Mediterranean Seafood Salad
This Mediterranean Seafood Salad is light, fresh, and full of flavor. A mix of shrimp, crab meat, and optional scallops or calamari is paired with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs, then lightly dressed in a creamy, zesty dressing. It’s perfect as a starter, a light lunch, or a main course for warm-weather meals. The combination of citrus, seafood, and Mediterranean aromatics gives it a clean yet indulgent taste.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5–10 minutes (if cooking seafood)
Total time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Ingredients
Seafood
1/2 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup crab meat (fresh or imitation)
1/2 cup scallops or calamari, cooked (optional)
Vegetables & Herbs
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped or thinly sliced
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Mixed salad greens or lettuce leaves (for serving)
Lemon wedges, for serving
Creamy Dressing
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or salt and pepper to taste)
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Prepare seafood: If shrimp, scallops, or calamari are not pre-cooked, sauté or poach them briefly until just done. Let cool slightly.
Mix vegetables: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, and chopped parsley.
Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and olive oil until smooth.
Combine seafood and veggies: Add the cooked shrimp, crab meat, and optional scallops/calamari to the vegetable mixture.
Add dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the seafood and vegetables. Gently toss to coat evenly.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve on greens: Arrange salad greens or lettuce on plates and spoon the seafood mixture on top.
Garnish: Sprinkle extra parsley over the salad.
Add lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Chill if desired: Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld before serving (optional).
Tips
Use fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor.
Chill the salad for a short period before serving for a refreshing taste.
Avoid overcooking shrimp or scallops to keep them tender.
Finely chop celery for a crisp texture that balances the creamy dressing.
Old Bay seasoning adds a classic seafood flavor; adjust quantity to taste.
Lemon juice brightens the salad and helps cut richness from the mayo.
Use mixed greens as a base to make it visually appealing and lighter.
Gently fold the dressing in to avoid breaking delicate seafood.
Add a touch of zest from the lemon for extra aromatic flavor.
Serve immediately for maximum freshness; leftovers are best kept in the fridge for a day.
Variations
Mediterranean Tuna and Shrimp Salad: Swap crab meat for canned tuna in olive oil.
Avocado Addition: Add diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
Spicy Kick: Include finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne in the dressing.
Greek Twist: Add sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta.
Cucumber Crunch: Add thinly sliced cucumber for extra freshness.
Herb Mix: Include dill, basil, or mint for aromatic complexity.
Yogurt Dressing: Replace some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for lighter dressing.
Lemon-Honey Dressing: Add a teaspoon of honey to the lemon dressing for sweetness.
Roasted Vegetables: Mix in roasted bell peppers or zucchini.
Pasta Salad Version: Toss the seafood and veggies with cooked pasta for a Mediterranean seafood pasta salad.
Q&A
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, thaw fully and pat dry before mixing.
Can this salad be made ahead?
Yes, make the salad and dressing separately, combine shortly before serving.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.
Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, it works well and is convenient.
How long can leftovers be stored?
Keep refrigerated for 1–2 days; seafood texture may soften over time.
Can I make a lighter version?
Use Greek yogurt or half mayo/half yogurt for a lower-calorie dressing.
Can I add citrus zest?
Yes, lemon or orange zest adds fresh flavor.
Can I add capers or olives?
Absolutely; they enhance the Mediterranean profile.
How do I prevent the salad from being watery?
Drain seafood well and pat dry, and avoid chopping tomatoes too far in advance.
Can I serve it as a sandwich filling?
Yes, it works well in wraps or between slices of crusty bread.
Nutrition
(approximate per serving)
Calories: 280–320
Protein: 25–28 g
Fat: 14–16 g
Carbs: 8–10 g
Fiber: 2–3 g
Sugar: 2–4 g
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Seafood Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for warm days, light lunches, or elegant starters. The creamy, zesty dressing complements the delicate seafood while fresh vegetables and herbs provide crunch and brightness. Quick to prepare and highly customizable, it’s a simple yet impressive way to enjoy Mediterranean flavors at home.