10 Thanksgiving Seafood Ideas To Elevate Your Holiday Feast

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and, of course, great food. While turkey tends to take center stage, seafood has always had a place at the table. In fact, the original Thanksgiving meal likely featured shellfish and fish rather than poultry. Adding seafood to your menu can make your holiday spread even more flavorful and exciting. If you're looking for Thanksgiving seafood recipes that bring something special to your celebration, you're in the right place.

Why Add Seafood to Your Thanksgiving Menu?

While turkey and stuffing are classics, seafood offers a fresh take on tradition. It’s packed with flavor, quick to prepare, and elegantly complements any holiday meal. From light appetizers to rich, hearty mains, seafood pairs beautifully with traditional Thanksgiving sides. Plus, incorporating fresh or frozen seafood allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality dishes at home.

Adding seafood also creates variety for guests who may prefer lighter, more delicate flavors or are looking for alternatives to poultry. A well-balanced Thanksgiving table offers something for everyone, and seafood can introduce exciting new flavors and textures that make the holiday feel even more special.

Smoked Salmon Crostinis with Delicata Squash Butter

Start your meal with an appetizer that’s as delicious as it is elegant. Smoked salmon crostinis with delicata squash butter balance smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. The creamy squash butter adds a seasonal touch, making it the perfect bite-sized starter for guests.

Smoked salmon is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious way to begin the meal. When served on crispy crostinis with a smooth, flavorful butter, it becomes a simple yet refined appetizer that sets the stage for the rest of the meal.

Crab-Stuffed Acorn Squash Bites

Crab-stuffed acorn squash bites are a must if you're looking for a warm and hearty appetizer. The sweet, roasted squash complements the rich, tender crab meat, creating a comforting and indulgent dish. This recipe works well as a side dish, pairing wonderfully with roasted vegetables and grains.

Crab meat adds a natural sweetness that enhances the mild nuttiness of acorn squash. Combining textures—silky, rich crab filling inside a soft, roasted squash shell—makes every bite incredibly satisfying. Topped with fresh herbs or a touch of lemon zest, this dish is a great way to introduce seafood to a traditional holiday spread.

Butternut Squash Soup with Dungeness Crab

Soup is a fantastic way to kick off your holiday meal, and butternut squash soup with Dungeness crab adds a refined twist. The squash's natural sweetness blends seamlessly with the briny, buttery flavor of fresh crab. Top it off with fresh herbs and a drizzle of cream for a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Dungeness crab is known for its delicate texture and slightly sweet flavor, making it the perfect topping for a creamy, velvety soup. A small touch of spice, like smoked paprika or cayenne, can enhance the dish even further, creating a warm and inviting start to the meal.

Oyster Stuffing

Oyster stuffing is an excellent option for a unique take on a Thanksgiving staple. The briny, oceanic flavor of oysters enhances the savory richness of traditional stuffing. The combination of fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and shellfish makes for a delicious side dish that stands out from the usual bread-based stuffings.

Oyster stuffing has deep historical roots in American cooking, particularly in coastal regions with abundant fresh oysters. The slight saltiness of the oysters contrasts beautifully with the buttery, herby stuffing, making this dish both flavorful and deeply satisfying.

Seared Scallops with Brussels Sprout Salad

Seared scallops are an excellent, light, but flavorful addition to the table. When paired with a Brussels sprout salad, this dish provides a refreshing contrast to the heavier Thanksgiving classics—the scallops’ natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the earthiness of roasted sprouts and nuts.

When shredded or lightly roasted, Brussels sprouts add a crisp bite that balances the buttery tenderness of the scallops. With a drizzle of balsamic reduction or citrus dressing, this dish becomes a fresh, vibrant addition to the holiday meal.

Mini Seafood Pot Pies

If you love a hearty meal with a flaky crust, mini seafood pot pies are a fantastic alternative to traditional turkey-based mains. Packed with shrimp, scallops, and a rich, creamy filling, these pot pies bring a comforting warmth to the holiday meal. The golden, buttery crust makes every bite even more satisfying.

Making these in individual portions adds a fun, interactive element to the meal. Guests can enjoy their own personal serving, filled with layers of rich seafood and velvety sauce. These pies also reheat well, making them a great leftover option.

Shrimp Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a holiday staple, and adding shrimp takes it to the next level. The creamy, cheesy goodness pairs perfectly with tender shrimp, creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and gourmet. Kids and adults alike will love this elevated twist on a comfort food classic.

The addition of shrimp makes this dish unique. It provides protein and a slight brininess that complements the richness of the cheese sauce. A crunchy breadcrumb topping or a bit of truffle oil can further enhance its indulgence.

Garlic Herb Mussels

Garlic herb mussels are a fantastic addition for a show-stopping side or appetizer. Cooked in a rich broth of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, mussels bring bold flavor and an elegant touch to your table. Serve with toasted bread for an irresistible dish that guests will love.

Mussels cook quickly, making them an easy yet impressive Thanksgiving option. The broth, infused with white wine and aromatics, also makes a delicious dipping sauce for crusty bread.

Where to Get the Best Seafood for Thanksgiving

When it comes to seafood Thanksgiving dishes, quality matters, whether you’re looking for food options like salmon, scallops, or crab or want the convenience of frozen seafood; getting premium-quality ingredients is key.

Make This Thanksgiving Unforgettable with Seafood

This holiday season, why not step outside the traditional turkey-and-stuffing box? Adding seafood to your Thanksgiving table not only honors the holiday’s historical roots but also brings fresh flavors and variety to your meal. Whether it’s a light appetizer, a rich main dish, or a seafood-infused side, these recipes will add something special to your feast.

At Noble Fresh Cart, we bring Michelin-quality seafood directly to your door. With over 40 years of experience supplying top restaurants, we know what it takes to deliver the freshest, highest-quality seafood. Our carefully sourced ingredients allow you to create unforgettable dishes from the comfort of your home.

Shop our fresh and frozen seafood collections today and bring something truly special to your holiday table!