Hosting an ocean-themed party is a fun way to bring a splash of creativity and color into your event. Whether it’s a birthday bash, a summer get-together, or an ocean-inspired celebration, the food you serve plays a key role in setting the tone. Ocean-themed party food not only elevates the atmosphere but also delights guests with unique and delicious treats that reflect the beauty of the sea.
From seafood-inspired dishes to vibrant blue treats, there are endless ways to incorporate the ocean’s wonders into your party menu. You can serve up visually stunning platters that transport your guests straight to the beach, with deep blues, whites, and natural textures reminiscent of marine life. With the right selection, you’ll create an unforgettable experience for your guests to dive into!
Cold Sesame Noodles
Cold Sesame Noodles brings together the savory flavors of sesame oil, soy sauce, and the crunch of green onions, offering a delightful balance of taste and texture. It’s an easy-to-make yet crowd-pleasing dish that will transport your guests to a relaxing beachside vibe with every bite. The chilled noodles bring a cool, nutty richness, making them a perfect choice for warm-weather events.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. noodles (preferably Asian egg noodles or ramen)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon tahini or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water until the noodles are fully cooled.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, tahini (or peanut butter), and grated ginger until the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooled noodles into the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Stir in the chopped green onions and mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the noodles to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Serve cold and enjoy a delicious, savory, and nutty noodle dish that fits perfectly into your ocean-themed party.
Crab Cupcakes
Crab Cupcakes come with vibrant blue frosting, topped with a red crab decoration, they capture the essence of the ocean sweetly and playfully. These cupcakes will surely be a hit with both kids and adults alike, as they’re both adorable and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 box of vanilla or coconut cake mix (or homemade recipe)
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Blue food coloring
- Red frosting (for crabs)
- Candy eyes (for crab decoration)
- White chocolate or candy shells (optional, for decoration)
- Red and blue edible glitter (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the cupcake tin with paper liners. Bake the cupcakes according to the instructions on the cake mix box or your homemade recipe. Once baked, allow them to cool completely.
- For the frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and milk to achieve a creamy texture. Add blue food coloring to reach your desired ocean blue shade.
- Once the cupcakes are cooled, use a piping bag to swirl the blue frosting on top of each cupcake, creating a soft, wave-like effect.
- Using red frosting, pipe small crab legs and claws around the top of the cupcake, resembling a crab shape. Place candy eyes in the center for a cute touch.
- Optionally, add small white chocolate or candy shell decorations around the crab to enhance the oceanic theme.
- For an extra sparkle, dust the cupcakes with a bit of edible glitter, either red or blue, to make them shine like the sea.
- Serve these adorable cupcakes at your party and watch your guests enjoy the sweet and whimsical ocean vibes!
Crab Pasta Salad
Crab Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any ocean-themed gathering. The creamy dressing, combined with the tender sweetness of the crab and crisp celery, creates a refreshing and satisfying dish that perfectly balances flavor and texture. With its light yet rich taste, this pasta salad is ideal as a side dish or even a main course for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
- 1 cup imitation crab meat or real crab, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- A sprinkle of black pepper (for seasoning)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped crab meat, celery, and optional red bell pepper.
- In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooled macaroni to the mixing bowl with the crab and vegetables. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine until all the ingredients are coated evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper just before serving.
- Serve chilled and enjoy a savory, refreshing dish with an ocean-inspired flair.
Creamy Scallop Pasta
Creamy Scallop Pasta is a luxurious dish that brings the ocean’s finest flavors to your table. The succulent scallops, seared to perfection, are bathed in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce that coats each strand of pasta. With a balance of richness and lightness, this dish is perfect for any ocean-themed party or celebration. Whether it’s for a special event or a casual gathering, this elegant yet easy-to-make dish will have your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti works best)
- 1 lb fresh scallops, cleaned and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the scallops to the pan, making sure they don’t overlap. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Return the scallops to the pan, gently placing them on top of the pasta. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Crispy Coconut Shrimp
Crispy Coconut Shrimp is the perfect finger food. These shrimps are coated in a delicious blend of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs, and then fried to golden perfection. The crispy, crunchy exterior complements the tender shrimp inside, creating a satisfying bite with each piece. Paired with a tangy sweet chili sauce, this dish brings both flavor and fun to your party spread. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these shrimp are sure to wow your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Sweet chili sauce for dipping
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Set up a breading station: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the shredded coconut, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each shrimp first in the flour, coating it lightly, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the coconut-breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the shrimp is well-coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully place the shrimp into the oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the crispy shrimp immediately with sweet chili sauce for dipping and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Octopus Hotdogs
Octopus Hotdogs are made from hotdog sausages, these octopus-shaped creations are both adorable and delicious. The clever design of the sausages, paired with the simple and tasty flavor of hotdogs, makes them a perfect snack for both kids and adults. Served with a small amount of garnish, these hotdogs will add a whimsical touch to your ocean-inspired celebration.
Ingredients
- 6 hot dog sausages
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
- 2 black olives, sliced (for eyes)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut each hot dog into halves, creating two pieces per sausage.
- To make the “legs,” slice each half of the hot dog in four places, but not all the way through – leave about half an inch from the bottom intact. This will create eight “legs” per hot dog half.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the hot dog halves into the skillet with the cut sides down and fry for 2-3 minutes, allowing the legs to curl slightly and turn golden brown.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the hotdogs from the skillet and place them on a plate.
- To make the octopus face, press a sliced black olive onto the top of each hot dog for the eyes.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of green.
Sand Dollar Cookies
Sand Dollar Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to complement your ocean-themed party. Their soft, sugar-cookie texture, paired with a light cinnamon dusting and almond slices, creates a beautiful resemblance to real sand dollars. These delightful cookies are not only delicious but also make for a charming addition to your dessert table, capturing the essence of the beach in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dusting)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (for decoration)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for added crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until combined to form a dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press each dough ball down with the back of a spoon or your fingers to flatten them slightly, forming a rounded cookie shape.
- Sprinkle a small pinch of cinnamon over each cookie and lightly press a few almond slices into the center to resemble the pattern of a sand dollar.
- Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for an extra sweet crunch.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies just begin to turn golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Seashell Pasta Salad
Seashell Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that contains large, spiral seashell-shaped pasta creates the perfect texture for soaking up the tangy Italian dressing. While the fresh vegetables add a burst of color and crunch, the added parmesan cheese ties the dish together with a salty, savory finish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz seashell-shaped pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the seashell pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and black olives.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad, tossing everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, garnish the salad with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing, light dish that will surely be the star of your ocean-themed gathering!
Shark Cupcakes
Shark Cupcakes are topped with a swirl of vibrant blue frosting, designed to look like the deep sea, and adorned with candy shark fins and shark-shaped gummies. Whether you’re hosting a beach party or a shark-themed event, these cupcakes are sure to add a playful touch to your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 box of vanilla or lemon cake mix (or homemade recipe)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blue food coloring
- Candy shark fins (store-bought or homemade)
- Shark-shaped gummies (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare a cupcake tin with paper liners. Bake the cupcakes according to the instructions on the cake mix box or your homemade recipe. Once baked, allow them to cool completely.
- For the frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Add a few drops of blue food coloring to the frosting and mix until you achieve a vibrant ocean-blue shade.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a piping bag to swirl the blue frosting on top of each cupcake, creating a wave-like design.
- Gently press the candy shark fins into the frosting, placing one on each cupcake to resemble the dorsal fin of a shark.
- Top each cupcake with a shark-shaped gummy for an extra fun and playful touch.
- Serve and enjoy these Shark Cupcakes as a tasty and themed treat that will surely make a splash at your ocean-inspired celebration!
Turtle Cupcakes
Turtle Cupcakes are an adorable and delicious treat that will add charm to any ocean-themed event. These cupcakes feature a rich, moist chocolate base topped with a swirl of creamy buttercream frosting. The candy turtle decoration, complete with a green shell, adds a playful touch, making them perfect for a beach or wildlife-themed celebration. Not only are they cute, but the combination of chocolate and buttery frosting makes them a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or homemade recipe)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
- Candy turtle decorations (or candy molds to make your own)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare a cupcake tin with paper liners. Bake the chocolate cupcakes according to the instructions on the cake mix box or your homemade recipe. Once baked, allow them to cool completely.
- For the frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Add a few drops of green food coloring to the frosting and mix until you achieve the perfect turtle shell green color.
- Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a piping bag to swirl the green frosting on top of each cupcake, creating a smooth, rounded dome of frosting.
- Place the candy turtle decorations gently on top of the frosted cupcakes, ensuring they are centered and secure.
- Serve these delightful Turtle Cupcakes at your ocean-themed gathering and watch them become a hit with guests of all ages!
Conclusion
Ocean-themed party food is a creative and enjoyable way to showcase the beauty of the sea while adding flavor to your celebration. By choosing vibrant, fun, and delicious dishes, you’ll ensure your party is the talk of the town! Whether you’re serving up seafood or non-seafood options, these ocean-inspired treats will leave your guests hooked on the theme.
Drop your favorites in the comments and tell us which dishes you are excited to make for your ocean-themed party.