From buttery scallops to shrimp and fish-laden mains, these seafood Christmas dinner recipes are perfect for your holiday table or Feast of the Seven Fishes celebration.
1/29
Seared Scallops
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll want to slip this recipe into the front of your for-last-minute-guests file. Pasta and mixed greens nicely complement the tender, citrusy shellfish. —Margaret E. Lowenberg, Kingman, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 249 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 618mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
2/29
Oyster Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from my mother. She made it every Thanksgiving for my father, who absolutely loved it. —Amy Daniels, Brodhead, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 228 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
3/29
Shrimp Scampi Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I really enjoy both shrimp scampi and a fresh spinach salad, so I put the two together. My oldest son loves it, too, and he's only 3! —Jamie Porter, Garnett, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 201 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
4/29
Orange Pomegranate Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
A colorful, festive salmon dish makes an impressive addition to your holiday table—and it is as delicious as it is beautiful. What will no one guess? How easy it is to cook. I serve this with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a showstopping meal that is wonderful for special occasions. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked salmon: 307 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
5/29
Crumb-Topped Clams
From the Recipe Creator:
In my family, it wouldn't be Christmas Eve without baked clams. However, they make a special bite for any occasion and are easy to make and always a hit. —Annmarie Lucente, Monroe, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 clam: 31 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
6/29
Seafood Thermidor
From the Recipe Creator:
Here in the Midwest, lobster can be pricey, so I found a recipe that tastes like lobster Thermidor but costs a lot less. —Sandi Laskowski, Rapid City, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 365 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 162mg cholesterol, 829mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
7/29
Hot Crab Pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the recipe for these crabmeat bites from a friend. What amazed me most is that my husband, who hates seafood, couldn't stop eating them. —Kitti Boesel, Woodbridge, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 44 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
8/29
Cioppino
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
9/29
Oysters Rockefeller
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic oysters Rockefeller dish always delights our guests. It's deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 oyster: 79 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
10/29
Seafood Cheese Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy recipe has an ideal combination of seafood flavors and clings beautifully to slices of bread. —Michelle Domm, Atlanta, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 172 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 791mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
11/29
Spanish-Style Paella
From the Recipe Creator:
If you enjoy cooking ethnic foods, this hearty rice dish is wonderful. It's brimming with generous chunks of sausage, shrimp and veggies. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 237 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 543mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
12/29
Seafood Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
Cajun seasoning and the Louisiana “holy trinity” of vegetables—celery, bell peppers and onion—add satisfying flavor to this stuffing loaded with shrimp and crab. This stuffing would be at home at a family dinner with roast chicken or alongside the big bird at Thanksgiving. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 231 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 149mg cholesterol, 793mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
13/29
Shrimp Spread
From the Recipe Creator:
There's no secret to this creamy seafood appetizer—it's simply delicious! I originally tasted it at a friend's house, and I liked it so much that I requested the recipe. It's since become a family favorite. —Brenda Buhler, Abbotsford, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 136 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
14/29
Christmas Eve Confetti Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy Christmas dinner has become a holiday tradition in our home. All the prep is done before we attend Christmas Eve service. On returning, I just boil water and saute. It's so colorful with a tossed salad and garlic bread—and always gets raves! —Ellen Fiore, Ridgewood, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 418 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 176mg cholesterol, 331mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
15/29
Lauren’s Bouillabaisse
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden-colored soup is brimming with an assortment of seafood and is paired with savory, colorful sourdough toast with spread. —Lauren Covas, New Brunswick, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups with 2 teaspoons spread on 1/2 slice of bread: 239 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/29
Salmon Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
This salmon dip is a delightful hors d'oeuvre that's excellent for any occasion. The combination of salmon, cream cheese and spices gives it terrific flavor. —Raymonde Hebert Bernier, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 103 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
17/29
Perfect Scalloped Oysters
From the Recipe Creator:
My family—my husband, children and grandchildren—all look forward to this easy seafood side dish. It's one I've made for well over 30 years. —Alice King, Nevada, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 349 calories, 29g fat (15g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
18/29
Pan-Seared Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my husband's favorite recipes. Salmon is a go-to for busy nights because it cooks so quickly and goes with so many different flavors. The creamy dill sauce with cucumber tastes light and fresh. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 salmon fillet with 1/4 cup sauce: 366 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 349mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2-1/2 fat.
19/29
Oyster Cheese Appetizer Log
From the Recipe Creator:
When you say “holiday tradition” around our house, this appetizer comes to mind immediately. Every winter I make lots of cheese logs and freeze them for when I’m expecting company or need to take food to someone’s home. The blend of smoked oysters, chili powder, nuts and cream cheese tastes so good that even people who don’t like oysters may enjoy this interesting appetizer. —William Tracy, Jerseyville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 117 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
20/29
Sea Scallops and Fettuccine
From the Recipe Creator:
This luscious and lemony pasta dish is so easy, it's become one of our weekly meal mainstays. But it's also elegant enough to serve to guests. —Donna Thompson, Laramie, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 421 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
21/29
Crab Wonton Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty little crab tarts make excellent appetizers served warm and crispy from the oven. You can add them to your list of holiday finger food as well. They're true crowd-pleasers. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 wonton cup: 77 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 153mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
22/29
Seafood au Gratin
From the Recipe Creator:
A seafood casserole is a must for a bountiful buffet. My father was a fisherman, so we ate fish almost every day. Over the years, I’ve tasted many seafood dishes, but none better than this one. —Hazel McMullin, Amherst, Nova Scotia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 281 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein.
23/29
Bacon-Wrapped Blue Cheese Shrimp
From the Recipe Creator:
Blue cheese, bacon and basil pack big flavor into a couple of bites. To save time, you can assemble the skewers the night before and then serve them hot from the broiler on the day. —Vivi Taylor, Middleburg, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 88 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
24/29
Shrimp Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
A co-worker from Louisiana shared hearty helpings of this delightful shrimp dressing (and copies of the recipe!) more than 20 years ago. It's been a must-have on my Thanksgiving menu ever since. —Cheryl McIntosh, Orange, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 249 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 880mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
25/29
Scallops and Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
A buttery garlic sauce zips up a bowlful of linguine, bay scallops and veggies. Celebrate something special or toast the end of another workday with this dish that's perfectly sized for two. —Paula Jones, Brooksville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup scallop mixture with 1/2 cup linguine: 281 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
26/29
Seafood Cakes with Herb Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
I live near the ocean and have a wide variety of seafood available to experiment with in recipes. This recipe uses salmon and scallops, but shrimp, crab, lobster or any firm whitefish (such as halibut or even cod) would work equally well. —Elizabeth Truesdell, Petaluma, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 seafood cake with about 1/2 teaspoon sauce (calculated without garnishes): 88 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
27/29
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
From the Recipe Creator:
Flaky salmon and creamy sauce go so well over hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle the sauce or serve it on the side; it's great either way. —Marinela Dragan, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 129 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
28/29
Shrimp Salad Appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing hors d'oeuvre has gained a big following since a friend shared her family recipe with me. My son says it best: The celery and shrimp are so good together. —Solie Kimble, Kanata, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 31 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
29/29
Crab Crescent Triangles
From the Recipe Creator:
When friends who love crab were planning a party, I created this recipe just for them. These comforting baked bundles wrap up a cheesy seafood filling in convenient crescent roll dough. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 77 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
Seafood Christmas Dinner FAQs
Why do people eat seafood on Christmas Eve?
The Italian American tradition of having a festive seafood dinner on Christmas Eve is tied to the Roman Catholic practice of abstaining from meat the day before a religious holiday. This made serving fish and seafood the best next option. Over time, as the practice continued, it evolved into a seven-course meal known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes, which many families continue to celebrate today.
What is a traditional seafood Christmas dinner?
A traditional Christmas seafood menu pulls from classic Feast of the Seven Fishes recipes featuring shellfish and fish, from seafood appetizers to hearty main courses. You can serve a different type of fish in each course, or to shorten the meal, mix several kinds of seafood into one dish, such as in a paella, pasta or soup. Consider adding a few chilled dishes, like seafood salad or shrimp cocktail, to keep the seafood holiday feast from becoming too heavy.
What are some easy seafood recipes for Christmas?
Seafood feels fancy, but you can keep the recipes easy by choosing quick-cooking shellfish that are easy to clean, such as shrimp and scallops, or using already cooked and picked crab meat. A festive seafood dinner is the perfect reason to go to a fish market, where you can ask an experienced fishmonger to scale and portion fish fillets and even steam live lobsters. Then, all you have to do is season and quickly cook the fish or pick out cooked lobster for pasta or appetizer recipes.
