Today, I’m thrilled to share a treasure trove of Thanksgiving recipes for pescatarians that’ll make you forget all about turkey.
Ever wondered how to make your holiday table shine without the traditional bird? From succulent herb-crusted salmon to jewel-toned pomegranate-glazed tuna, I’ve scoured the culinary corners of the internet to bring you the most mouthwatering seafood alternatives.
Trust me, these recipes from talented food creators will revolutionize your Thanksgiving feast.
Whether you’re a dedicated pescatarian or simply looking to shake up your holiday menu, these 15 show-stopping dishes promise to deliver all the warmth and comfort you crave, with an elegant oceanic twist.
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Herb Crusted Salmon with Lemon Sauce By Everyday Healthy Recipes
Credit: everydayhealthyrecipes.com
For an effortless yet elegant dinner, this herb-crusted salmon with lemon sauce is a winner.
Coated in a fresh blend of parsley, dill, and breadcrumbs, this dish offers a satisfying crunch that complements the tender, flaky salmon underneath.
In addition to creating a tasty, aromatic finish, the herb crust retains moisture.
The real magic, though, is the creamy lemon sauce – perfectly tangy and light, thanks to yogurt, a hint of Dijon, and a drizzle of maple syrup for balance.
Together, it’s an irresistible combination that’s ideal for a family meal or an upscale gathering.
And you know the best part? The entire preparation of this dish just takes 25 minutes.
Check out the full recipe to make this salmon centerpiece tonight: Herb Crusted Salmon Recipe.
Brussels Sprouts & Baked Salmon By Zona Cooks
Credit: zonacooks.com
Looking for a sophisticated alternative to traditional turkey? This baked salmon and Brussels sprouts dish brings luxurious flair to your Thanksgiving table while keeping things light and nutritious.
The recipe transforms two simple ingredients into a festive centerpiece that won’t leave you in a food coma.
What makes this perfect for pescatarian holiday dining is its ability to mirror traditional Thanksgiving flavors – the Brussels sprouts provide that crucial seasonal touch while the salmon offers a rich, satisfying protein that feels special enough for the occasion.
The white wine sauce adds a celebratory note, and the entire dish captures the warmth of holiday cooking without the heaviness of traditional fare.
Core Recipe Step: Season salmon and halved Brussels sprouts with garlic-herb oil mixture, bake at 450°F, finish with white wine sauce.
For the complete recipe that’s transformed my own holiday cooking, visit Zona Cooks.
Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms By Go Go Go Gourmet
Credit: gogogogourmet.com
Lobster-stuffed mushrooms offer pescatarians an indulgent Thanksgiving treat that feels luxurious yet perfectly festive.
This recipe combines rich lobster with a creamy, well-seasoned filling, topped off with gouda cheese, bringing savory depth to every bite.
Each mushroom cap serves as a miniature delight, ideal for those who want seafood to take center stage in a unique way.
The touch of Old Bay seasoning adds a hint of classic flavor, while caramelized shallots and chives create a sophisticated, holiday-appropriate aroma.
A quick broil melts the gouda to golden perfection, making these mushrooms a fantastic alternative to meat-heavy appetizers.
Check Out the detailed step by step instructions of this recipe at gogogogourmet.com.
Garlic Butter Shrimp By A Couple Cooks
Credit: acouplecooks.com
Garlic butter shrimp is a flavorful, quick-cooking dish that’s perfect for pescatarians wanting a lighter, yet festive option for Thanksgiving.
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe balances simplicity with bold taste, allowing the buttery garlic flavor to shine.
Juicy shrimp pair perfectly with a fresh squeeze of lemon, creating a bright, refreshing touch that complements hearty holiday sides.
Garnished with cilantro or parsley, this dish is both visually appealing and deeply satisfying, ideal for those who appreciate seafood’s natural sweetness without heavy seasoning.
Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s a great choice for a crowd or as an easy dinner addition to the holiday menu.
Find the complete recipe for a delicious, fuss-free Thanksgiving dish here: Garlic Butter Shrimp.
Baked Cod With Parmesan By To Simply Inspire
Credit: tosimplyinspire.com
Somehow I feel this crispy parmesan baked cod can be an excellent pescatarian main course for Thanksgiving, offering a lighter, nutritious alternative to traditional roasts.
The dish features tender cod fillets topped with a buttery, golden crust made from Parmesan and crushed crackers, which bakes to a perfectly crisp finish.
A hint of lemon adds brightness, balancing the flavors for a dish that feels both comforting and fresh.
With only 30 minutes from prep to plate, it’s an effortless way to bring a crowd-pleasing, protein-packed entree to the table.
This oven-baked approach makes it a healthier choice than fried options without sacrificing crunch or flavor.
For the full baked cod recipe, visit tosimplyinspire.com.
Cranberry Maple Glazed Roasted Salmon By Canola Eat Well
Credit: canolaeatwell.com
Forget basic turkey sandwiches! This cranberry maple glazed salmon on rye brilliantly reimagines leftover cranberry sauce in a sophisticated pescatarian creation.
It’s the perfect day-after Thanksgiving lunch that maintains the holiday spirit while offering a refreshing change of pace.
What’s genius about this recipe is how it incorporates traditional Thanksgiving flavors such as cranberries and maple into a luxurious yet practical sandwich.
The sweet-tart glaze paired with crunchy panko creates an exciting texture contrast, while the rye bread adds a robust earthiness that perfectly complements the rich salmon.
Core Recipe Step: Top salmon with cranberry-panko mixture, drizzle with maple syrup, bake at 400°F, then build on rye with fresh fixings.
For detailed instructions on this clever holiday sandwich that’s become my post-Thanksgiving tradition, visit Canola Eat Well.
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Sweet Potato & Crab Cakes By Taste Of Home
Credit: tasteofhome.com
Sweet potato crab cakes offer a delightful twist on a classic dish, making them a perfect pescatarian choice for Thanksgiving.
The combination of tender lump crabmeat and creamy sweet potatoes creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, while the addition of fresh vegetables and herbs ensures a vibrant, festive appeal.
These crab cakes are not only satisfying but also provide a healthier alternative to traditional fried options, as they are lightly pan-fried to golden perfection.
The use of Southwest chipotle seasoning adds a hint of warmth, making them a wonderful complement to rich holiday sides.
For the comprehensive step by step instructions and full crab cake recipe, visit tasteofhome.com
Lemon Garlic Scallop Pasta BY What’s Gaby Cooking
Credit: whatsgabycooking.com
Choose your Ideal Pasta Dish:
A.) Something cheesy and hearty
B.) A fresh and veggie-packed option
C.) A spicy seafood delight
Looking to break free from traditional Thanksgiving fare while maintaining that cozy, celebratory feel? This luxurious lemon garlic scallop pasta might just become your new holiday tradition.
What’s remarkable is how it transforms special-occasion scallops into a comforting pasta dish that feels both indulgent and approachable.
For pescatarians, this dish is a holiday game-changer – the golden-seared scallops deliver that “centerpiece” wow factor that turkey-centric celebrations often lack.
The sauce, enriched with white wine and fresh herbs, creates the kind of aromatic experience that defines holiday cooking, while the pasta base ensures nobody leaves the table hungry.
Recipe In Short: Sear dry-packed scallops until golden, create a white wine-herb sauce, toss with linguine, finish with fresh basil and lemon.
Check out Gaby’s expert tips for achieving restaurant-quality scallops at whatsgabycooking.com.
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Shrimp and Wild Rice
This delightful dish combines sweet acorn squash with savory shrimp and wild rice for a wholesome, festive meal perfect for Thanksgiving.
This recipe is an excellent fit for pescatarians because it offers a hearty, seafood option without the meat traditionally found on Thanksgiving tables.
The sweetness of the acorn squash pairs beautifully with the shrimp, creating a satisfying balance of flavors while still celebrating the essence of the holiday.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Stuffed Acorn Squash with Shrimp and Wild Rice
- 2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup cranberries, dried
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions To Make Stuffed Acorn Squash with Shrimp and Wild Rice
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Use vegetable broth to cook wild rice as directed on the package.
Meanwhile, warm the olive oil in a skillet over a medium heat and put the garlic and onions.
After 5 minutes or so, the garlic and onion should be tender.
Add the shrimp, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the shrimp become pink.
Add chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and cooked wild rice and stir.
Arrange the halves of acorn squash, cut side up, on a baking sheet.
Fill each half with the shrimp and rice mixture and cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until squash is tender.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Presenting This Recipe as a Thanksgiving Menu Option
As part of a Thanksgiving menu, this dish can be presented as a vibrant centerpiece, showcasing the bright orange of the squash against the colorful filling.
Pair it with traditional sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to create a well-rounded meal that everyone can enjoy.
Seafood Cioppino Soup By Damn Delicious
Credit: damndelicious.net
Choose Your Soup Type?
B.) A light and broth-based option
Move over, turkey! This Italian-American Cioppino is the show-stopping centerpiece your pescatarian Thanksgiving deserves.
This luxurious seafood stew transforms your holiday table into a coastal celebration, offering the same communal, abundant spirit as traditional Thanksgiving dishes – but with an elegant twist.
What makes this perfect for Thanksgiving is its festive nature i.e. the rich tomato-wine broth creates a beautiful base for an impressive medley of seafood treasures.
Like a traditional holiday feast, it brings people together, encouraging sharing and conversation as guests discover different seafood in each spoonful.
The fennel and herbs add that crucial holiday aromatics we all crave.
Recipe Summary: Create aromatic tomato-wine broth, layer in clams, mussels, cod, shrimp, and scallops, simmer until perfectly cooked.
For this stunning holiday centerpiece that’s earned a permanent spot in my celebration lineup, visit Damn Delicious.
Pumpkin and Shrimp Risotto By Eat Smarter (Tailored for Thanksgiving Day)
Credit: eatsmarter.com
A delicious choice for Thanksgiving pescatarians, this risotto with pumpkin and shrimp combines seasonal tastes with a creamy texture that’s ideal for the meal.
The sweet pumpkin pairs beautifully with the briny, tender king prawns, creating a harmonious dish that’s both hearty and comforting.
The use of Arborio rice ensures a rich, creamy consistency, while the infusion of dry white wine elevates the dish’s sophistication.
Freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan add a burst of freshness and flavor, making each bite incredibly satisfying.
This dish is not only delicious but also packs in the health benefits of its key ingredients, like pumpkin and garlic.
With a cooking time of about 30 minutes, it’s an excellent choice for a cozy Thanksgiving dinner.
For the complete risotto pumpkin shrimp recipe, visit eatsmarter.com.
Seared Tuna with Pomegranate Glaze By Mish Pacha
Credit: mishpacha.com
Here’s a stunning pescatarian centerpiece that captures the jewel-toned beauty of fall with a sophisticated twist
Originally featured in FamilyTable (Issue 660) and shared on Mishpacha.com, this recipe brilliantly pairs the luxury of seared tuna with seasonal pomegranate, creating a dish that’s both festive and light.
What makes this perfect for Thanksgiving is its visual drama – the ruby-red pomegranate seeds and pistachio garnish echo traditional cranberry sides, while offering a fresh interpretation.
The pomegranate-lime glaze provides that perfect sweet-tart balance we crave during holiday meals, without overwhelming the palate like heavier traditional dishes.
Recipe Summary: Sear premium tuna briefly, slice thin, drizzle with pomegranate-lime-honey glaze, garnish with pistachios and pomegranate seeds.
Visit Mishpacha.com for the full recipe and detailed instructions on how to prepare this seared tuna.
Smoked Rainbow Trout Dip with Crudites By Eat Fish Wife
Credit: eatfishwife.com
What Kind of Dip Do You Want?
A.) A creamy classic
B.) A zesty and tangy mix
C.) A savory blend of flavors
Looking for a sophisticated appetizer that holds its own against traditional holiday starters? This elevated smoked trout dip by Vilda Gonzalez reimagines the classic holiday spread with a pescatarian twist.
The combination of creamy labne and smoky trout creates a luxurious base that feels special enough for Thanksgiving.
What makes this perfect for the holiday table is its make-ahead convenience and visual appeal – the vibrant crudites create that gorgeous harvest display we associate with Thanksgiving.
Plus, the dip’s Mediterranean flavors offer a refined alternative to heavy traditional appetizers, leaving room for the main course while still feeling festive.
Recipe Summary In Short: Mix smoked trout with labne, herbs, and pickled elements, then serve with colorful seasonal vegetables.
Experience this elegant starter at eatfishwife.com.
Deviled Eggs With Crab By No Spoon Necessary
Credit: nospoonnecessary.com
These Crab Deviled Eggs offer a delightful twist on a classic appetizer, making them a perfect addition to a Thanksgiving spread.
The creamy filling, enriched with lump crab meat and a hint of Old Bay seasoning, creates a sophisticated flavor that seafood lovers will adore.
The crispy panko topping adds a satisfying crunch, elevating these eggs from simple to spectacular.
For an elegant presentation, consider serving these deviled eggs on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh parsley or lemon zest for a pop of color.
Arrange them in a circular pattern or create a tiered display to draw attention.
If you’re feeling festive, use festive-shaped serving dishes or add seasonal decor like mini pumpkins or autumn leaves around the platter.
With their refined taste and beautiful presentation, these Crab Deviled Eggs are sure to impress your Thanksgiving guests.
For the complete Deviled Eggs Crab Meat recipe, visit nospoonnecessary.com.
Honey-Glazed Carrots with Shrimp and Fresh Herbs (Unique Thanksgiving Recipe For Pescatarians)
This vibrant dish features sweet, tender carrots glazed in honey and paired with succulent shrimp, making it a deliciously unique addition to your Thanksgiving table.
This recipe is perfect for pescatarians as it highlights fresh seafood while providing a healthy and colorful option that stands out alongside traditional holiday fare.
The sweetness of the honey-glazed carrots complements the shrimp beautifully, creating a delightful balance of flavors that feels festive and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Honey-Glazed Carrots with Shrimp and Fresh Herbs
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb baby carrots, peeled
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions To Make Honey-Glazed Carrots with Shrimp and Fresh Herbs
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and then Add the baby carrots followed by sauteing for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
Stir in minced garlic, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper. The carrots should be soft and caramelized after 5 more minutes of cooking.
Add the shrimp to the other side of the skillet after pushing the carrots to one side.
The shrimp should be pink and opaque after 3 to 4 minutes of cooking.
Stir the shrimp into the carrots to combine followed by removing from heat, garnishing with fresh parsley, and serving with lemon wedges for an added zing.
This dish can be served warm as a colorful side or a light main course, showcasing the lovely combination of sweet and savory elements.
Final Thoughts
To be honest, Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be just about turkey, as you can see.
These pescatarian recipes not only honor the spirit of the holiday but revolutionize it with oceanic flair.
What truly excites me about this collection is how each dish brings its own theatrical element to the table – from the jewel-toned pomegranate-glazed tuna to the communal joy of sharing cioppino.
BONUS TIP: Many of these dishes actually require less prep time than a traditional turkey.
Whether you’re a committed pescatarian or simply looking to lighten up your holiday spread, these recipes promise both nutrition and indulgence.
