Feast of the Seven Fishes Recipes for La Vigilia

Explore a collection of the Feast of the Seven Fishes recipes, an Italian Christmas Eve tradition celebrated with a delightful array of seafood dishes, and much more! 

The Feast of the Seven Fishes, also known as “La Vigilia,” is a unique North American Italian tradition celebrated on Christmas Eve.

My experience with this annual tradition has cemented it as a holiday season highlight.

As the name indicates, it is a celebration that involves enjoying a variety of seafood dishes, tasty sides, and desserts. I fondly remember my mom cooking even more than seven fish dishes! 

This tradition is more than just delicious food; it’s about bringing family and friends together in a cozy, festive atmosphere. It’s an evening of sharing stories and laughter.

It’s also a commitment to preserving family traditions and creating lasting memories that can be passed down to future generations, even if it’s just a tiny part of what our moms and nonnas once prepared.

Once again, true to Italian culture, food becomes a way to express love and tradition.

Enjoy! 

Antipasto selections

Antipasto set the stage for the Feast, offering a delightful prelude of flavors. These seafood recipes serve as a delicious introduction to the evening’s extravaganza. 

The seafood salad takes center stage, featuring a harmonious blend of shrimp, calamari, and scallops, elegantly dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for preparing in advance as an appetizer.

Adding to the appetizer spread is a baccalà salad, showcasing the unique flavors of salted cod blended with fresh ingredients. 

The perfectly baked calamari with homemade bread crumbs promises a crispy bite with each piece. 

Delight in the bold flavors of lemon garlic shrimp, a seafood dish that captivates everyone’s palate.

Marinated olives bring a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Marinated mozzarella balls provide a creamy contrast. In keeping with tradition, Lupini beans are a must for an Italian Christmas! To complete, I appreciate this easy recipe for marinated mushrooms.

Main courses

Acqua Pazza: Dive into the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this fish dish that translates to “crazy water.” This savory soup features a harmonious blend of tomatoes, garlic, parsley, and white wine.

Baked Cod Oreganata Style: This fish dish features cod adorned with a flavorful oreganata topping made with breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley. The result is a deliciously crispy crust that adds a delightful texture to your celebration.

Italian Cod Recipe: This main course highlights the subtle taste of cod, enhanced by combining tomatoes and onions, creating a savory and satisfying dish that pays homage to Italian culinary traditions.

Complementary sides and other meatless dishes

St. Joseph’s Spaghetti, also known as Spaghetti di San Giuseppe, is a cherished family recipe for a meatless pasta dish traditionally enjoyed on March 19th and Christmas Eve. This recipe features spaghetti generously coated with olive oil, toasted homemade bread crumbs, walnuts, garlic, golden raisins, and Italian parsley.

Broccoli Rabe Recipe: ​The slight bitterness of rapini pairs wonderfully with the savory notes of the main courses.

Italian Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned with aromatic herbs and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, these potatoes boast a golden, crispy exterior with a fluffy, flavorful interior.

Sweet Endings

Nonna’s Screppelle: This delightful treat has deep family roots. Dusted with granulated sugar, these fritters bring sweetness to the table—the perfect way to end this meal.

Panettone: Enjoy this light and airy Italian yeast bread, the perfect accompaniment to coffee or dessert wine.

Biscotti: These iconic, twice-baked cookies known for their delightful crunch and rich flavors make a sweet finale to your festive celebration.

More recipes for an Italian Christmas

Consider exploring these recipe collections that are perfect to help you celebrate your holiday festivities:

• Italian Christmas Cookies
• Italian Appetizers

★★★★★ If you have made any of these Italian Christmas Eve recipes, I would love to hear about it in the comments below!