There isn’t a summer comfort food dish quite like the lobster roll. Whether you prefer it Maine-style (rolls served cold with chunks of lobster dressed in mayo and fresh chives, scallions or celery) or Connecticut-style (where we hold the mayo and load up on butter instead), nothing beats heaps of lobster meat on a buttery brioche bun. Serve it with a side of French fries or kettle-cooked chips and some pickles, and it’s like we spent a day in Cape Cod without actually going.
But then there’s this: The average roll can cost you between 600 to 1440 calories. Like any comfort food dish, we’re up for the challenge of making it healthy without sacrificing taste. Here, we bring you eight better-for-you seafood recipes to help you savor the rest of summer (with zero regret).
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Try TheseHealthy Lobster Rolls (and More Seafood Recipes!)
1.Lobster Roll Lettuce Wraps
This health-ified lobster roll recipe cuts down on the calories by using a buttery Bibb lettuce leaf instead of a bun. For the mayo dressing, you’ll sub in Greek yogurt for mayo and turn to fresh tarragon, granulated garlic and a little salt and pepper for flavor. If you’re still craving the bun, you can top your “roll” with some crunchy brioche crumbs, lightly toasted on a pan with a pat of butter. Photo and recipe: Robin Terry / Cali Cooking Girl
2.Baked Fish and Chips RecipeYou might remember having fish fries as a kid, but this grown-up version is oven-baked — not deep-fried. For the breading, we use panko crumbs and season it with lime juice, Dijon mustard and Old Bay. If you want to achieve a fried-like crunch, lightly oil the baking sheets and put them in the oven for 10 minutes before placing the fishon them. Instead of French fries, we pair the baked fish with a side of baked potato fries and some tartar sauce. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
3.Seafood Zucchini Marinara
Pasta, please! This seafood zucchini dish hits the spot when you want to be bad but got to be good. This blogger opts for zoodles as the base to slash the carbs and boost the fiber on your plate. Zoodles also help cut meal prep in half since adding them to the sauce at the end cooks them. And of course, you’ll get all the traditional seafood makings, including shrimp, squid and mussels. But the headliner is the sauce, which is made with tomato passata, garlic, fresh basil and onions. Photo and recipe: Julia / Plated Cravings
4.Cod and Cucumber Ceviche
Trend alert: Avocado bowls are now a thing. In this Latin-inspired dish, ceviche, also known as raw seafood, is enjoyed in avocado bowls that are prepared by cutting two avocados in half and removing their pits. Cod is marinated in a dressing made with bell peppers, cucumber, onions, lime and lemon juice and cilantro. As you wait for the fish to take in the flavors, prepare the avocado bowls. Once the fish is ready, fill the hollows with the ceviche. Photo and recipe: Lori Rice / Fake Food Free
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5.Vegan Lobster Roll
No, that isn’t a typo. This vegan-friendly recipe captures all the mouthwatering flavors in the classic roll without the actual lobster. Hearts of palm lend a meaty texture, while fresh dill, red onion and lemon juice infuse the savory taste. Often referred to as “swamp cabbage,” hearts of palm are rich in potassium and vitamin B6, which helps turn your food into energy and rid your body of infections. Photo and recipe: Ilene Godofsky / The Colorful Kitchen
6.Spicy Salmon Lettuce Wraps
The spicy salmon used in this dish is cooked Indonesian-style, loaded with unique spices and Thai chiles. At 185 calories per serving, these wraps offer you a healthier way of enjoying a spicy salmon roll. You didn’t hear it from us, but the food truck alternative (heavy on the mayo) packs anywhere from 300-400 calories. Photo and recipe: Shelma Kasanti / Yummy’s the Word
7.Asian Salmon Burgers
The thought of making a salmon burger does sound a bit intimidating, but you’d be surprised at how ridiculously easy it is to throw one together. All you really need is a skinless salmon fillet and a handy dandy food processor. Next, combine with some fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, a little flour and sea salt. Then, pack the meat into little patties and cook them in a skillet over high heat. Dinner is served!Photo and recipe: Julia Mueller / The Roasted Root
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8.Collard Green Grilled Fish Tacos
Obviously, these aren’t your typical (read: battered and fried) tacos. But this low-carb alternative will help tame your taco habit by turning it to something a little more unique and sophisticated. Besides, you still get amazing flavor with the mango-jicama slaw that gets a kick from chili powder. The fish (snapper or halibut) is seasoned with paprika, chili powder and cumin. Garnish with avocado slices. Photo and recipe: Denise / Le Petit Eats
9.Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Grilled Corn Cherry Salsa
You’re gonna feel good about saying goodbye to that deep-fried popcorn shrimp. Because, produce. In fact, the star of this show is the grilled corn cherry salsa, which imparts a bold flavor to shrimp. The tartness of the lime juice and the heat from the jalapenos is balanced out by the sweet and juicy flavor of the cherries. Photo and recipe: Gina / Running to the Kitchen
10.Quinoa and Shrimp Grits RecipeWe all love the classic Southern “shrimp and grits,” but it’s often loaded with butter and cheese. We drop the butter altogether in this recipe and significantly cut back on the cheese. Nonfat plain Greek yogurt gives it a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and quinoa makes this dish hearty and filling. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
