Looking to impress your guests with appetizers that are a little more elevated? Scallops are the perfect choice! Scallops make a stunning base for all kinds of creative starters.
In this roundup of 17+ scallop appetizers, you’ll find recipes that range from elegant and sophisticated to fun and unique. From bacon-wrapped and pistachio-crusted scallops to scallop-stuffed mushrooms and scallop ceviche, there’s something here for every palate and occasion!
1. Scallop Stuffed Mushrooms
These Scallop Stuffed Mushrooms bring together scallops with a mix of garlic, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan, tucked in baby portobello and white mushrooms. It’s an elegant recipe that’s packed with flavor and perfect for impressing guests.
2. Seared Scallop Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
These Seared Scallop Tacos with Pineapple Salsa are a fresh twist on seafood tacos. With perfectly seared scallops, red cabbage, and a pineapple salsa, they’re packed with flavor and a hint of heat from sliced jalapeño. Served in warm corn tortillas with creamy guacamole, these tacos are sure to steal the show at any gathering.
3. Scallop Tostadas
These Scallop Tostadas are a delightful blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors. Topped with homemade guacamole and pan-seared scallops, each tostada is finished with a light drizzle of sour cream. It’s a fun, elegant appetizer that’s sure to wow your guests with both flavor and texture.
4. Pistachio Crusted Scallops
These Pistachio-Crusted Scallops offer a crunch and citrus flavor in every bite. Coated with a blend of pistachios and lemon zest, then lightly seared to perfection, these scallops are simple yet impressive. Ideal for adding a gourmet touch to your appetizer spread!
5. Seared Scallop Crostini
Seared Scallop Crostini is the perfect appetizer for a touch of elegance. With seared scallops on top of toasted ciabatta, creamy avocado, and a hint of prosciutto, each bite is rich, fresh, and balanced. Finished with micro herbs and a squeeze of lemon, these crostini are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
6. Seafood Bruschetta
This Seafood Bruschetta combines scallops and shrimp with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and sweet corn for a vibrant and flavorful appetizer. Finished with a touch of lemon zest and juice, this bruschetta is a fresh take on a classic favorite. It’s perfect for any seafood lover.
7. Sea Scallop Ceviche
This Sea Scallop Ceviche is a refreshing and zesty appetizer with scallops marinated in a blend of orange and lime juice. Enhanced by a touch of heat from red jalapeño, sweet red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro, this ceviche is a vibrant dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
8. Grilled Scallop Sliders
These Grilled Scallop Sliders are a delightful mini-sandwich bursting with flavor. Topped with chipotle aioli, crisp island slaw, and fresh basil, each slider features a perfectly grilled scallop inside a soft bun. A fun, flavorful appetizer that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
9. Grilled Scallop Sliders (Banh Mi Style)
These Grilled Scallop Sliders take inspiration from classic Banh Mi flavors, with scallops paired with sriracha mayo, crisp cucumber, and fresh cilantro on mini crescent buns. Topped with carrot ribbons, radish, and jalapeño, these sliders offer a refreshing, spicy kick in every bite. It’s a unique twist that’s sure to be a hit.
10. Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops
These Prosciutto-Wrapped Scallops are a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Wrapped in prosciutto and seared until golden, each scallop is finished with a drizzle of balsamic reduction and a squeeze of fresh lemon. It’s an elegant and flavorful appetizer that’s easy to love.
11. Scallops Carpaccio
This Scallops Carpaccio is a delicate and refined appetizer, featuring scallops dressed in a bright lemon-Dijon vinaigrette with hints of fresh tarragon. Topped with crunchy pistachios, arugula, and pomegranate seeds, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures to impress your guests.
12. Baked Sea Scallops
These Baked Sea Scallops are rich, buttery, and full of flavor. Baked with a breadcrumb topping seasoned with garlic, shallots, and a hint of nutmeg, they come out tender and perfectly seasoned. Finished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, they’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both comforting and elegant.
13. Spicy Scallop Crudo
This Spicy Scallop Crudo is a citrusy appetizer with a bit of a kick. Marinated in a mix of fresh lemon, lime, and grapefruit juices, the scallops soak up zesty flavors while thinly sliced jalapeño and radishes add heat and crunch. Finished with a hint of cilantro, this crudo is as refreshing as it is bold.
14. Scallops with Pineapple Salsa
These Scallops with Pineapple Salsa offer a tropical twist, pairing seared scallops with a sweet and spicy pineapple salsa. Served on endive leaves and finished with a drizzle of plum wasabi sauce, this appetizer is a delightful blend of fruity, tangy, and umami flavors – perfect for a fresh, unexpected bite.
15. Marinated Bacon Wrapped Scallops
These Marinated Bacon-Wrapped Scallops bring together bacon with maple-soy marinated scallops for a savory-sweet appetizer. With a touch of Dijon for depth, each bite is full of flavor. It’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
16. Scallops with Chili & Honey
These Scallops with Chili & Honey are a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Served on crisped wonton sheets, the seared scallops are drizzled with honey and topped with a hint of red chili for just the right amount of heat. Finished with green onion, they’re an elegant bite-sized appetizer with a little kick.
17. Pan Seared Scallop Appetizer
This Pan Seared Scallop Appetizer features perfectly seared scallops with a golden crust, paired with a creamy honey Dijon avocado sauce for a flavorful bite. Lightly seasoned and finished with a touch of honey Dijon, this appetizer is both simple and elegant, making it a great choice for any gathering.
18. Bacon Jam Scallops
These Bacon Jam Scallops are a savory delight, combining seared scallops with the rich, sweet flavor of bacon jam, all on top of a flaky puff pastry. Garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt and chopped scallions, this appetizer is as visually impressive as it is delicious – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
