29 Seafood Appetizers for Thanksgiving Dinner
Turkey might be the star of Thanksgiving, but who says the appetizers have to stick to tradition? There’s a whole world of delicious seafood dishes that can bring something a little different to your holiday table.
And we’re not just talking about shrimp cocktail! There are creamy salmon spreads to enjoy with crackers, crispy seafood croquetas, colorful little bites that look almost too good to eat, and plenty of fresh, flavorful starters that don’t require much fuss. Some are wonderfully simple, while others are a chance to show off your cooking skills.
Below, you’ll find 30 seafood appetizer recipes to help you put together a Thanksgiving spread that’s a little different from the usual, but every bit as delicious.
Bite-Sized Seafood Appetizers
1. Crispy Rice with Creamy Salmon Tartare
There’s a lot to love about these little bites, starting with the contrast between the golden, crunchy rice and the cool, creamy salmon tartare on top. A little sriracha gives everything a pleasant kick, too. They’re hardly traditional Thanksgiving fare, but that’s part of their appeal!
2. Crab Cups with Dill & Mandarins
Sweet mandarin oranges, delicate crab, and fresh dill fill these crisp pastry cups. Ready-made shells make assembly easier, giving you an elegant bite-sized appetizer without having to prepare the pastry from scratch.
3. Mini Shrimp & Bacon Quiches
There’s something about miniature quiches that makes them particularly appealing, especially when they come wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry. These are filled with shrimp and smoky bacon in a creamy custard, so there’s plenty of flavor packed into each bite. They’re a bit of a project to prepare, but well worth the effort if you’re planning a special Thanksgiving spread.
4. Canned Tuna Meatballs
Who knew a humble can of tuna could turn into such tasty little meatballs? With a handful of everyday ingredients and about ten minutes of preparation, they’re surprisingly easy to put together. They go straight into the oven until nicely browned, so there’s no standing over a frying pan, either. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a simple, savory starter.
5. Roasted Zucchini Rolls with Shrimp & Cheese
These are the sort of little appetizers you might reach for out of curiosity, then go back for seconds! Zucchini might seem like an unusual choice for wrapping up shrimp, but its mild flavor works beautifully with the creamy, savory cheese filling. And it’s a nice way to sneak a few vegetables into the appetizer selection without making them feel like an afterthought.
6. Spanish Galician Octopus (Pulpo a la Gallega)
You don’t need a complicated recipe to make octopus taste wonderful, and the Spanish certainly know it! This traditional Galician appetizer keeps things wonderfully simple, with tender slices of octopus dressed in good olive oil, paprika, and sea salt. It’s typically served on a wooden plate, with toothpicks for picking up the pieces. A little taste of Spain before the Thanksgiving turkey!
7. Taramokeftedes (Greek Fish Roe Fritters)
If you’ve ever tried Greek taramosalata, here’s another delicious way to enjoy fish roe! Taramokeftedes are little savory fritters made with fish roe, softened bread, and fresh herbs, then fried until golden and crunchy. They’re wonderfully crisp on the outside and soft inside, and just the sort of thing you’d want to nibble on while waiting for Thanksgiving dinner.
8. Smoked Salmon Kimbap
There’s a lot to enjoy about these colorful little Korean rice rolls! The smoked salmon brings a savory, slightly smoky flavor, while the cream cheese adds richness and the fresh vegetables provide plenty of crunch. It’s a combination that feels familiar enough to appeal to most seafood lovers, but with a fun twist that makes it a little more interesting than your usual salmon appetizer.
9. Spanish Crab & Prawn Croquetas
These Spanish croquetas pair a crisp, golden coating with a creamy crab-and-prawn filling. Allow time for chilling and shaping: they’re a project appetizer rather than a last-minute addition, but an appealing choice for a more elaborate Thanksgiving spread.
10. Baked Salmon Meatballs
These little salmon meatballs are a delicious way to give a familiar appetizer a seafood twist. The salmon has a delicate flavor, with capers adding just enough salty sharpness to keep things interesting. And since they’re baked rather than fried, you don’t have to fuss over a hot pan. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear!
11. Tuna Sashimi with Yuzu Dressing & Baby Coriander
This might not be your typical Thanksgiving appetizer, but if you love sushi and sashimi, it’s a fantastic choice! Delicate slices of fresh tuna are dressed with citrusy yuzu and a touch of soy sauce for savory depth. Served in individual spoons and finished with baby coriander, these elegant little bites are as beautiful as they are delicious, and a refreshing way to start a holiday feast.
12. Shrimp Kimbap
There’s something especially satisfying about biting into a piece of kimbap and discovering a crispy, golden shrimp inside! This Korean-inspired version uses panko-coated shrimp alongside seasoned rice and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in seaweed and sliced into neat little rounds. The combination of crunchy, soft, and fresh textures makes these colorful rolls a fun addition to your appetizer selection.
Soups and Chowders
13. Seafood and Fennel Chowder
Not every Thanksgiving appetizer has to be something you can pick up with your fingers! A small bowl of creamy seafood chowder makes a wonderful start to the holiday meal, especially if you’re after something warm and comforting. The smoky bacon and delicate anise flavor of fennel give this version a little extra character, and it’s just the sort of dish you’ll want some crusty bread to go with.
14. Mediterranean Fish Soup with Shrimp & Mussels
A first course doesn’t have to be creamy to feel comforting, and this Mediterranean fish soup is a good example. It’s made with a flavorful homemade fish stock, with shrimp, mussels, and chunks of fish adding plenty of substance. Serve it in small bowls with a little crispy toast for dipping, and you’ve got a warming start to your Thanksgiving meal.
15. Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche
Ceviche doesn’t always mean raw seafood cured in citrus juice! This Ecuadorian version starts with cooked shrimp, which are left to soak up a tangy, tomato-and-citrus dressing. It’s bright, juicy, and wonderfully refreshing, especially alongside all those rich Thanksgiving dishes. And for a traditional Ecuadorian touch, serve it with popcorn or crispy plantain chips. Yes, popcorn!
Elegant Plated Starters and Salads
16. Crab, Avocado & Pickled Ginger Stack
Here’s a dish that looks like it came straight out of a fancy restaurant, but is surprisingly straightforward to put together. The crab and avocado make a complementary, mellow pairing, with pickled ginger and a bright lemon-Dijon vinaigrette adding just enough sharpness to keep things interesting. It’s fresh, delicate, and a rather elegant way to start a holiday dinner.
17. Tuna Carpaccio with Basil Oil, Lemon and Caper Berries
Good tuna doesn’t need much dressing up, and this carpaccio is a great example of that. The thinly sliced fish is served with fragrant basil oil, lemon, and caper berries that add a pleasant briny bite. It’s a simple but somewhat sophisticated appetizer, and a refreshing way to begin a meal.
18. Cucumber Cream Cheese Rolls with Salmon Tartare
If you enjoy sushi, there’s a good chance you’ll love this combination of salmon tartare, cucumber, and cream cheese. The delicate salmon gets a little extra character from a mandarin and soy dressing, while the cool, crunchy cucumber keeps everything fresh and light. It’s a lovely balance of flavors and textures, and a nice change from the more traditional Thanksgiving appetizers.
19. Chimichurri Shrimp Salad
Chimichurri isn’t just for steak, you know! Its bright, herby flavor and little kick of heat work wonderfully with the natural sweetness of shrimp. Add some fresh salad greens to the mix, and you’ve got a colorful appetizer that’s full of flavor without feeling overly rich. A nice choice when you want something a little different from the usual shrimp cocktail!
20. Mediterranean Vinegar-Marinated Octopus
Octopus might be an unexpected guest at the Thanksgiving table, but this Greek-style appetizer certainly deserves a place if you’re a seafood lover. The octopus is slow-cooked until tender, then dressed in a tangy vinegar marinade with capers and herbs. Add some roasted peppers and olives on the side, and you’ve got yourself a delicious little Mediterranean-inspired appetizer platter.
21. Potato Rösti with Smoked Salmon & Dill Crème Fraîche
Potato rösti are delicious enough on their own, but add some smoked salmon, a dollop of dill crème fraîche, and a little peppery watercress, and you’ve got yourself a rather impressive appetizer! The contrast between the crispy, golden potatoes and the cool, creamy topping is what makes this dish so good. It takes a little effort, but the result is well worth it.
22. Salmon Tartare with Apple, Cucumber and Radish Salad
The salad is what makes this salmon tartare particularly interesting. Crisp apple, cucumber, and radish bring a refreshing crunch that works beautifully against the soft, delicate fish, while mandarin and soy add another layer of flavor. And considering how rich a traditional Thanksgiving dinner can be, starting with something this fresh might be just what your table needs.
23. Grilled Shrimp with Chili & Pineapple
Sweet pineapple, a little heat from chili oil, and juicy grilled shrimp—what’s not to love? The pineapple caramelizes beautifully on the grill, bringing out its sweetness, while a drizzle of coconut milk and honey rounds everything off. It’s a bright, tropical combination that makes a delicious change from the more traditional flavors of Thanksgiving.
Seafood Dips and Spreads
24. Taramosalata (Greek Fish Roe Dip)
If you’ve ever had taramosalata at a Greek restaurant, you’ll know just how tempting this creamy, savory dip can be. Made with fish roe, it has a distinctive salty flavor that’s beautifully balanced by lemon and olive oil. It’s wonderful with warm pita bread, but crunchy vegetables work just as well if you want something a little lighter before dinner.
25. Salmon Rillette
If you enjoy smoked salmon on toast, you’ll probably love this French-inspired spread. It combines the smoky flavor of cured salmon with the softer, more delicate taste of poached salmon, all mixed into a creamy, spreadable rillette. Set it out with some toasted baguette slices, and you’ve got an appetizer that people can enjoy at their own pace.
26. Mediterranean Tuna & Cream Cheese Spread
The best thing about this starter, aside from the delicious flavor and creamy consistency, is that takes just five minutes to prepare. This recipe turns everyday canned tuna into a sprad, with cream cheese giving it a smooth consistency and chopped walnuts for a little nutty hint. Put out some crackers or toasted bread, and let everyone help themselves.
27. Creamy Sardine Spread
Canned sardines might be a humble pantry staple, but they make a surprisingly good appetizer when given a little attention. Mashed with cream cheese, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon, they become a rich, savory spread that’s ready in about ten minutes. It’s delicious on toasted bread or crackers, and a handy option when you’ve already got plenty of holiday cooking to do.
28. Romanian Fish Roe Salad
Despite its name, Romanian fish roe salad (salată de icre) is actually a creamy, savory spread that’s traditionally enjoyed on fresh bread or toast. This version uses semolina for a fluffy, smooth consistency, with lemon juice to balance the richness. For a more elegant presentation, try serving it in little tart shells. Fileld this way, they make great bite-sized appetizers for a holiday gathering.
29. Lemon-Caper Tuna Dip with Crackers
This is the sort of five-minute recipe that’s particularly handy when you’ve already got an entire Thanksgiving menu to worry about. Simply blend canned tuna with lemon, capers, and a little mayonnaise, then spread it onto your favorite crackers. Top with pickled jalapeños for a little kick, and you’ve got a tasty appetizer with hardly any effort at all.
Related: 39 Thanksgiving Side Dishes, From Classics to Global Favorites
