Pizza Soup

Take one spoonful of this pizza soup and it tastes just like your favorite pie, in bowl form! Serve with…

Take one spoonful of this pizza soup and it tastes just like your favorite pie, in bowl form! Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying and delicious meal.

Pizza soup

With our love for artisan pizza recipes, I’m surprised it’s taken us this long to think this idea: pizza soup! I mean, who wouldn’t want all the flavors of your favorite pizza wrapped up in a cozy bowl? The broth is flavored with pizza sauce, tomatoes, and a little Parmesan to make it creamy.

The toppings swim along inside: bell peppers, garlic and mushrooms, making for a savory pop that surprises you in every bite! Serve with garlic toast, grilled cheese or simply crusty bread and it’s a meal you’ll want to make over and over—and over!

Ingredients in pizza soup

Alex and I have been obsessed with artisan pizza since our honeymoon to Italy years ago. We’ve spent a over decade creating our master pizza dough recipe and Margherita pizza by learning from professional pizza chefs. So what better challenge than to take all that know-how and distill it down into a soup?

This pizza soup is for when you want all the flavors of pizza but none of the hassle. The broth tastes so delicious that after a spoonful you’ll exclaim, “That tastes just like pizza!” (Promise. We did.) Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make recipe:

  • Pizza sauce
  • Canned crushed tomatoes, fire roasted if possible
  • Vegetable broth
  • Olive oil
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Red onion, garlic, bell pepper, mushroom
  • Dried oregano and fennel seeds
Pizza soup

Use purchased or homemade pizza sauce

Much of the pizza flavor in this soup recipe comes from using pizza sauce to flavor the broth. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping:

  • Grab a high quality jar of pizza sauce, organic if possible. Check the ingredients on the back to make sure there’s not too much added sugar or preservatives.
  • Or, make homemade! You can also make your own pizza sauce. Our homemade pizza sauce recipe is a fan favorite: it takes just 5 minutes in a blender and tastes sensational!

Fire roasted tomatoes add complexity

Here’s another tip for the best flavor in this pizza soup: use fire roasted canned tomatoes, canned tomatoes that have been roasted over an open flame. This makes the flavor taste sweet right out of the can, unlike most canned tomatoes.

Fire roasted tomatoes are sold by several different brands and are easy to find in most grocery stores here in the US. If you can’t find them, substitute high quality canned tomatoes (like San Marzano).

Pizza soup recipe

Fennel seeds lend a meaty flavor

Last flavor tip: don’t be tempted to leave out the fennel seeds! You should be able to find them in the spice aisle in your grocery. Fennel seed is a spice that’s used in sausage, so it makes your brain think of meat. It adds as meaty, savory flavor to this soup that cannot be replicated!

Variations and mix-in ideas

The vegetables in this soup act as pizza toppings, so just like with a pizza—you can customize them to taste! It’s easy to add more vegetables to make this soup even more filling or to add protein. Here are some more ideas:

  • Chopped pepperoni
  • Cooked sausage
  • White beans
  • Spinach
  • Sliced black olives
Easy garlic bread
Go for garlic bread, grilled cheese or cheese toast

What to serve with pizza soup

Once you’ve cooked up a pot of pizza soup, the best part is figuring out what to serve with it! There are so many great ways to accessorize it to make it a full meal. It’s great for any season, but especially warming in fall or winter. Here are some ideas:

Dietary notes

This pizza soup recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.

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Easy Pizza Soup

Pizza soup
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Take one bite of this pizza soup, and it tastes just like your favorite pie in bowl form! Serve with crusty bread for an outrageously delicious meal.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Soup
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 red onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 2 medium portobello mushroom caps
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 15 ounce jar pizza sauce (or Easy Pizza Sauce)
  • 28-ounce can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
  • 1 quart (4 cups) vegetable broth
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for the garnish
  • Fresh basil, for the garnish (optional)
  • 1/2 recipe Homemade Croutons, crusty bread, garlic bread or garlic toast, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion. Mince the garlic. Dice the bell peppers. Destem and chop the mushroom caps into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion, mushrooms, and peppers and sauté for 4 minutes, until translucent. Add ½ teaspoon kosher salt, the garlic, oregano, fennel, and red pepper flakes and cook 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and the veggies have softened.
  3. Add the pizza sauce, canned tomatoes and their liquid, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.  Stir in the cheese and simmer 5 more minutes until it is melted. Taste and add additional kosher salt if necessary. 
  4. Serve warm topped with homemade croutons, additional Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves (or simply serve with crusty bread or a gluten free bread substitute). 

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More soup recipes

When pizza and soup collide, it’s a treat! Here are a few more of our favorite soup recipes and pizza pies:

Yogurt Sauce

This creamy yogurt sauce is versatile and comes together in minutes! Serve it as a layer under roasted vegetables, as…

This creamy yogurt sauce is versatile and comes together in minutes! Serve it as a layer under roasted vegetables, as a dip, spooned onto sandwiches and bowl meals, and more. Once you try it, you’ll find the possibilities are endless!

Greek Yogurt Sauce in a bowl with spoon

Here’s my new “back-pocket” recipe that I’ve been serving with just about everything these days: this simple Greek yogurt sauce! Just four ingredients make this magic sauce that gives a creamy, tangy lift to anything you’re eating.

The inspiration for this recipe was a Mediterranean-style meal I had in Paris, with vegetables served over a swoosh of creamy sauce. I created this recipe and served it originally with these roasted beets and carrots, and we became fast fans. Now we use it in many ways: as a base layer for roasted broccoli, as a dip for veggies, and a drizzle for bowl meals like Mediterranean bowls. It truly takes minutes, and it’s simple enough to memorize. Basically, it’s our sauce soul mate!

Tips for yogurt sauce

Many yogurt sauce recipes have fresh lemon juice. However, we’ve experimented with this enough to know that it can add even more acidity to the already tangy yogurt. Also, fresh lemons can be expensive! We created this Greek yogurt sauce to have only a handful of simple ingredients: no lemon juice required.

  • Use full-fat yogurt if possible. This recipe tastes best with full-fat Greek yogurt: it has the creamiest mouthfeel.
  • Fresh mint adds a nuance to the flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use finely chopped fresh dill or even fresh parsley. We recommend omitting the herbs if you don’t have fresh.

If you’re looking for more of a traditional Greek yogurt sauce with dill, try our dill sauce or Tzatziki sauce.

Yogurt Sauce

Ways to serve it

Again, the possibilities are endless for serving this yogurt sauce! Here are a few ideas:

Storing leftovers

This sauce stores well, so you can easily make it in advance. Mix up a batch and it lasts for 1 week in the refrigerator.

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Simple Yogurt Sauce

Greek Yogurt Sauce
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This creamy Greek yogurt sauce is versatile and comes together in minutes! Serve it as a layer under roasted vegetables, as a dip, spooned onto sandwiches and bowl meals, and more. Once you try it, you’ll find the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped mint (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Mix together all ingredients in a medium bowl. Eat immediately or refrigerate until serving. Works well as a dip for veggies or baked falafel, or a layer under roasted vegetables, roasted beets and carrots, tomato confit, and more. Stores up to 1 week refrigerated.

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Roasted Beets and Carrots

These roasted beets and carrots are simple but deliver on flavor, starring caramelized root vegetables, creamy yogurt sauce, and a…

These roasted beets and carrots are simple but deliver on flavor, starring caramelized root vegetables, creamy yogurt sauce, and a shower of fresh mint and pistachios! Everyone loves the flavor and beautiful plating—the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a weeknight dinner.

Roasted Beets and Carrots on platter

We’re fascinated by how humble ingredients can become something magical with just the right kitchen moves. Case in point: these roasted beets and carrots. As cookbook authors constantly in search of new flavor ideas, Alex and I created this recipe based on inspiration from a memorable meal we had in Paris. And boy, did the results deliver!

First, you’ll caramelize the carrots and beets in a hot oven—then serve them over a swoosh of garlicky yogurt, sprinkled with fresh mint and pistachios (and maybe, a drizzle of honey). It makes the kind of dish where people lean over and ask, “What did you do?!” and perfect as a Thanksgiving side dish or even for weeknight dinners. We know one thing: this is the way we’ll be eating these two veggies on repeat.

“This recipe was super easy and quick to come together. This is an excellent side to any protein because it’s so simple! The pistachios and mint added a little something extra. I used colored carrots and golden beets and it all just looked so pretty! It would be lovely on a Thanksgiving or Christmas table.” -Tanvee

Tips for making roasted beets and carrots

Of course, you don’t have to take the “fancy” serving suggestions: these roasted beets and carrots are just as good on their own! The serving suggestions make it like a restaurant-style dish. (For kids, you might want to deconstruct a little bit based on their tastes!) Here are a few things to keep in mind for this recipe:

  • Use thin carrots if possible. We were able to find long thin carrots for this recipe, which is a nice size contrast to the beets. If you can’t find them, simply slice your carrots into thinner pieces.
  • Consider rainbow carrots or golden beets. The more colors the merrier, so feel free to mix it up color-wise. Farmers markets often have even more varieties of these root vegetables, like candy stripe beets (Chioggia beets).
  • Plate just before serving. The color of the beets can bleed easily, so plate this dish immediately before serving. If you like, add a drizzle of honey to bring out the sweet flavors!

This recipe works well as a side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It also could be a weeknight meal if you serve it with a protein and grain, like seared chicken or chickpeas and cooked farro.

A yogurt sauce that makes vegetables sing

An inspiration we took from that meal in Paris was serving roasted vegetables over a garlicky yogurt sauce, dressed up with herbs and nuts. To be fair, it’s a Mediterranean-style trick, not Parisian—which the restaurant was quick to pay tribute to.

The yogurt sauce is tangy and savory, and dragging a forkful of the earthy vegetables through it makes them taste absolutely divine.

Storing leftovers & make ahead tips

This recipe is a great side dish for everyday meals and holidays, and works well made in advance! To do so, roast the vegetables until tender. Leave them at room temperature for a few hours, or refrigerate until serving. When ready to serve, reheat in a 350°F until warmed through.

Dietary notes

This roasted beets and carrots recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, use tahini sauce or cashew cream in place of the yogurt sauce. (You can also substitute non-dairy yogurt for the yogurt, but we find that the quality and flavor of different brands varies greatly.)

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Roasted Beets and Carrots

Roasted Beets and Carrots on platter
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These roasted beets and carrots are simple but deliver on flavor, starring caramelized root vegetables, creamy yogurt sauce, and a shower of fresh mint and pistachios! Everyone loves the flavor and beautiful plating—the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a weeknight dinner.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Roasted
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the roasted beets and carrots

  • 1 pound carrots (we like using small thin carrots)
  • 1 pound beets (about 1 ½ large)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 handful pistachios, finely chopped 
  • Mint and parsley leaves, finely chopped
  • Optional: Honey, for drizzling

Yogurt sauce:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped mint (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  2. Clean and peel the carrots and chop into 1-inch chunks (or if using long thin carrots, slice them in half). Peel the beets, then slice them into about ¼ inch thick pieces. 
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the carrots on one side and the beets on the other. Toss each side with ½ tablespoon olive oil and ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  4. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until tender and browned (no need to stir). 
  5. Meanwhile, mix together the ingredients for the yogurt sauce and refrigerate. (Stores up to 1 week refrigerated). Finely chop the pistachios and mint and parsley leaves. 
  6. To serve, spread the yogurt sauce on a platter. Top with the roasted vegetables, then sprinkle with the pistachios, mint and parsley. If desired, add a drizzle of honey. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make ahead instructions: Roast the vegetables until tender. Leave at room temperature for a few hours, or refrigerate until serving, then reheat in a 350°F until warmed through.

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More ways to enjoy beets and carrots

Our favorite beet recipes are adding them to fresh salads like this beet salad with balsamic dressing, whizzing them into beet hummus, or throwing them raw into a beet smoothie.

When it comes to carrot recipes, these sauteed carrots with herbs are at the top, followed by carrot cake cookies, carrot fries with ranch seasoning, this carrot salad, and carrot ginger soup.

Apple Fennel Salad with Walnuts

This apple fennel salad is a family favorite, starring crisp apples, crunchy anise-scented fennel, and a light lemony dressing. It’s…

This apple fennel salad is a family favorite, starring crisp apples, crunchy anise-scented fennel, and a light lemony dressing. It’s a simple side dish for weeknight meals or holiday dinners!

Apple Fennel Salad

As two cookbook authors, Alex and I have developed an affinity for this underrated vegetable: fennel! We love using it to infuse an unexpected flavor to dishes, whether it’s sprinkling crisp thin shavings in salads, or sauteing it in olive oil to add an intriguing flavor layer to soups.

So when we went to make our next fall salad, we knew it had to have this fennel! This apple fennel salad is so refreshing, combining the anise scent of thinly sliced fennel with the crisp sweet tart fruit, a light lemony dressing, walnuts, and optional Parmesan cheese.

Tips for apple fennel salad

A salad with apples and fennel is great for cooler months like fall and winter, but it can even work in late spring when fennel is in season. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Thinly slice the fennel. Some people like to use a mandoline, but we find that it works just as well with a sharp knife. Since we like to nerd out on the best way to cut vegetables, here’s our video tutorial on how to cut fennel. If you prefer using a mandoline, here’s how to safely use a mandoline slicer.
  • Dress the apples and fennel first (to prevent browning). A simple dressing of lemon and olive oil placed on the apples first helps keep the apples from browning! This was Alex’s genius idea and it works like a charm.
  • Garnish with fennel fronds. The wispy ends of the fennel bulb, the fronds, are perfect for garnishing this salad and look just like dill (they’re part of the same plant family).

Ways to serve it

This salad pairs well with chicken, fish, and vegetarian and vegan main dishes. We’d recommend serving it with Chicken Paillard or Chicken Thighs, Baked Salmon, Lemon Garlic Shrimp, Kale White Bean Soup, or Vegetarian Lasagna.

It’s also great for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, or it would be a nice side dish in a Valentine’s Day dinner.

Storing leftovers

This apple fennel salad does not store well, so we don’t recommend making this salad in advance. If you’re making it for a party, you can prepare the ingredients and measure out the dressing ingredients. Store them separate in the refrigerator, then dress immediately before serving.

Dietary notes

This apple fennel salad is vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese (or use a vegan Parmesan).

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Apple Fennel Salad with Walnuts

Apple Fennel Salad
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This apple fennel salad is a fall favorite! Crisp apples, crunchy anise-scented fennel, and a light lemony dressing make it a simple side dish for weeknight meals or holiday dinners.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: Salad
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 2 large or 3 small heads fennel, thinly sliced (4 to 5 cups), plus fennel fronds (see Notes)
  • 1 crisp tart apple, thinly sliced
  • 2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice, plus zest of ½ lemon
  • 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 5 ounces butter lettuce
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
  • ¼ cup walnuts, toasted if desired (or other nuts of choice)
  • ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese (optional; omit for vegan)
  • Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the fennel and apple slices in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Dijon mustard, thyme, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Pull off the wispy parts (the fronds) with your fingers, and roughly tear them, adding enough for about 2 tablespoons. 
  2. Place the butter lettuce on a serving platter. In a small bowl, mix 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, ½ tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey. Pour it onto the lettuce, add a pinch of salt, and toss.
  3. Top with the marinated apples and fennel, then add the walnuts, Parmesan cheese (if using), and fennel fronds. Finish with flaky sea salt.

Notes

Here’s How to Cut Fennel.

For variations on this salad, try toasted almonds, toasted pecans, hazelnuts, or pistachios. Or, substitute Pecorino Romano or ricotta salata for the Parmesan cheese. 

Easy Pesto Shrimp

This pesto shrimp is a dinnertime win! Savory basil pesto is a natural pairing with juicy shrimp; serve with pasta…

This pesto shrimp is a dinnertime win! Savory basil pesto is a natural pairing with juicy shrimp; serve with pasta or rice for an easy dinner idea.

Pesto shrimp

Here’s an idea that has easy weeknight meal written all over it: pesto shrimp! Turns out this bright green, garlicky sauce is the perfect pairing for succulent shellfish. The two flavors go hand-in-hand.

Alex and I were inspired to make this recipe because of the bushy basil plant in our backyard. There’s no better use for a big patch of pesto than a pile of juicy shrimp!

How to make pesto shrimp—in 5 minutes

This is one of those 5-minute easy dinner ideas that saves us on busy weeknights. Every now and then, we like to eat healthy seafood like shrimp or salmon. What we love about shrimp is that it cooks so quickly! All you need is just a few minutes in a skillet and you’ve got dinner. Here are the basic steps to how to make pesto shrimp:

  • Pat the shrimp dry. This is key before you start cooking: so there’s not too much extra liquid.
  • Sauté the shrimp 1 to 2 minutes per side. Heat the olive oil, then pop in the shrimp and cook just 1 to 2 minutes per side.
  • Add pesto for 30 seconds! This gets it beautifully bright green and coats the shrimp in a beautiful sauce. Do not cook any longer than that, or the pesto will darken and turn brown.
How to make pesto shrimp

Use best quality pesto

The main thing to know about his shrimp pesto recipe:= is to use the best quality pesto! The best, of course, is homemade. But this requires fresh basil, which is not always available. If you can’t make homemade pesto, use the best quality brand you can find. The quality varies a lot between brands, so you may need some trial and error before you find your favorite pesto.

  • Homemade pesto has the best flavor and color. Make a batch of fresh basil pesto if you can. Other options cashew pesto, walnut pesto or vegan pesto as a dairy-free option.
  • Or try refrigerated fresh pesto, found in the produce section. In our taste tests, we’ve found this type of pesto tends has better flavor than pesto in jars. It’s often sold in tubes.
Pesto shrimp in skillet

Think ahead: thawing frozen shrimp

You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp for this pesto shrimp recipe. Turns out, frozen shrimp can be just as fresh as shrimp from the fish counter at the grocery store! If you can, try to find wild caught shrimp: it’s usually a sustainable option. If you do use frozen, you’ll need to make sure to think ahead to thaw the shrimp before making the recipe. Here’s what to do:

  • Day before: If you think ahead, simply place the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Day of: Place the shrimp in a large bowl of very cold water for 15 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to break up clumps that freeze together. The shrimp should defrost in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Pesto shrimp

What to serve with pesto shrimp

Of course, this pesto shrimp isn’t a full meal in 5 minutes. But it gets you much closer to dinner! Here’s what we’d suggest serving with it to round it out into a meal:

Dietary notes

This pesto shrimp recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, and pescatarian.

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Easy Pesto Shrimp

Pesto shrimp
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5 from 2 reviews

Pesto shrimp is a dinnertime win! Savory basil pesto is a natural pairing with juicy shrimp; serve with pasta or rice for an easy dinner idea.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 0 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp, deveined (peeled or unpeeled)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup basil pesto (homemade or purchased)
  • Lemon, optional

Instructions

  1. If necessary, thaw the shrimp.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium high heat. Add the shrimp and salt. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until almost opaque, turning them with tongs.
  4. Just before shrimp are fully cooked, add the ¼ cup pesto and continue cooking for 30 seconds, stirring continuously.
  5. Serve immediately. If using storebought pesto, adjust lemon and or salt accordingly.

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More easy shrimp recipes

There are lots more easy shrimp recipes that make for a fast dinner! Here are some of our favorites to try:

50 Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes

One of the healthiest diets in the world is also the most delicious. Here are all the best Mediterranean diet…

One of the healthiest diets in the world is also the most delicious. Here are all the best Mediterranean diet recipes to get you cooking!

Mediterranean Diet recipes

Want to eat the Mediterranean way? Welcome. Alex and I are two cookbook authors who have been eating Mediterranean diet recipes for over a decade. Lately, it’s gained traction as one of the healthiest diets in the world.

Why we love it? First of all, Mediterranean diet recipes are real, fresh, and seriously delicious! But what we love most is that it’s not just food: it’s a lifestyle approach.

What’s the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet has been called one the healthiest diets in the world (by US News and World Report). It’s a way of eating and living modeled after countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, like Italy and Greece. It’s not a strict diet, but more a set of guidelines. Here’s how the Mayo Clinic defines the Mediterranean diet:

  • Daily consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats (like olive oil)
  • Weekly consumption of fish, poultry, legumes (beans & lentils), and eggs
  • Moderate portions of dairy products
  • Limited intake of red meat and foods with added sugar.

Mayo Clinic stresses that a Mediterranean diet is plant based, not meat based. It’s essentially a whole food plant based diet with a bit of seafood, poultry, and dairy thrown in. (Here’s some general guidance from the Cleveland Clinic on serving goals and serving sizes.)

It’s all about the lifestyle

One of the best things about the Mediterranean diet is that it’s all about the lifestyle. This eating philosophy originated based on the longevity of people in the Mediterranean, and researchers observed more than just eating habits. Simply eating Mediterranean diet recipes is not all there is to it. Here’s what’s important in addition to food:

  • Stay active and exercise regularly.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Enjoy wine in moderation if you drink alcohol.
  • Reduce the amount of stress in your lifestyle.
  • Actively participate in community: be invested and engaged in the people around you.

Our top Mediterranean diet recipes

Below are our top Mediterranean diet recipes for eating this diet on an every day basis. These recipes feature:

  • Olive oil as the cooking oil of choice.
  • Beans, lentils, bulgur wheat, quinoa, and rice as major players. While whole grains are downplayed in trends like the keto diet and Whole 30, recipes in the Mediterranean diet rely on legumes and whole grains as nutritious foods.
  • Vegetarian, vegan, and seafood recipes. Mediterranean diet recipes are plant-based in nature. It’s recommended to include seafood about 2 times per week.

Why make these recipes?

One of our readers is a doctor who recently let us know she recommends our recipes to her patients. “I am an Internal Medicine physician and I’ve been recommending your cookbook and website to my patients, as I tell them the way to stay healthy is to follow a Mediterranean diet. Thank you for continuing to provide me and my patients with easy, delicious, and healthy recipes!”

Want to search by type? View the collections below for Mediterranean diet breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas, or browse our vegetarian recipes, vegan recipes, salmon recipes, or shrimp recipes.

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50 Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes

Mediterranean Bowl
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5 from 2 reviews

Looking for Mediterranean diet recipes? This Mediterranean bowl is bursting with fresh ingredients! Roasted vegetables, couscous and lemon tahini sauce make a satisfying meal.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1 ½ cups cooked)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (1 ½ pounds), diced into half-inch cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup quinoa (or 1 cup couscous)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 1/2 English cucumber, sliced into half moons
  • Mixed salad greens, for serving
  • 1 recipe Lemon Tahini Dressing

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chickpeas, sweet potatoes, red pepper and red onion. Toss with the olive oil and 1 ½ teaspoons of the kosher salt. Then toss with the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, coriander, and cinnamon. 
  3. Divide the vegetables evenly between the two baking sheets and spread in an even layer. Roast for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and stir. Roast another 5 to 10 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  4. Meanwhile, cook the quinoa (or make Easy Couscous): Rinse the quinoa in cold water using a fine mesh strainer, then drain it and shake out the remaining water. Place it in a saucepan with 1 ¾ cups water and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low where the water is just bubbling. Cover the pot and simmer where the water is just bubbling for about 15 to 18 minutes, until the water has been completely absorbed. Check by pulling back the quinoa with a fork to see if water remains. Turn off the heat and let sit with the lid on to steam for 5 minutes, then fluff the quinoa with a fork. 
  5. Make the Lemon Tahini Dressing.
  6. To serve, place the roasted vegetables over the couscous and salad greens in shallow bowls. Add piles of fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. Drizzle with the dressing and serve.

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25 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes

These vegan Thanksgiving recipes are even more delicious than the traditional mains, sides, and desserts, and will please everyone around…

These vegan Thanksgiving recipes are even more delicious than the traditional mains, sides, and desserts, and will please everyone around the table!

Vegan thanksgiving lentil loaf

Who said Thanksgiving needs to be about turkey? Turns out, some of the tastiest holiday recipes can be plant based and vegan. Alex and I have been eating primarily plant based for years, and at first holidays like Thanksgiving were hard to manage. “What do I even make for you?” our family would ask. But they soon learned: vegan recipes can be delicious and celebratory, too!

So here are our very favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes that celebrate the produce of the season, from butternut squash to pumpkin. We hope you’re love them as much as we do!

Our top vegan Thanksgiving recipes

More Thanksgiving recipes

We hope you enjoy these vegan Thanksgiving recipes! If you’re looking for more ideas, here are some resources for Thanksgiving planning! We’ve also go some additional vegan and plant-based guides for your everyday recipe needs:

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Thanksgiving Lentil Loaf (Vegan)

Vegan thanksgiving lentil loaf
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This vegan lentil loaf recipe is a deliciously satisfying meatloaf without the meat! It’s made with lentils, nuts, and seasonings, then brushed with a tangy glaze. Our vegetarian meatloaf is so popular, we had to create a plant based variation—and this one is just as tasty!

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Thanksgiving
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried green lentils, sorted and rinsed (or 2 ½ cups cooked)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1 ½ cups whole walnuts
  • ½ cup whole cashews (see Notes)
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms (aka cremini), cleaned and finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon each dried thyme, dried sage, garlic powder, smoked paprika 
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise or vegan mayo
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 ½ tablespoons full-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 cup plain panko (or gluten-free panko)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Glaze

  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons barbeque sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 
  2. In a medium saucepan, add 2 ½ cups water, the lentils, and ½ teaspoon of the kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed and the lentils are tender, about 15 minutes.
  3. Place the walnuts and cashews on a baking sheet and toast for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Allow to cool.
  4. Meanwhile, prepare the onion, garlic, mushrooms and parsley as noted in the ingredients list. 
  5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and the thyme, sage, garlic powder and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the cooked lentils. 
  6. In the large food processor (see Notes), add the nuts and pulse 3 to 4 times until roughly chopped. Add the onion and mushroom mixture, parsley, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, panko, and several grinds of black pepper to the bowl. Pulse 3 to 4 times until the mixture comes together: it should be mostly finely ground but still have a textured consistency (don’t fully puree it). 
  7. Grease a 9 x 5″ aluminum bread pan, then add parchment paper cut so that it fits the width and extends on both long sides, to easily remove the loaf once it’s baked. 
  8. Bake the loaf for 30 minutes. While it’s baking, mix together the ketchup and barbecue sauce for the glaze. Add the glaze (reserving a little for later). Bake 30 minutes more (for a total of 1 hour), then remove from the oven. If desired, you can brush on some of the reserved glaze.
  9. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, then lift it out of the pan with the parchment paper. Slice into pieces and serve warm. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. It’s good cold, warm, or room temperature. If reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or in a 375°F oven until it is warm but not hot. 

Notes

The cashews can be salted or unsalted, raw or roasted.

Make ahead notes: You can make the entire loaf the night before and refrigerate. Allow to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Don’t have a food processor? Finely chop the nuts and vegetables with a knife, then mix all ingredients together in a bowl. You may need to bring together the dough by squeezing it with your fingers until it holds together into a cohesive texture. 

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B 52 Cocktail (or B52 Shot)

Here’s how to make the B 52 cocktail, aka a B52 shot! Layered Kahlua, Irish cream, and Grand Marnier make…

Here’s how to make the B 52 cocktail, aka a B52 shot! Layered Kahlua, Irish cream, and Grand Marnier make the perfect drink.

B 52 cocktail

Here’s a layered cocktail that’s mighty tasty: the B 52 cocktail! The B52 shot might be a little pedestrian, some might say. But as two cocktail experts, we think Kahlua coffee liqueur, sweet Irish cream, and zesty orange liqueur make a pretty great trio.

The combination is so classy, we’ve recreated it here as an after dinner drink in a stemmed cocktail glass. You can drink it either way, but we prefer slow sipping rather than downing it as a shot!

B 52 cocktail ingredients (aka B52 shot)

The B 52 cocktail is a layered shot of coffee liqueur (Kahlua), Irish cream (Baileys) and orange liqueur (Grand Marnier). The most popular origin story for the drink is that it was invented in 1977 by Peter Fich at the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta, Canada, who named it after the band The B-52s. There are several other competing stories, like many other classic cocktails: everyone wants a claim!

This classic pairing of coffee, cream and orange became an instant hit, and it’s spawned all sorts of variations (including a flaming B52 shot). The B52 shot layers equal parts of these ingredients, which each float in separate layers due to their density:

B52 shot

How to make the layers in a B52 shot

How do you get those beautiful layers of separation in a B52 shot? Pour the liquor over the back of spoon! Here’s how it works:

  • Pour in the Kahlua first.
  • Gently pour in the Irish cream over the back of a spoon. Pouring it over a spoon slows it down, allowing it to float on top of the Kahlua.
  • Gently pour the Grand Marnier over the back of a spoon. This one will look a little less defined, especially if you’re making it in a cocktail glass.

Or, make it in a cocktail glass

Our favorite way to make a B 52 cocktail is in a cocktail glass. As cocktail connoisseurs and certified mixologists, we’re not really B52 shot people. Shots are designed to drink lots of alcohol in seconds, but we’re all about slow sipping and enjoying the art of craft cocktails. So, we like to make a B 52 cocktail in a cocktail glass! Here’s what to do:

  • Use 1 ounce of each ingredient (instead of ½ ounce for the shot).
  • The separation of the orange liqueur layer will not be as definitive in a cocktail glass. Because it’s larger, the layer looks muddier.
  • Stir it up before sipping! If you don’t, you’ll get a big gulp of Grand Marnier on first sip. Stirring melds the flavors together.
Kahlua

Use any coffee liqueur, like Kahlua

You can use any type of coffee liqueur for a B 52 cocktail, but the most popular type you might already have on hand is Kahlua.

  • Kahlua is a coffee liqueur that’s made in Mexico: it’s made with rum, sugar and coffee (no dairy!). It does have some caffeine, but only about 25% as much as the same volume of coffee.
  • Some substitutes are like Tia Maria or Sheridan’s.
  • Other cocktails that use Kahlua are Kahlua drinks like a White Russian, Black Russian, Bushwacker, or the popular Espresso Martini.

Options for the orange liqueur

There are lots of different types of orange liqueur, and the differences can be a little confusing. Here’s what’s best to use in a B52 shot:

  • Grand Marnier is the most high end of all orange liqueurs. It’s a mixture of Triple Sec and Cognac and has a sophisticated, developed flavor, with notes of vanilla and oak.
  • Cointreau is a good substitute: it’s a clear, orange-flavored liqueur with a lightly sweet, citrus perfume flavor (it’s also great in a Margarita).
  • Triple Sec is any clear dry orange-flavored liqueur. Bottles labeled Triple Sec are typically lower in quality and more affordable than Cointreau. It has a straightforward orange flavor. 

Frequently asked questions

What does a B52 shot taste like?

A B52 shot has a sweet and creamy flavor with hints of coffee and orange. The layering of the ingredients creates a unique taste experience.

Can I make variations of a B52 shot?

Yes, there are many variations of the B52 shot. Some popular options include the B53 (with Sambuca instead of Grand Marnier), the B54 (with Amaretto instead of Baileys), and the Flaming B52 (with a lit top layer).

Is it safe to flame a B-52?

Flaming cocktails should always be handled with caution. Make sure the shot glass is heat-resistant, and never leave a flaming drink unattended. If you’re unsure, it’s perfectly fine to enjoy a B-52 without flaming it: it tastes the same either way!

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B 52 Cocktail (or Shot)

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Here’s how to make the B 52 cocktail, aka B52 shot! Layered Kahlua, Irish cream, and Grand Marnier make the perfect sip.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Poured
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce* Kahlua (½ ounce for the shot)
  • 1 ounce Irish cream (½ ounce for the shot)
  • 1 ounce Grand Marnier (½ ounce for the shot)

Instructions

  1. Add the Kahlua to a glass or shot glass. Slowly add Irish cream by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
  2. Slowly add the Grand Marnier over the back of spoon, allowing it to layer on top. The smaller size of the shot glass makes a more visible Grand Marnier layer. If drinking as a cocktail, you’ll want to stir before sipping. Enjoy! 

Notes

*1 ounce = 2 tablespoons

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How to Boil Shrimp

Here’s how to boil shrimp: our step-by-step guide is perfect for shrimp cocktail and comes out tender and juicy every…

Here’s how to boil shrimp: our step-by-step guide is perfect for shrimp cocktail and comes out tender and juicy every time!

How to boil shrimp

Why boil shrimp when you can cook it on the stove in a flash? Turns out, boiled shrimp is effortless and satisfying, with sweet, briny flesh and a tender, delicate texture. The most popular way to use boiled shrimp is for shrimp cocktail, but you could boil it for any type of preparation.

The advantage of boiling? The shrimp keeps well at room temperature, making it perfect to sit out on a platter while entertaining. Wondering how to boil shrimp? Here’s our simple method for ensuring plump, juicy flesh.

How to long to boil shrimp

How long do you boil shrimp? The cook time is about 2 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. The timing varies based on the size of the shrimp and whether it is shell on. Most sizes of shelled shrimp cook in about 2 minutes, and shell on takes 1 minute or so longer.

Boiling shrimp with the shell on helps to lock in moisture. If using shell on shrimp, remove the shells after cooking them. You can also leave the tails on for shrimp cocktail.

How to boil shrimp: overview

The ingredients you’ll need to boil shrimp are 1 pound of large shrimp, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ lemon. Here’s what to do:

How to boil shrimp

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to boil with the salt and lemon. Add the shrimp and boil until they’re pink and cooked through, about 1 to 2 minutes.

How to boil shrimp

Step 2: Remove the shrimp to an ice bath, which is a bowl of water and ice. This will stop the cooking immediately, leaving the shrimp perfectly tender. If you cooked the shrimp with the shell on, remove it. If desired, add more salt or lemon to taste.

Best type of shrimp for boiling

If you’re going to make shrimp cocktail, use large shrimp with the tail on for the best presentation. The shrimp pictured here are the size 16 to 20 count. We also like using medium shrimp, which are more bite sized.

We’d recommend boiling shrimp with the shell on for the best flavor, but tail on shrimp also works. It’s helpful to buy shrimp that has already been deveined. (If your shrimp are not deveined, here’s how to devein shrimp.)

Boiling frozen shrimp

Either fresh or frozen shrimp works for this recipe. While the shelf-life of fresh shrimp is only a few days, frozen shrimp lasts for several weeks: making it convenient for cooking. Frozen shrimp can be high quality and just as fresh as shrimp from the seafood counter. If you use frozen shrimp for this recipe, what’s the best way to defrost it? Here’s how to thaw shrimp:

  • Place the frozen shrimp in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
  • Or on the day of serving, place the frozen shrimp into a bowl with cold water. Let a small trickle of cold water run into the bowl to keep the water moving. The shrimp should defrost in about 15 minutes.
Shrimp with shrimp cocktail sauce

Shrimp cocktail sauce recipe

If you’re looking for shrimp cocktail, we’ve got a great cocktail sauce! Shrimp cocktail is a great option as an appetizer recipe, perfect for celebrations like the holidays or New Year’s Eve. Go to our homemade shrimp cocktail recipe.

Want a shrimp boil recipe?

Of course, that’s a different thing altogether! The cooking method is the same, but a shrimp boil uses potatoes, corn and shrimp together in the same pot with spices (usually Old Bay seasoning).

Here’s our shrimp boil recipe you can use for parties, and a sheet pan shrimp boil we created for weeknight dinners. You can also make steamed shrimp, seasoned with Old Bay.

Frequently asked questions

What are the calories in boiled shrimp?

Shrimp are a low calorie food. One medium shrimp is 7 calories and 1 jumbo shrimp is 14 calories.

What are some tips for buying sustainable shrimp?

Look for wild-caught fish if possible. If you live in the US, look for US caught if you can. 90% of the seafood we eat in the US is imported. Imported seafood runs the risk of being overfished, caught under unfair labor practices, or farmed in environmentally harmful ways.

How your fish is caught matters. Look for hook and line as one example of a sustainable gear type. Bottom trawling is considered the most destructive and least sustainable method.

Dietary notes

This boiled shrimp recipe is pescatarian, gluten-free and dairy-free.

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How to Boil Shrimp

Shrimp
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5 from 3 reviews

Wondering how to boil shrimp? Boiling up a batch is perfect for shrimp cocktail and comes out tender and juicy every time.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 pound
  • Category: Seafood
  • Method: Boiled
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large 16 to 20 count shrimp (we prefer tail-on and deveined)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 lemon
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Thaw the shrimp (place it in the refrigerator over night, or day of place it in a strainer and allow a steady stream of cold water to defrost it for about 15 minutes).
  2. Bring 12 cups of water to boil with the kosher salt and lemon juice from the ½ lemon.
  3. Prepare a bowl of ice water.
  4. Add the shrimp and cook about 2 minutes (more or less time depending on size of shrimp), until bright pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place it directly into the ice water bath to stop the cooking.
  5. Remove the shells from the shrimp, leaving the shell of the tail on. Discard the shells.
  6. Pat the shrimp dry, and sprinkle it with additional kosher salt and few squirts from lemon wedges. (If serving as shrimp cocktail, go to our Shrimp Cocktail recipe for the sauce.)

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Looking for more shrimp recipes?

Outside of boiling, here are some of our favorite ways to prepare it:

Seafood Seasoning

Here’s how to make the best seafood seasoning! This homemade fish seasoning mix is easy to make and takes any…

Here’s how to make the best seafood seasoning! This homemade fish seasoning mix is easy to make and takes any seafood to new heights.

Seafood seasoning

Looking for a perfect blend to season your fish or shrimp? Try this seafood seasoning! It’s truly the best blend of flavors: a mix of savory, smoky and aromatic spices that makes for irresistible flavor.

It’s almost like a combination of Old Bay and Cajun seasoning, without the heat. Try it on shrimp or salmon and it will blow you away! It was also fantastic on grilled and roasted veggies (Alex and I love it on grilled brocolli). It’s truly magical, and we can’t wait for you to taste.

How to make seafood seasoning

Seafood seasoning doesn’t have an official definition: there are many ways to make it! For our “secret blend” of spices, Alex and I pulled from a few sources: Old Bay, a popular seasoning for seafood, and both Cajun seasoning and blackened seasoning, which are also used as fish seasoning. We came up with a blend that uses the best of all of them, but without the heat (for flexibility). Just mix together the following seafood seasoning ingredients:

  • Smoked paprika or sweet paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Thyme
  • Celery seed
  • Cumin
  • Allspice
  • Salt

Is this seasoning spicy?

Some seafood seasonings are spicy, like Cajun seasoning. But for this seafood seasoning recipe, we wanted to kept it mild. This provides the most flexibility to adjust for various tastes. (We have kids, so it’s nice to have mild options!) If you do want it spicy, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne to this mixture.

Why to use smoked paprika

Use smoked paprika if you can find it for this fish seasoning: it adds a subtle smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate! Smoked paprika is a Spanish version of paprika made of dried pimiento peppers that are smoked over a fire. You can find it in the spice aisle in most grocery stores (labeled as pimentón, Spanish smoked paprika or sweet smoked paprika), or you can buy it online here. You can use leftovers in these smoked paprika recipes—it’s one of our favorite spices in our kitchen.

Seasoning blends
Try all our seasoning blends!

How long to store homemade seafood seasoning

You can store your homemade seafood seasoning mix in an airtight container for 6 months to 1 year. Of course, it’s best when it’s the freshest. Spices generally last in a cool, dry place for 8 months to 1 year. You can use this spice blend to add new life to spices that you’ve had for a while.

Ways to use seafood seasoning

This seafood seasoning is designed for fish, but it’s tasty on veggies, too! Here are some ideas to get you started:

  1. Shrimp: Sprinkle it onto grilled shrimp or sauteed shrimp it’s over-the-top good.
  2. Salmon: Add it to baked salmon or pan seared salmon for big flavor.
  3. Veggies: It’s great on veggies to add intrigue in flavor! Try with any of our grilled vegetables or roasted vegetables.
  4. Corn on the cob: Try it on grilled corn or oven roasted corn.
  5. Fried potatoes: It would be fabulous on these pan fried potatoes, or even baked French fries!

Dietary notes

This fish seasoning recipe is vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, plant based, dairy free, naturally sweet, refined sugar free, low carb, and keto.

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*Magic* Seafood Seasoning

Seafood seasoning
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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 4 reviews

Here’s how to make the best seafood seasoning! This homemade fish seasoning mix is easy to make and takes any seafood to new heights.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: About 6 tablespoons
  • Category: Seasoning
  • Method: Mixed
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika or sweet paprika
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice

Instructions

  1. Whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl. Transfer to an airtight container or jar. Store for 6 months to 1 year in a cool, dry place.
  2. How to season fish: Use 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning for every ½ pound (8 ounces) of fish.

Notes

Spicy variation: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste. 

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More seasoning blends

Making DIY seasoning mixes at home is so easy! They taste incredible—much better than store-bought—and they’re fun gifts, too. Try all our seasoning blends: