There’s something truly magical about a seafood salad that just screams freshness. The moment you dive into a bowl filled with succulent shrimp, tender crab meat, and buttery scallops, it’s like a taste of the ocean in every bite! I remember the first time I made this salad; I had a bunch of friends over for a summer barbecue, and I wanted something light yet bursting with flavor. As I tossed everything together, the colors and aromas filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to serve it. Trust me, this seafood salad is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors and a reminder of sunny days by the sea. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients for Seafood Salad
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, flaked
- 1 cup scallops, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mixed greens, washed and dried
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for sweetness
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced for a bit of bite
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced for crunch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin for the best flavor
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed for a zesty kick
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy!
How to Prepare Seafood Salad
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, gently add the shrimp and scallops. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. You want them tender, not rubbery!
- Once cooked, drain the seafood in a colander and let it cool. I usually run cold water over them to speed up the cooling process – nobody likes warm salad!
- While the seafood cools, grab a big mixing bowl and toss in the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber. The colors are so vibrant; they really make the salad pop!
- Now, it’s time to add our star ingredients: the cooled shrimp, crab meat, and scallops. Gently fold them into the salad, being careful not to break anything apart.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Then, drizzle this dressing over the salad and toss everything together lightly. You want all those flavors to mingle beautifully!
- Finally, serve your seafood salad chilled, and get ready for everyone to rave about it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Healthy and light: Packed with protein and fresh veggies, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Bright and refreshing: The mix of seafood and crisp greens offers a burst of flavors that awaken your taste buds.
- Customizable: Easily swap or add your favorite ingredients to make it your own!
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy dinner, this seafood salad fits right in.
Tips for Success
To really elevate your seafood salad, always go for the freshest seafood you can find—trust me, it makes a world of difference! If you can, visit your local fish market or grocery store’s seafood counter. When it comes to seasoning, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go; a little extra lemon juice or a sprinkle of salt can really bring those flavors to life. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a burst of freshness. Lastly, serve it chilled for the best experience—nothing says summer like a refreshing bowl of seafood salad!
Variations of Seafood Salad
If you’re looking to switch things up with your seafood salad, the possibilities are endless! For a twist on the classic, try adding some grilled octopus or even some smoked salmon for a touch of sophistication. You can also mix in different types of seafood like mussels or calamari—just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Feeling a bit tropical? Toss in some diced mango or avocado for a creamier texture that pairs beautifully with seafood. For a bit of crunch, add some toasted nuts or seeds. And don’t forget about flavor; a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning or a dash of hot sauce can take your salad to the next level. Get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because this salad is so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that seafood salads are best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat them sooner rather than later! If you want to reheat, be careful—microwave for just a few seconds to warm it slightly, but I recommend enjoying it cold for the best flavor and texture. Trust me, the crispness of the veggies and the freshness of the seafood make it absolutely delightful straight from the fridge!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for this delicious seafood salad. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, and a hearty 25g of protein. With just 2g of sugar and 300mg of sodium, it’s a healthy choice for any meal. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence while savoring this vibrant dish!
FAQ about Seafood Salad
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking. Frozen shrimp and scallops can be a great time-saver, and they still taste delicious in this seafood salad.
How long can I store leftovers?
You can keep your seafood salad in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember, the fresher the seafood, the better the salad will taste!
Can I add other ingredients to my seafood salad?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in things like avocado, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese. It’s all about personalizing it to your taste!
Is this seafood salad healthy?
Yes! It’s loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies, making it a fantastic choice for a light meal or side dish. Plus, it’s low in calories, so you can enjoy it guilt-free!
What’s the best way to serve this salad?
I recommend serving it chilled for the best flavor. It’s perfect on its own or as a refreshing side dish at summer gatherings. Trust me, everyone will love it!
For more delicious seafood recipes, check out this seafood paella recipe or these seafood enchiladas!
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Seafood Salad: 5 Irresistibly Fresh Flavor Combinations
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A refreshing seafood salad packed with flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cooked crab meat
- 1 cup scallops, sliced
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil shrimp and scallops until cooked, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain and cool the seafood.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber.
- Add shrimp, crab meat, and scallops to the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: seafood salad, healthy salad, seafood recipes
