The Feast of Seven Fishes is an Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition celebrated with seven seafood dishes, or seven kinds of seafood (but sometimes more, because, why not celebrate with abbondanza?) Since this traditional meal involves so many different courses, it’s helpful to find new Feast of Seven Fishes recipes to try out. Whether you like to stick to your favorite fish varieties or explore new ideas featuring salmon, trout, oysters or tilapia, there are tons of tasty Christmas Eve seafood recipes on this list that are sure to surprise and delight your friends and family. With so many dishes to serve, there’s even room to test out some fun fish recipes and still stick with a few fan favorites.
Despite its popularity in America, Feast of Seven Fishes recipes are unknown to many Italians. This particular tradition of celebrating on Christmas Eve with a meat-free meal composed of multiple seafood dishes is Italian-American in origin, and has roots in the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat before the midnight birth of baby Jesus (and following feast day). And though the Feast of Seven Fishes seems to indicate that you must serve seven dishes, that's actually not the case: Many families might also celebrate with other numbers of dishes (usually up to 13).
However you celebrate, it's a delicious spread, and well worth indulging in. After all, there's plenty of time for Christmas ham and Christmas cookies on the 25th!
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1
Salad of the Seven Fishes
This easy salad includes seven different types of pesce, including crab, octopus, shrimp and scallops.
Get the recipe for Salad of the Seven Fishes »
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2
Fish Packets With Caper Butter and Snap Peas
Another compact packet dish, you can use halibut or cod in this fresh and tart fish recipe.
Get the recipe for Fish Packets with Caper Butter and Snap Peas »
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3
Crispy Cod Cakes With Almond Pepper Vinaigrette
A perfect way to start off your holiday meal. The cakes can be made ahead but not coated. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze, then thaw in refrigerator before coating and pan-frying.
Get the recipe for Crispy Cod Cakes with Almond Pepper Vinaigrette »
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4
Striped Bass With Radish Salsa Verde
The anchovy in the salsa verde means you can take care of two fishes in one dish!
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5
Crab Cakes With Mango-Avocado Relish
Perfect as a passed app, these mini crab cake bites get a burst of flavor from the mango-avocado relish.
Get the recipe for Crab Cakes With Mango-Avocado Relish »
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6
Oysters With Mustard-Horseradish Relish
This super easy fish course is sure to please a crowd, and all you have to do is make the relish.
Get the recipe for Oysters with Mustard-Horseradish Relish »
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7
Caribbean-Style Fish with Peppers
Infuse your Feast of Seven Fishes with some Caribbean flavor by serving this bright and tangy cod.
Get the recipe for Caribbean-Style Fish with Peppers »
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8
Salmon With Grapefruit and Lentil Salad
This hearty dish is light, healthy and only takes 15 minutes to make.
Get the recipe for Salmon with Grapefruit and Lentil Salad »
RELATED: 60+ Super Cheap and Easy Dinner Recipes for Every Night This Week
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9
Radicchio Salad With Roasted Fennel and Shrimp
Make this an app by serving on small toasts, or pile into a big bowl for a hearty side.
Get the recipe for Radicchio Salad with Roasted Fennel and Shrimp »
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10
Lime Tilapia With Citrus-Avocado Salsa
So many people are gluten-free these days, so it can't hurt to have another light and citrusy fish option.
Get the recipe for Lime Tilapia with Citrus-Avocado Salsa »
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11
Swordfish Kebabes With Mint Pesto
Herby and refreshing mint pesto makes these mouthwatering grilled swordfish kebabs irresistible.
Get the recipe for Swordfish Kebabs with Mint Pesto »
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12
Roasted Salmon With Tomatoes and Green Beans
Mediterranean flavors perfectly complement this roasted fish and veggie meal.
Get the recipe for Roasted Salmon with Tomatoes and Green Beans »
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13
Spicy Italian Mussels and Frites
Adjust the spice level by simply adding more or less red pepper.
Get the recipe for Spicy Italian Mussels and Frites »
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14
Cheddar Crab Puffs
Start the festivities off with these light bites, which can be easily made ahead.
Get the recipe for Cheddar Crab Puffs »
RELATED: 25 Easy Finger Food Ideas for Your Next Big Party
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15
Cauliflower Anchovy Spaghetti
This simple recipe uses garlic and anchovies to pack in a lot of flavor.
Get the recipe for Cauliflower Anchovy Spaghetti »
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16
Cioppino
This Italian-American dish has its roots in a stew made by fishermen who settled in San Francisco in the 1800s.
Get the recipe for Cioppino »
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17
Easiest Ever Paella
This delicious rice dish is Spanish in origin, but isn't so different from other Italian recipes from the Mediterranean.
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18
Mediterranean Baked Cod
Super simple, with the bright flavors of tomatoes and peppers. If you can't find small sweet peppers, you can substitute sliced bell peppers and it will be just as delicious.
Get the recipe for Mediterranean Baked Cod »
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19
Charred Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Ok, so it's not Italian, but this shrimp recipe is delicious (not to mention healthy)!
Get the recipe for Charred Shrimp and Avocado Salad »
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20
Cod Livornese
The Italian port city of Livorno is the inspiration for this Tuscan-style dish.
Get the recipe for Cod Livornese »
