Lent Menus: Seafood Solutions

Lent begins on Feb. 18, 2026. Did you know? Almost 4 out of 5 consumers who observe Lent choose more seafood during this time, and foodservice operators typically see a 20% jump in seafood sales during Lent (Datassential).

Here are some menu ideas to help you maximize your sales this season with versatile Chicken of the Sea tuna and salmon.

• Tuna or salmon burgers: Ready-to-use salmon or tuna are a labor-friendly foundation for satisfying burgers, like the Tuna Cajun Burger or a lemon-parsley Sammie Burger. For inspiration, watch our video, Salmon Patties: What’s Your Style?  Seafood burgers on your menu let you express your culinary style and entice health-conscious foodservice guests.
• Salads: You can appeal to protein lovers by adding tuna to a classic Waldorf. Here’s the recipe for Tuna Waldorf Salad. Salmon is an ideal complement to Southwest salad ingredients, as in this colorful Salmon Southwest Salad.
• Bowls: Consider Korean Tuna Bibimbap, featuring warm white rice topped with gochujang, fresh vegetables, and albacore tuna. Or elevate your protein features with pink salmon. Pair it with colorful vegetables for a knockout presentation, as in this easy 3 Bean Salmon and Rice Bowl. 
• Rolls: Get your menu on a roll with on-trend culinary styles. Tuna Rolls with Fresh Ginger Dipping Sauce combines chunk light tuna with fresh vegetables, ginger, and hoisin and fish sauces for an innovative appetizer or small plate. Easy Salmon Rollups or vegetable-forward Calabrian Chili Tuna Wraps appeal to sandwich-weary, seafood-craving customers who want something satisfying on the go.
• Classic comfort:  Go nostalgic! Playing off the perennial appeal of mac & cheese, try a Tuna Pesto Mac & Cheese, or stir pink salmon into your favorite mac & cheese recipe. Creamy Mushroom and Tuna Gnocchi spells comfort too, pairing light tuna with potato gnocchi and a wild mushroom-Parmesan cream sauce.
• Soups: Sumptuous soups and chowders are warming options for Lent appetizers or small meals. Try a cozy Salmon Potato Leek Soup or Mediterranean Diet-friendly Sicilian Tuna Soup.

Consider LTOs

A proven strategy for driving Lent seafood sales is to launch Limited Time Offers (LTOs). LTOs “give operators a chance to mix up their menus, play up current trends and draw in guests,” reports FoodService Director. The most successful LTOs leverage the craveability factor, offering something customers yearn to try, they add.

It’s important to promote an LTO on innovation and craveability—not just on price, explains Technomic. They suggest aligning with customers’ motivations and launching signature concepts to drive LTO sales. In a recent jump, nearly half of foodservice operators plan to use LTOs to drive sales, they add.

A thoughtfully crafted seafood LTO is an easy win during Lent, when many customers are already seeking out meat alternatives.

Not for Lent only

In the growing wellness movement, seafood wellness offerings are positioned for success through Lent and beyond. Many consumers are increasing their seafood consumption year-round (see Protein on the Menu for details). Lent can be an opportune time to test the waters with new seafood concepts to complement your all-seasons menu.