Entering a new year is always a fun and exciting time filled with hope and expectations. We make resolutions to improve certain aspects of our lives and hopefully, we stick to them. Health and fitness are usually on people’s minds this time of year and we hope this list of healthy coastal recipes will help kick off your new year in a positive, delicious way! 

Fish Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema

If you don’t have tons of time to cook a lengthy recipe, give these quick fish tacos a try. Not only are these tacos super healthy and gluten free, but they look so delicious! There are even options to make this recipe dairy free. The great thing about tacos is there are endless topping possibilities so get crazy and enjoy!

These lovely, golden brown crab cake burgers are healthy, crispy, and sure to please! In a pinch for time? No worries, as these burgers cook up super quick. Serve with a side of steamed veggies, brown rice, or make your own sweet potato fries. 

Cajun Mahi Mahi with Mango Pineapple Salsa

This beautiful Caribbean-inspired dish can be whipped up super-fast and will have you wishing you were relaxing by the waves on a coastal vacation. It is also gluten free and can easily be customized to fit your family. 

Shrimp Pasta with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

and much more. As with all seafood, fresh shrimp is much healthier than store bought packaged shrimp so try to purchase all your seafood fresh if possible. 

If you have never tried scallops, they are a must! They are delicious, especially when cooked in a great sauce. Like other seafood, scallops are living creatures. Did you know the rings on their shells represent a year of life and growth for the scallop? Scallop shells can also grow very large, up to around 9 inches in diameter. This tasty recipe would be great served with whole wheat or vegetable pasta and a side of fresh, steamed veggies. 

Marinated Seafood Salad

This seafood packed salad is great for a backyard barbecue, an impressive dish for guests, or just a week night meal because you love it. It includes octopus, shrimp, calamari, and crab meat and will please any seafood lover. This recipe needs to marinate at least 12 hours, so make sure you allow for that when planning to serve it. 

Most people think of beef when they think about what makes a great burger, but fish can make a delicious, healthier version as well. These blackened fish burgers are healthy, quick to make, and loaded with flavor! You can make the sriracha mayo as spicy or mild as you wish and add as many healthy toppings (like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots) as you like. 

Pan Seared Halibut with Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes

As with most seafood recipes, this great halibut dish cooks fast and is ready to serve in only 20 minutes! How great is that for those busy weeknights? Halibut is a type of flounder, so this recipe can easily be tailored with different specific fish to better suit your tastes or needs. Did you know Atlantic halibut can live up to 50 years? That’s impressive. 

Perfect Lobster Tails

Most people reserve lobster and lobster tails for special occasions like date nights and anniversaries, but who says you can’t have perfectly cooked lobster tails at home any time you want? This delicious recipe even includes a video that teaches you how to properly butterfly the lobster tail and has several side dish recommendations. Give it a try one night! 

Seafood is so versatile, and the delicious possibilities are endless. Although these are just a few great healthy coastal recipes, we hope that they will inspire you to incorporate a healthy diet into your life (that’s also full of flavor!) and start 2019 off with a tasty bang. Another great thing about these recipes? All of them can easily be cooked in most of our wonderful Topsail Island vacation rentals. What could be better than enjoying a fresh, delicious, home cooked seafood meal at the beach with your family? Check out our available rentals, start collecting delicious and healthy coastal recipes, head to the beach, and enjoy!