As the days grow longer and flowers begin to bloom, spring offers the perfect backdrop for fresh, vibrant meals—and Easter is often the first big gathering of the season. Whether you're hosting brunch, lunch, or dinner, seafood is a light, elegant, and crowd-pleasing option that feels just right for spring. From delicate starters to show-stopping mains, here’s a guide to the best seafood to serve for Easter and all your springtime celebrations.
1. Dungeness Crab: A Springtime Delicacy
Dungeness crab is a seasonal treat that makes a luxurious addition to your spring menu. Its sweet, tender meat pairs beautifully with citrus, herbs, and spring vegetables. Serve it chilled with a lemony aioli as an appetizer, toss it into a spring pasta with peas and mint, or feature it in crab cakes with a crisp green salad. Bonus: It’s impressively easy to serve when it’s pre-cooked and pre-cracked—perfect for hosting without the hassle.
2. Salmon: A Classic Easter Entrée
Salmon is a reliable centerpiece that feels both festive and nourishing. For a lighter take, try roasted or grilled wild salmon with a honey-dijon glaze or a bright herb chimichurri. For brunch, smoked salmon is always a hit—serve it on a bagel board, in mini tartlets, or folded into a frittata with spring greens and goat cheese. Its versatility and beautiful color make salmon a seasonal star.
3. Scallops: Elegant and Easy
If you're aiming to impress, pan-seared scallops are your go-to. They cook in minutes and deliver restaurant-worthy results. Pair them with a buttery spring pea purée, risotto, or a simple lemon-brown butter sauce. Scallops feel upscale without being fussy, and their mild flavor makes them a great option for guests who are newer to seafood.
4. Shrimp: Perfect for Sharing
Shrimp is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to incorporate into spring spreads. Serve chilled shrimp cocktail with homemade cocktail sauce as a retro-chic starter, or grill skewers with lemon and rosemary for a fresh and flavorful main. For a more casual gathering, shrimp tacos with a crunchy slaw and avocado crema bring color and fun to the table.
5. White Fish: Light, Flaky, and Versatile
Mild white fish like halibut, cod, or sablefish shine in spring preparations. Baked in parchment with lemon, garlic, and seasonal veggies, they’re easy to prep and serve. Or go Mediterranean-style with tomatoes, olives, capers, and fresh herbs. White fish is a great blank canvas for seasonal flavors and pairs beautifully with rosé or white wine.
Tips for a Seamless Seafood Celebration:
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Go seasonal: Pair your seafood with asparagus, peas, radishes, artichokes, and fresh herbs to highlight spring’s bounty.
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Prep ahead: Many seafood dishes—especially crab, shrimp, and smoked salmon—can be prepped ahead of time so you can enjoy the gathering.
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Don’t overcomplicate: Fresh, high-quality seafood doesn’t need much—keep flavors clean and let the ingredients shine.
Whether you’re hosting a big Easter brunch or a casual spring dinner, seafood brings brightness, elegance, and a touch of coastal charm to your table. Happy hosting!
Photo credit: ASMI
