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    Home / Roundups

    18 seafood lunches that stay light but satisfying

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Feb 1, 2026 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    When lunch needs to feel light without leaving you hungry an hour later, seafood is one of my favorite answers. These meals are built around fresh flavors, quick prep, and portions that work well for busy days when you want energy, not a food coma. I love how seafood lunches can feel a little special while still being practical enough for everyday life.

    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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    Fish Stew with Chorizo

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

    This stew brings together seafood and sausage in a way that feels filling without being heavy. It works well for lunch because the broth keeps things balanced and not weighed down. Everything comes together in one pot, making prep and cleanup manageable on a busy day. It's a warm, comforting option that still feels appropriate for the middle of the day.
    Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo

    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.

    This bowl is built for an easy lunch that feels fresh and complete. Salmon provides protein while the other components keep the meal from feeling too rich. It's quick to assemble and works well for meal prep ahead of time. The combination makes it a solid choice when you want something filling that doesn't slow you down afterward.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Bowl

    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 bites are light, cool, and easy to portion for lunch or a midday snack. Shrimp adds substance while cucumber keeps everything feeling fresh. There's no cooking marathon involved, which makes them great for warm days or busy schedules. They work well when you want seafood that feels clean and easy to eat.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Cucumber Bites

    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.

    This salad keeps lunch simple while still offering enough protein to hold you through the afternoon. The salmon pairs well with crisp greens for a meal that feels balanced and not heavy. It comes together quickly and travels well if packed ahead. It's a dependable option for a lighter seafood lunch that still feels complete.
    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.

    This shrimp dish brings bold flavor without turning into an overly filling lunch. Shrimp cooks fast, making this a practical choice when time is limited. It works well served in smaller portions alongside simple sides. The result is a seafood meal that feels fun while still fitting into a midday routine.
    Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Shrimp

    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.

    This melt offers comfort while staying reasonable for lunch portions. Crab keeps the filling lighter than many sandwich options. It's straightforward to prepare and works well as a quick hot meal. Paired with a simple side, it makes lunch feel filling without being overwhelming.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Melt

    Salmon Pasta Alfredo

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

    This pasta balances richness with protein so it works beyond just dinner. Using salmon helps keep the dish from feeling overly heavy for earlier in the day. It's a good make-ahead option and reheats well. Smaller portions make it a solid seafood lunch that still feels like a real meal.
    Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Alfredo

    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.

    This tuna melt comes together quickly, making it ideal for a short lunch break. The air fryer keeps things efficient without adding extra mess. Tuna provides protein while the portion size stays reasonable. It's a warm, filling option that won't leave you feeling weighed down.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tuna Melt

    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 uses crab to keep the meal lighter than many cream-based options. It works well for lunch when served in modest portions. The recipe doesn't require complicated prep, which helps on busy days. It's a nice way to enjoy seafood while keeping the meal balanced.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Pasta

    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 brings contrast in texture and flavor while still working for midday meals. Shrimp cook quickly, keeping prep time manageable. Served in smaller portions, it feels filling without being too much. It's a good choice when you want something different that still fits lunch plans.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

    Crab Fried Rice

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

    This fried rice feels familiar and filling without being overly rich. Crab keeps it lighter than versions made with heavier proteins. It's easy to portion and works well for leftovers. That makes it practical for a seafood lunch that holds up through the afternoon.
    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 salad blends shrimp with pasta in a way that stays balanced and easy to eat. It's served cold, making it convenient for packed lunches. Shrimp adds protein without making the dish feel heavy. It's a reliable option for a light yet filling midday meal.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp Macaroni Salad

    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 bisque offers warmth while still feeling appropriate for lunch. Shrimp keeps the soup filling without going overboard. It can be made ahead and reheated easily. A smaller bowl works well when you want seafood that feels comforting but not heavy.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Bisque

    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.

    These crab cakes focus on seafood rather than fillers, which helps keep lunch portions reasonable. They cook quickly and don't require complicated prep. Served with a simple side, they feel filling without being too rich. They work well for a midday meal that feels special but is still practical.
    Get the Recipe: Maryland Crab Cakes

    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.

    This pasta salad is designed to be served cold, making it easy for lunches on the go. Seafood adds protein while keeping the dish from feeling too heavy. It's simple to prep ahead and portion as needed. The result is a balanced seafood meal that fits well into midday plans.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

    Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

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

    This pasta keeps things lighter by pairing shrimp with a simple tomato base. It comes together quickly, which is helpful for busy afternoons. Shrimp provides enough substance without weighing the meal down. Served in moderate portions, it works well as a seafood lunch.
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta

    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.

    These skewers cook fast and don't require much cleanup. Shrimp keeps the meal light while still offering enough protein. They pair easily with simple sides for a complete lunch. It's a practical option when you want seafood that feels fresh and not heavy.
    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.

    This pot pie brings comfort in a form that can still work for lunch when portions are kept in check. Seafood keeps it lighter than versions made with heavier meats. It's a good make-ahead option and reheats well. Served with a simple side, it feels filling without being too much for midday.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pot Pie

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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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    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

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