As the sun sets on a warm summer evening, the vibrant colors of a fresh seafood salad beckon like a siren’s call. I can still remember the first time I encountered this delightful dish at a seaside café — the zesty flavors of shrimp, calamari, and scallops mingling with crisp vegetables and creamy avocado stole my heart. Fresh, bright, and oh-so-simple, this recipe is my ultimate go-to for impressing guests or treating myself to a light, satisfying meal.
What I love most about this seafood salad is its versatility. Perfectly fitting for a picnic at the park or an elegant dinner party, it is a dish that turns the simplest ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. With just a handful of fresh produce and some succulent seafood, you can whip up a stunning salad in under 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to savor the moments that matter. So, let’s dive into this refreshing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why is Seafood Salad a Must-Try?
Vibrant colors and fresh flavors make this dish an eye-catching centerpiece for any table. Super quick to prepare, you can have this gourmet meal ready in under 30 minutes! Versatile enough to serve at casual gatherings or upscale dinners, it fits every occasion beautifully. Nutritious ingredients keep you feeling great while indulging your taste buds. Best of all, this seafood salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone clamoring for the recipe!
Seafood Salad Ingredients
Get ready to create a culinary delight!
For the Seafood
- Shrimp – peeled and deveined for a quick cook that brings rich flavor.
- Calamari rings – tender and perfectly mild, they add a lovely texture.
- Scallops – fresh and sweet, scallops provide a luxurious touch.
For the Salad
- Red bell pepper – diced for a pop of color and crunchy sweetness.
- Cucumber – diced to add refreshing crispness to your seafood salad.
- Avocado – creamy and rich, it gives the salad a delightful creaminess.
- Cherry tomatoes – halved for juicy bursts of flavor that brighten every bite.
For the Dressing
- Extra virgin olive oil – a drizzle enhances the flavors of the seafood salad beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice – adds a zesty brightness that enhances the dish.
- Fresh dill – finely chopped to infuse a subtle, herby note throughout.
To Taste
- Salt – enhances the flavors of the seafood and vegetables.
- Freshly cracked black pepper – adds a bit of heat and depth to the salad.
For Serving
- Mixed salad greens – a generous handful gives a fresh base and makes the dish visually appealing.
How to Make Seafood Salad
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Boil the Shrimp: In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn a vibrant pink. Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp and set aside to cool.
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Cook the Calamari: In the same boiling water, add the calamari rings and cook for 1-2 minutes until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and let cool.
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Prepare the Scallops: Add the scallops to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they are opaque and firm. Drain all seafood and set aside to cool completely.
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Mix the Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the diced red bell pepper, cucumber, avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes for a colorful base.
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Combine Seafood and Veggies: Once the seafood has cooled, add the shrimp, calamari, and scallops to the vegetable mixture, blending flavors in a lovely medley.
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Dress the Salad: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the combined seafood and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with the finely chopped dill, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss gently to ensure even coating without breaking the avocado.
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Serve it Up: Take a generous handful of mixed salad greens and arrange them on individual plates or a large serving platter. Top each serving with a generous portion of the seafood salad mixture, making each plate inviting and delicious.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of extra dill on top for a fresh finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Seafood Salad Variations
Get ready to put your own twist on this delicious seafood salad!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute any crusty bread croutons with gluten-free crackers for a delightful crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice up the flavor profile of the salad.
- Herb Blend: Swap fresh dill for parsley or basil for a fragrant twist that complements the seafood beautifully.
- Creamy Avocado Dressing: Blend ripe avocado with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs for a luscious alternative dressing.
- Fruity Addition: Toss in some diced mango or pineapple for a sweet, tropical flair that pairs perfectly with seafood.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds or walnuts on top for an unexpected nuttiness and crunch.
- Seafood Swap: Substitute shrimp, calamari, or scallops with cooked crab or lobster for a luxurious upgrade.
- Veggie-Forward: Add additional seasonal vegetables like asparagus or radishes to bring even more color and nutrition to your dish.
Each variation offers a delightful way to customize your seafood salad, ensuring that every meal feels like a special occasion! Enjoy experimenting!
How to Store and Freeze Seafood Salad
Fridge: Store leftover seafood salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. It’s best enjoyed cold, so keep it covered until ready to serve.
Freezer: Freezing seafood salad isn’t recommended, as the texture of seafood and fresh vegetables may suffer. Instead, prepare it fresh when serving!
Reheating: If you have leftover seafood that needs to be reheated, opt for a gentle stovetop method rather than the microwave to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestion: For optimal flavor, dress the seafood salad just before serving to keep the greens and veggies crisp and bright.
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Seafood Salad components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can cook the shrimp, calamari, and scallops up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and flavor. The diced vegetables, like red bell pepper and cucumber, can also be prepped up to 3 days prior. Just remember to store the avocado separately to prevent browning. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply combine all the seafood and veggies, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and toss gently. In no time, you’ll be savoring a vibrant seafood salad just as fresh as if it were made that day!
What to Serve with Seafood Salad?
Elevate your dining experience with these delightful accompaniments that harmonize beautifully with the fresh essence of your seafood dish.
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Crispy Baguette: Perfect for scooping up the salad, warm, crisp baguettes add a comforting touch alongside a refreshing seafood salad.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp: Pair these succulent, garlic-infused shrimp for a double seafood delight! Their rich flavor adds depth and indulgence to your meal.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and caramelized, roasted vegetables bring warmth and earthiness, contrasting the coolness of your seafood salad.
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Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs and citrus complements the seafood perfectly, enhancing the freshness and adding a hearty element.
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Chilled White Wine: Opt for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the brightness of your seafood salad. Its acidity and fruity notes elevate the entire dining experience.
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Lemon Sorbet: Light and refreshing, a scoop of lemon sorbet can cleanse the palate and provide a lovely contrast to the savory flavors of the salad.
Embrace creativity with these pairings to create a vibrant, memorable meal!
Expert Tips for Seafood Salad
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Choose Fresh Seafood: Always opt for the freshest shrimp, calamari, and scallops. Frozen seafood can lead to mushy textures that detract from your seafood salad.
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Chill the Ingredients: Make sure your seafood and veggies are chilled before mixing. This enhances the crispness and overall refreshment of your seafood salad.
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Gentle Tossing: Be gentle when mixing your ingredients to avoid breaking the delicate avocado and seafood. A soft hand will keep your seafood salad looking pristine.
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Season Last: Add salt and pepper just before serving. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy and ensures that every bite is flavorful.
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Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other fresh ingredients like olives, capers, or radishes to your seafood salad for extra texture and flavor!
Seafood Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I select the freshest seafood for my salad?
Absolutely! When choosing seafood, look for vibrant colors and a fresh smell. Shrimp should be firm and have a light pink hue; calamari should look glossy and not rubbery; and scallops should be opaque and springy to touch. Ask your fishmonger about the catch of the day for the best quality!
What’s the best way to store leftover seafood salad?
To keep your leftover seafood salad fresh, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s well-covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge. For the best taste, enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge!
Can I freeze seafood salad?
While it’s tempting, I don’t recommend freezing seafood salad. The texture of the seafood and fresh vegetables can suffer when thawed, potentially resulting in a mushy salad. It’s best to prepare it fresh when you’re ready to serve for optimal taste and texture!
What should I do if my shrimp are overcooked?
Very! If you find that your shrimp are overcooked and tough, you can use them in a different dish rather than in the salad. Slice them thinly and toss them into a hearty seafood pasta or creamy soup where they can blend with other flavors, rather than trying to salvage them in the salad.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, ensure they’re not allergic to shellfish, as shrimp, scallops, and calamari fall under this category. For those observing gluten-free or low-carb diets, this seafood salad is a wonderful option. It’s fresh, delicious, and aligns with various dietary preferences!
Can I add other ingredients to customize my seafood salad?
The more the merrier! Feel free to get creative with your seafood salad. You can incorporate ingredients like olives, capers, or even diced mango for a tropical twist. Just remember to keep the balance of flavors in mind, and always mix gently to preserve the integrity of your ingredients!
Deliciously Fresh Seafood Salad to Elevate Your Meals
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn a vibrant pink. Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp and set aside to cool.
- In the same boiling water, add the calamari rings and cook for 1-2 minutes until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and let cool.
- Add the scallops to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they are opaque and firm. Drain all seafood and set aside to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the diced red bell pepper, cucumber, avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes for a colorful base.
- Once the seafood has cooled, add the shrimp, calamari, and scallops to the vegetable mixture, blending flavors in a lovely medley.
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the combined seafood and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with the finely chopped dill, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss gently to ensure even coating without breaking the avocado.
- Take a generous handful of mixed salad greens and arrange them on individual plates or a large serving platter. Top each serving with a generous portion of the seafood salad mixture.