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    Home / Roundups

    18 Seafood Lunches That Taste Like the Coast

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Sep 6, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    There's something about seafood lunches that makes me feel like I'm right by the ocean, even when I'm nowhere near the shore. I love how they're light enough to enjoy in the middle of the day but still filling and full of fresh flavor. These recipes are perfect for bringing that coastal vibe to your table without needing a trip to the beach.

    Close-up of a spoon holding fried rice with crab meat, green onions, and red bell peppers.Pin
    Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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    Shrimp and Corn Bisque

    A close-up image of a spoonful of creamy shrimp bisque garnished with herbs, hovering above the rest of the soup in a bowl.Pin
    Shrimp and Corn Bisque. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This creamy bisque is a comforting option that feels hearty without being heavy. Shrimp and sweet corn come together quickly, making it an easy dish to prepare in under an hour. It's the kind of warm bowl that instantly reminds you of a meal by the water. The smooth texture makes it feel filling enough for lunch while still light enough for the afternoon. It's a practical way to enjoy seafood flavors that feel like they're straight from the coast.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

    Seafood Pasta Salad

    Close-up of a spoon holding seafood pasta salad garnished with parsley, with more salad in the background.Pin
    Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Pasta salad with seafood makes for a refreshing lunch that's simple to put together. It works well for making ahead, so you can have it ready in the fridge when hunger strikes. The seafood brings in that fresh, coastal taste that pairs perfectly with chilled pasta. It's easy to pack for work or enjoy at home when you don't want to cook a big meal. This is a smart choice if you want a light seafood lunch that still feels special.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

    Crab Melt

    Two plates of crab melt with sliced tomatoes and melted cheese, garnished with lemon slices on a white wooden surface.Pin
    Crab Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A crab melt is quick to make yet feels like something you'd order at a beachside café. The combination of crab and melted cheese gives you a warm, filling lunch that's ready in minutes. It's a great way to enjoy seafood without spending much time in the kitchen. The crisp bread and gooey center make it both simple and comforting. This is a go-to choice for enjoying coastal flavors in a familiar lunch favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

    Honey Walnut Shrimp

    Plate of crispy chicken pieces with walnuts and green onions, served next to white rice on a patterned cloth with a fork.Pin
    Honey Walnut Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This shrimp dish balances sweet and savory in a way that makes it stand out from the usual lunch options. It cooks up fast, so you can have it on the table in less than 30 minutes. The crunch from the walnuts adds a fun texture that pairs well with tender shrimp. It's the kind of seafood meal that feels like something you'd get at a coastal restaurant. Easy to make and full of flavor, it's perfect for when you want seafood without a lot of fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

    Maryland Crab Cakes

    Close-up of a crab cake on a plate, topped with creamy sauce, partially cut to show the inside. Lemon wedges and parsley garnishes are nearby.Pin
    Maryland Crab Cakes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crab cakes are a classic option that instantly bring that coastal feel to lunch. They come together quickly, especially if you make them in smaller batches for a midday meal. The crisp outside and tender inside make them both filling and easy to enjoy. They work well with simple sides or even on their own. This recipe is a practical way to enjoy fresh seafood flavor without overcomplicating lunch.
    Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

    Crab Pasta

    A close-up of spaghetti twirled on a fork with bits of crab meat and herbs, with more pasta and a dish in the blurred background.Pin
    Crab Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This pasta brings a seafood twist to a familiar favorite. It's quick to make, making it perfect for a weekday lunch. The crab blends nicely with pasta, giving you a meal that feels both comforting and coastal. It doesn't take a long list of ingredients, which makes it approachable for any cook. If you want a seafood lunch that feels like a restaurant dish but is easy to pull together, this is a solid choice.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    A bowl of pasta with shrimp and tomatoes.Pin
    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Shrimp and tomatoes create a bright and filling pasta that works well for a midday meal. It comes together in less than half an hour, making it a practical lunch option. The combination of shrimp and tomatoes gives the dish a fresh, coastal taste without being too heavy. It's versatile enough to enjoy on its own or with a simple side salad. This recipe is perfect for when you want seafood pasta that feels both light and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    Fish Stew with Chorizo

    A bowl of soup with sausage and fish.Pin
    Fish Stew with Chorizo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This stew is hearty enough to stand alone as a full lunch. The mix of seafood and chorizo brings a bold flavor that pairs well with the comforting broth. It's easy to make in one pot, which saves on cleanup. The warmth of the stew gives it that cozy feel while the seafood makes it taste like something from the coast. It's a smart choice when you want a lunch that's filling and flavorful without being complicated.
    Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Grilled shrimp skewers with red and green bell peppers, served with lemon wedges and a dipping sauce on a white plate.Pin
    Grilled Shrimp Skewers. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Grilled shrimp skewers are quick to cook and make for a simple yet flavorful lunch. They can be ready in just minutes, which is perfect for busy days. The smoky char from the grill highlights the freshness of the shrimp. They're easy to pair with a light salad, rice, or vegetables, making them versatile. This recipe is a straightforward way to enjoy seafood that feels like it came right from the shore.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Seafood Pot Pie

    Seafood Pot Pie in small pie dish.Pin
    Seafood Pot Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A seafood pot pie brings comfort and coastal flavor together in one dish. The golden crust on top makes it feel hearty enough for a full lunch. It can be prepared ahead and reheated, which makes it convenient for busy days. The filling is creamy and packed with seafood, giving you a taste of the coast in every bite. It's an easy way to enjoy something warm and filling without a lot of effort.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

    Crab Fried Rice

    A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat.Pin
    Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crab fried rice is a quick meal that comes together in one pan. It's a smart way to use up leftover rice and turn it into something special. The crab adds that fresh-from-the-coast taste while keeping the dish simple. It's filling enough for lunch without being too heavy. This recipe is great when you want a fast seafood option that feels like more than just a basic meal.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

    Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    Shrimp macaroni salad in a pink bowl with lemon wedges.Pin
    Shrimp Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This cold salad makes for a refreshing lunch, especially on warm days. The shrimp adds a light coastal flavor that pairs well with pasta. It's easy to prepare in advance and store in the fridge for later. The creamy texture makes it feel filling while still being light enough for midday. This is a practical choice for a seafood lunch that's both simple and flavorful.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    Salmon Pasta Alfredo

    Salmon pasta Alfredo served on a white plate with lemon.Pin
    Salmon Pasta Alfredo. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Salmon adds a fresh, coastal twist to a creamy pasta Alfredo. It's a quick dish that feels rich enough for lunch without being overwhelming. The pasta cooks in minutes, making it a convenient option on busy days. It combines the comfort of a creamy sauce with the brightness of seafood. This is an easy way to bring coastal flavors to your table in less than half an hour.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

    Salmon Salad

    A grilled salmon fillet served on a bed of fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and olives on a white plate.Pin
    Salmon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Salmon salad is a light yet filling choice for lunch. It's simple to prepare and can be made ahead for busy days. The salmon adds a coastal freshness that makes it stand out from other lunch salads. It works well on its own or served with bread or crackers. This recipe is a straightforward way to enjoy seafood in a refreshing, easy-to-make meal.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Salad

    Bang Bang Shrimp

    Fried shrimp on a plate next to a bowl of sauce.Pin
    Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Bang Bang Shrimp is quick to make and packs bold flavor into every bite. The crispy shrimp pairs with a creamy sauce that makes it stand out. It's an easy option when you want something a little different for lunch. The flavors are bright and make you feel like you're enjoying a meal by the water. This dish is a fun way to bring seafood flair to a midday meal without much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

    Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    A grilled cheese tuna sandwich is cut in half on a plate.Pin
    Air Fryer Tuna Melt. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Using the air fryer makes this tuna melt fast and easy to prepare. The crispy bread and warm tuna mixture create a lunch that feels both comforting and coastal. It's ready in minutes, which is perfect for busy schedules. The recipe keeps cleanup simple while still giving you a filling meal. This is a convenient way to enjoy seafood in a classic lunch option.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    Shrimp Cucumber Bites

    Three grilled shrimp atop cucumber slices garnished with herbs on a white plate with a red checkered napkin partially in view.Pin
    Shrimp Cucumber Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    These shrimp cucumber bites are quick to assemble and work well as a light lunch or snack. They're refreshing, especially when you want something simple but flavorful. The shrimp brings in that coastal touch that makes them feel special. They're easy to prepare in advance and keep in the fridge until you're ready to eat. This is a great choice for a light seafood lunch that doesn't take much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

    Salmon Bowl

    A bowl of white rice topped with glazed salmon, sliced cucumbers, corn, tomato wedges, and a drizzle of orange sauce, with chopsticks picking up a piece of salmon.Pin
    Salmon Bowl. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A salmon bowl is both filling and easy to customize with whatever sides you have on hand. The salmon gives it that coastal freshness that makes lunch feel special. It comes together quickly, making it a practical option for busy days. The mix of grains, vegetables, and seafood makes it feel balanced and complete. This recipe is a straightforward way to enjoy seafood in a bowl that works perfectly for lunch.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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