coveted T-Day stovetop or oven space. Happy Thanksgiving!
Southern and scrumptious! Not to mention convenient — this yummy shrimp dressing can be baked alongside your turkey, or made ahead and reheated.
Seared Scallops with Crispy Pancetta
A flash in the pan gives these bivalves a beautiful sear. Served with a rich purée of seasoned sweet peas, salty pancetta and a vibrant green gremolata, this scallops dish is second to none!
Sweet Potato Green Beans Shrimp Skillet
Thanksgiving lite! Shrimp sautéed with your fave holiday veggies makes for a delectable and gluten-free, 30-minute meal.
Cheesy Cajun Crab Potato Skins
Holiday forecast: Crabby, with a hint of bayou spice. You can prep these skins ahead, then pop them in the oven right before serving.
Light and lemony, this grilled salmon salad is chock-full of fresh vegetables and tossed with rice in a tangy, mustard-shallot dressing.
Crab and Corn Easy Potato Bake
Layers of sweet crab, meltingly thin slices of potato, Parmesan and Asiago give provide all the rich flavors of a traditional gratin without the need for heavy cream.
The quintessential comfort food, dressed up with some shrimp, crabmeat and a crunchy panko crust. Sure to be a hit with the kiddos (and guests of all ages)!
Smoked Salmon and Chive Biscuits
Flecked with chives and packing a smoky surprise, these savory salmon biscuits will disappear from your holiday table in the blink of an eye!
Creamy Lobster Mashed Potatoes
Go ahead, your guests deserve it! When you’re pulling out all the stops, these silky-smooth potatoes topped with rich lobster cream offer a master class in indulgence.
Almost too pretty to eat! Crab Rangoon fans will love these elegant wonton flowers filled with a piquant shrimp and cheese mixture.
Smoked Salmon and Vegetable Egg Casserole
Looking to lighten up your meal? This delicious cross between a festive frittata and a crustless quiche makes the most of smoked salmon — and whatever fresh veggies you have on hand.
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