Embracing the tradition of a seven fishes feast this Christmas Eve doesn’t have to be daunting, even for those who might feel less confident in the kitchen. This time-honored celebration, rooted in Italian-American heritage, revolves around enjoying various seafood dishes. Our collection of recipes is curated with simplicity and convenience in mind, ensuring you can honor this festive custom without spending all day in the kitchen. Each dish has been chosen for its straightforward preparation and delightful flavors, embodying the spirit of the holiday while being accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Christmas Eve is a time for family, reflection, and, of course, good food. These dishes strike the perfect balance between traditional flavors and modern ease, allowing you to indulge in the joy of cooking without the usual stress. Whether you’re continuing a long-standing family tradition or starting a new one, these recipes are here to ensure that your Christmas Eve is filled with delicious food, cherished memories, and plenty of time to spend with loved ones.
Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
This easy bucatini with garlic shrimp and cherry tomatoes is a straightforward, delicious dish ready in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect easy meal for your Seven Fishes celebration, combining ease of preparation with the rich flavors of the sea.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp
Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo
This brown butter shrimp, served atop creamy parmesan basil corn orzo with blistered cherry tomatoes, is an ideal dish for a summer date night or festive gathering. It combines the richness of shrimp with the comforting taste of orzo, making it a hit for your Christmas Eve meal.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Shrimp and Orzo
Crispy Salmon Bites
Crispy salmon bites transform canned salmon into a scrumptious option for your Seven Fishes celebration. They are versatile, working well atop a salad, as an appetizer with a dip, or alongside veggies and rice, offering a delightful choice for a festive, easy-to-prepare seafood dish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Salmon Bites
Honey Lime Sablefish
Honey lime sablefish, topped with a spicy jalapeno and corn salsa, is a delightfully flavorful and easy meal. Known as black cod, this dish brings a healthy and unique taste to your holiday table, perfect for a fuss-free yet flavorful Seven Fishes dinner.
Get the Recipe: Honey Lime Sablefish
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Marinated in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, air fryer salmon bites are a tender, flavorful addition to your Seven Fishes menu. Quick to prepare and served with a dip for extra flavor, they offer an uncomplicated yet taste-rich salmon option for the celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Ahi Tuna Kabobs
Ahi tuna kabobs, glazed with a Montmorency tart cherry balsamic reduction and served over a winter salad with cherry lime yogurt dressing, offer a unique and tasty twist. They’re an exciting addition to your festive menu, combining ease of preparation with delightful taste.
Get the Recipe: Ahi Tuna Kabobs
Tart Cherry Glazed Salmon
Broiled to perfection, the tart cherry glazed salmon presents a tantalizing blend of tart and sweet flavors. Its caramelized cherry exterior makes it a standout dish for your Christmas Eve feast, offering a unique and effortlessly elegant seafood option.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Glazed Salmon
Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp
These garlic ginger shrimp from the air fryer make for a flavor-packed, incredibly simple meal, transitioning from freezer to dinner plate in less than 20 minutes. It’s an excellent quick and savory choice for a busy Christmas Eve, full of festive flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Ginger Shrimp
Lobster Mango Avocado Salad
The lobster mango avocado salad offers a tropical, healthy twist on classic summer salads, ideal for a light Seven Fishes meal. It can be served in lettuce cups or a buttered toasted bun, providing a refreshing and easy-to-make option for your festive seafood spread.
Get the Recipe: Lobster Mango Avocado Salad
Air Fryer Scallops
Air fryer scallops, with their slightly seared exterior and tender inside, cook quickly, making them a superb choice for a hassle-free Christmas Eve feast. The accompanying chive, garlic, and lemon butter sauce adds a touch of sophistication to this easy, restaurant-quality dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Scallops
Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon
Baked with an herbed garlic caper citrus crust, this wild sockeye salmon is a quick and healthy seafood option. With a baking time of just 10-12 minutes, it’s an easy yet visually stunning choice for your Seven Fishes dinner, blending convenience with festive flavors.
Get the Recipe: Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon