Serving a Christmas fish dinner might seem a bit untraditional unless you're celebrating The Feast of the Seven Fishes, but it's delicious!
29 Seafood Recipes for Christmas Gatherings
Baked Crab Dip
We enjoyed this exquisite dip at my grandson’s wedding reception. It looks fancy but is easy to make. You can even make this crab dip recipe ahead of time by filling the bread bowl early in the day and chilling it until serving. Just remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. —Marie Shelley, Exeter, Missouri
1/29
2/29
Orange Pomegranate Salmon
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
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.
3/29
Spicy Mango Scallops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet and spicy seafood combo gives off enough heat to make the whole family warm up to its great flavors! Be sure to buy the larger sea scallops for this recipe; cooking times would be off for the smaller bay scallops. —Nicole Filizetti, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3 scallops with 1/2 cup rice and 2 tablespoons sauce: 371 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 3 starch, 1/2 fat.
4/29
Salmon Dip with Cream Cheese
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/2 cups
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.
5/29
Shrimp Appetizer Spread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
20 servings
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.
6/29
Christmas Eve Confetti Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
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.
7/29
Salmon Mousse
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s so easy to top crunchy cucumber slices with a smooth and creamy salmon filling. Guests rave about the fun presentation, contrasting textures and refreshing flavor. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 canape: 42 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 72mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
8/29
Oyster Cheese Appetizer Log
Total Time
20 min
Servings
32 servings (2 logs)
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 good-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.
9/29
Sea Scallops and Fettuccine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
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.
10/29
Quick Coconut Shrimp
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These coconut-fried shrimp are downright addicting. If you ask me, the bigger the shrimp, the better. That way you can pick up even more of that sweet pina colada sauce. —Debbi Barate, Seward, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp with 2 tablespoons sauce: 204 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
11/29
Crab Wonton Cups
Total Time
30 min
Servings
32 appetizers
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.
12/29
Bacon-Wrapped Blue Cheese Shrimp
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 appetizers
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.
13/29
Shrimp Scampi
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it’s easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 395 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 177mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
14/29
Crab Cakes with Chesapeake Bay Mayo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
I placed my personal stamp on my Aunt Ellie's crab cake recipe by changing up some of her ingredients. They're served with a tart and tangy creamy sauce. You can serve them on an appetizer spread or as a terrific first-course at a formal dinner.—Michelle Critchell, Moon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 174 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
15/29
Smoked Salmon Dip
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-1/2 cups
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 83 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 121mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
16/29
Crab ‘n’ Cheese Spirals
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These pretty pinwheels are loaded with cheese, imitation crabmeat and black olives. Using refrigerated crescent rolls is so convenient. —Lisa Harke, Old Monroe, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 173 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
17/29
Hearty Shrimp Risotto
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Super creamy and packed with shrimp, this impressive Italian meal maker is special enough to serve company. Laced with the warm flavors of white wine, goat cheese and fresh spinach, it’s scrumptious, comforting and so fast! —Lydia Becker, Parkville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 405 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 832mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
18/29
Crab-Brie Cheese Ball
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is no ordinary cheese ball! The phyllo-wrapped, baked Brie always wows the crowd at parties I host for the employees and customers of my small business. —Jody Issod, Marlborough, Massachusetts
19/29
Party Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The marinade for this dish makes the shrimp so flavorful, you won't even need a dipping sauce. Even those who claim they don’t like shellfish really dig this appetizer. —Kendra Doss, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 shrimp: 14 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
20/29
Scallops and Pasta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
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.
21/29
Seafood Cakes with Herb Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
40 appetizers (1/2 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I live near the ocean and have a wide variety of seafood available to experiment with in recipes. This one uses salmon and scallops, but shrimp, crab, lobster or any firm whitefish (such as halibut or even cod) would work equally as 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.
22/29
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs
Total Time
50 min
Servings
32 appetizers
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.
23/29
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Pineapple Quinoa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the first recipe I developed using quinoa as an ingredient. My husband thoroughly enjoyed helping me test this recipe. This bacon-wrapped scallops recipe is a special dish that can be easily prepared in under 30 minutes.—Laura Greenberg, Lake Balboa, California
Nutrition Facts:
4 scallops with 3/4 cup quinoa: 455 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1717mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
24/29
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
It's up to you how to enjoy this cocktail—eat it with a spoon as a chilled soup, or use tortilla chips or crackers for scooping. —Erin Moreno, Arcadia, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 142 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 826mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
25/29
New Orleans-Style Spicy Shrimp
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have family members who attended college in New Orleans. This shrimp captures their favorite flavors from the Big Easy, with the right touches of spice and heat. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without bread): 242 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 211mg cholesterol, 940mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
26/29
Pancetta-Wrapped Shrimp with Honey-Lime Glaze
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Requested every year by my family during the holidays are these shrimp appetizers. We're all familiar with bacon-wrapped shrimp bites, but our version uses pancetta and a honey-lime cilantro glaze. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 pancetta-wrapped shrimp: 55 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
27/29
Shrimp Salad Appetizers
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 dozen
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.
28/29
Crab Crescent Triangles
Total Time
40 min
Servings
40 appetizers
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.
29/29
Spicy Shrimp & Crab Cocktail
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (about 9 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
This seafood starter is so good that it makes me love a food I usually don't—radishes! This recipe also calls for spicy V8, but Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix works just as well. Serve the cocktail straight up, with tortilla chips or on a bed of butter lettuce. —Heidi Knaak, Liberty, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 162 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
Up Next: Learn how to host an unforgettable Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve