Hey there, Seafoodies!
As Election Day rolls around, we’re reminded of the power of choice. But why should voting be limited to the ballot box? Let’s bring that democratic spirit to our monthly meal plan and cast our votes for a candidate we can all agree on: seafood!
In this tasty election, we’re proud to present two frontrunners for each meal that are swimming ahead in the polls. These dishes have been campaigning hard in our Dish on Fish test kitchens, promising delicious flavors and nutritional benefits on both sides. But now the final decision is up to you!
Try these marvelous meals and let your family vote as you cook your way through some of our favorite seafood recipes. Comment below to let us know which meals win in your family!
Breakfast
Breakfast #1: Simple Shrimp & Avocado Toast
Avocado toast lovers, trust us: You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted seafood avocado toast! Whole-grain bread and cumin-laced avocado provide the creamy-crunchy foundation you know and love! And it gets even better! Topping your toast with easy-to-cook shrimp gives you plenty of protein, selenium and vitamin B-12—which help you stay full longer, protect heart and brain health, and boost your mood and memory!
Breakfast #2: Avocado-Crab Benny
Dig into our cravable take on a classic eggs benedict, which keeps all the essentials (a perfectly poached egg and slightly crisp English muffin) but adds in the exceptional flavor combination of sweet, flaky crab and creamy avocado! This recipe is incredibly adaptable and can be made in 20 minutes, just use canned or pouched crabmeat for an elevated taste—without any added preparation hassle.
Snack
Snack #1: Sheet Pan Crab Nachos
We hope you’re ready to snack (and feel good while doing it)! This recipe shows how easy it is to make nutritious swaps with seafood—and a few other tricks. We swapped Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and added a chopped avocado for plenty of omega-3s. You can dial the heat up or down, lighten things up even more with lower-fat cheddar or baked tortillas—or sub in some baby shrimp for the crab if you like. It’s all good!
Snack #2: Vietnamese Shrimp Spring Rolls
When it comes to a winning snack, it might be hard to beat these healthy spring rolls! Not only do they keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator— but they are also super portable, making them perfect for grab-and-go lunches, a picnic (pack on ice), after-school snacks or any gathering. No matter how you serve them, they will get snapped up fast (if our tasters’ experience is any barometer)!
Lunch
Lunch #1: Hot n’ Crunchy Fish Sandwich
This lip-smacking dish takes inspiration from popular restaurants and drive-thru favorites but what makes this sandwich a real crowd-pleaser is the layers of flavor and texture. The fish fillet is crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside and seasoned to perfection. Plus it’s super easy to whip up, thanks to the expert assistance of one of our favorite kitchen gadgets—your air fryer!
Lunch #2: Grilled Salmon Tacos with Mango-Avocado Salsa
Our hot n’ crunchy fish sandwich might be in trouble because there is one food that tends to reign supreme in its universal appeal—tacos! These grilled salmon tacos are superb (if we do say so ourselves!) and elevate your standard taco to a whole new level of deliciousness. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in minutes, while also reaping the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and protein from the salmon!
Salad
Salad #1: Kale Caesar with Shrimp or Salmon
Step away from the pre-mixed salad kit! Our lightened-up twist on the iconic Cesar Salad features your choice of sautéed shrimp or grilled salmon, on a bed of hardy kale— all topped off with a lip-smacking yogurt-anchovy dressing. Fresh and flavorful, it comes together in about 20 minutes and will give you a new appreciation for the winning combo of lacinato kale and parmesan.
Salad #2: Seared Scallop Salad with Blueberries
We always love the sweet-and-savory combination of seafood and fruit—and this salad is no exception! Follow the step-by-step cook-along recipe and learn how to pan-sear scallops perfectly, resulting in a beautiful crunch on the outside and tender, sweet meat! Plate everything with fresh greens and a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing for a salad you’ll want to vote twice for!
Soup
Soup #1: Cod and Corn Chowder
Thanks to its mild flavor and tender, flaky texture, this cod shines in a broth brimming with rich spices like turmeric and red pepper flakes. These bold flavors are balanced by the sweetness of corn and the heartiness of potatoes, creating a stick-to-your-ribs, satisfying dish. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly evening or seeking a cozy weekend meal—a steaming bowl of hearty chowder is a go-to comfort food, no matter the season or occasion.
Soup #2: Instant Pot Lobster Bisque
This candidate would be nothing without its VP—or should we say a favorite kitchen VIP—the Instant Pot! This speedy marvel provides a depth of flavor that makes the bisque taste like it was slow-cooked for hours. But really, it only takes just 10 minutes to prep and then about an hour in the IP! You can use fresh or frozen lobster, but thankfully both are packed with essential nutrients—including selenium, calcium and vitamins A, B-12 and E!
Appetizer
Appetizer #1: Smoked Salmon Dip
Grabbing some smoked salmon from the grocery store is easy, and we’re willing to bet you’ve already got most of the other ingredients hanging out in your kitchen! Just toss the salmon, a swirl of creamy Greek yogurt or sour cream, some fresh and tangy seasonings and a pinch of heat into the food processor—and voila. It’s dippin’ time!
Appetizer #2: Smoked Trout Dip
We’ve tested this dip with raw veggies, crackers, pita bread—and even as a bagel spread. The verdict? No matter what you pair it with, the buttery trout flavor is insanely good! Thankfully the main ingredient is shelf-stable, so you can keep a tin or pouch of trout on hand and have this savory appetizer in your back pocket—ready for any gathering!
Dinner
Dinner #1: Crab Gnocchi
Now, we know what you might be thinking-–“Gnocchi? Isn’t that complicated?” But trust us, this recipe is super easy—thanks to some canned crab meat and store-bought gnocchi. These two ingredients are the key to making this homemade meal both fast and convenient. Add in a handful of hearty kale, sweet potatoes and some spices—and, in just 15 minutes, it will be time to set the table.
Dinner #2: Instant Pot Cod Tikka Masala
While Tikka Masala is traditionally made with chicken, we recently experimented with adding in cod and a new tantalizing twist was born! Fresh from the Instant Pot —serve your finished cod tikka masala over fluffy basmati rice, scoop it up with warm naan bread or pair with your favorite veggies. There’s no wrong way to indulge here.
So go ahead, exercise your right to choose delicious, nutritious meals. Cast your vote for seafood today!