Italian Seafood Salad Recipe: Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Occasion
A fresh, vibrant Italian Seafood Salad Recipe is a true celebration of the sea and Mediterranean flavors. Imagine tender shrimp, succulent calamari, and juicy scallops tossed with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing. This salad is light, refreshing, and brimming with textures and colors, making it perfect for a quick lunch, a stunning appetizer, or an elegant dish for gatherings and dinner parties. Each bite carries a balance of freshness and richness: the seafood brings natural umami, the vegetables add crunch, and the dressing ties it all together with tangy, aromatic notes. Inspired by coastal Italian cuisine, this salad is both healthy and indulgent, allowing you to enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean right at your dining table.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a table listing the ingredients along with approximate calorie counts per serving:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked shrimp | 1 cup (150 g) | 120 |
| Calamari rings (cooked) | 1 cup (100 g) | 90 |
| Scallops (cooked) | 1 cup (100 g) | 112 |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup, halved | 27 |
| Red onion | 1/4 cup, thinly sliced | 12 |
| Celery | 1/2 cup, chopped | 8 |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp | 2 |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | 8 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tbsp | 238 |
| Capers (optional) | 1 tbsp | 2 |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | 0 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood:
Cook shrimp, calamari, and scallops if not already cooked. Let them cool completely before assembling the salad. - Prepare Vegetables:
Slice cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, chop celery, and roughly chop fresh parsley. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. - Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked seafood with vegetables, capers, and chopped parsley. - Add Dressing:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Chill (Optional):
For a refreshing, cold salad, refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add More Seafood: Include crab meat, mussels, or lobster for a luxurious twist.
- Vegetable Variations: Add bell peppers, cucumber, or arugula for extra crunch and freshness.
- Dressing Twist: Add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes for a subtle heat.
- Meal Prep Option: This salad can be made a few hours in advance; keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain crisp vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 619 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 45 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a light lunch with crusty Italian bread.
- Pair with chilled white wine or sparkling water for a coastal Italian experience.
- Offer as a starter or appetizer for dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
- Add grilled vegetables or arugula for a more substantial meal.
Italian Seafood Salad Recipe: Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Occasion
4
servings15
minutes10
minutes619
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantity
Cooked shrimpt1 cup (150 g)
Calamari rings (cooked)t1 cup (100 g)
Scallops (cooked)t1 cup (100 g)
Cherry tomatoest1 cup, halved
Red oniont1/4 cup, thinly sliced
Celeryt1/2 cup, chopped
Fresh parsley, choppedt2 tbsp
Lemon juicet2 tbsp
Extra virgin olive oilt2 tbsp
Capers (optional)t1 tbsp
Salt & black peppertTo taste
Directions
- Cook Seafood (if needed): Cook shrimp, calamari, and scallops. Let cool completely.
- Prepare Vegetables: Halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, chop celery, and parsley.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss seafood, vegetables, capers, and parsley.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill (Optional): Refrigerate 15–30 minutes for a refreshing salad. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Seafood Quality Matters: Use fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor and texture. Frozen seafood works too, but thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Chill for Best Flavor: While it can be served immediately, refrigerating for 15–30 minutes allows flavors to meld and makes the salad more refreshing.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen seafood for this salad?
Yes! Frozen shrimp, calamari, or scallops work well. Thaw completely, pat dry, and cook as needed before adding to the salad to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
2. Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare it a few hours in advance, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
3. What type of seafood works best?
Shrimp, calamari, and scallops are classic. You can also add mussels, crab meat, or lobster for a more luxurious version. Fresh, high-quality seafood is ideal.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, though it will no longer be a seafood salad. Replace the seafood with grilled vegetables, chickpeas, or marinated tofu for a Mediterranean-style vegetarian salad.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.
Conclusion
An Italian Seafood Salad is a versatile, elegant, and refreshing dish that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. Combining tender seafood, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, it’s perfect for health-conscious eaters and seafood lovers alike. Easy to prepare yet visually stunning, this salad works beautifully for casual lunches, sophisticated dinners, or festive gatherings. With endless customization options, you can tailor it to your taste while keeping the fresh, vibrant flavors that make it a classic Italian favorite.
