Seafood Salad Recipe

Description

Seafood Salad is a refreshing, light, and flavorful dish made with a mix of seafood, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect as an appetizer, a side dish, or a light main course. This salad is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins, making it a healthy and delicious choice.

Ingredients

For the Seafood

• ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ pound calamari (squid), cleaned and sliced into rings
• ½ pound imitation crab meat (or real lump crab)
• ½ pound scallops
• 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling)

For the Salad

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
• ¼ cup black olives, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Seafood

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and place in an ice bath.
3. Add calamari rings and cook for 1 minute, then remove and place in the ice bath.
4. Add scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove and place in the ice bath.
5. Drain and pat the seafood dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, celery, black olives, and parsley.
2. Add the cooked seafood to the bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Pour the dressing over the seafood and vegetables, and toss gently to combine.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes & Tips

• Fresh Seafood: Use fresh seafood for the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.
• Make Ahead: This salad tastes better after chilling for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve over a bed of mixed greens or with crusty bread.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Servings

• Serves: 4-6 people

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~250
• Protein: ~25g
• Fat: ~12g
• Carbohydrates: ~8g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sodium: ~400mg
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: High

Health Benefits of Seafood Salad

1. Rich in Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.
2. High in Omega-3s: Improves heart health and brain function.
3. Low in Calories: A light yet satisfying meal option.
4. Packed with Vitamins: Provides vitamin B12, selenium, and antioxidants.
5. Good for Digestion: Contains fiber-rich vegetables.

Q&A

Q: Can I use other seafood?
A: Yes! You can add lobster, mussels, or even grilled fish for variety.

Q: Can I make this salad dairy-free and gluten-free?
A: It is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free. Just ensure all ingredients used are labeled gluten-free if necessary.

Q: How do I prevent rubbery calamari?
A: Cook calamari quickly (about 1 minute) to keep it tender. Overcooking makes it tough.

Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, seafood is best eaten fresh.

Q: Can I add pasta to this salad?
A: Absolutely! Adding cooked and chilled pasta (like orzo or fusilli) makes it a heartier dish.

Would you like any modifications or variations on this recipe? 😊