Embarking on a culinary journey often leads to discovering refreshing and satisfying dishes, and a Seafood Salad is undoubtedly one such treasure. Packed with a medley of flavors from the ocean, vibrant vegetables, and zesty dressing, this Seafood Salad Recipe promises a burst of freshness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a light and nutritious meal, this dish is the perfect balance of health and indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, calamari, and/or scallops), cooked and chilled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Seafood:
- Cook Seafood: Boil, steam, or grill the seafood until fully cooked. Allow it to cool, then refrigerate until chilled.
Making the Dressing:
- Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Assembling the Seafood Salad:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chilled seafood, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
- Drizzle Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the seafood and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until well coated.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the Seafood Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Pro Tips:
- Seafood Selection: Choose a mix of seafood based on your preferences. Shrimp, calamari, and scallops work well together, but feel free to customize according to your taste.
- Freshness Matters: Opt for fresh and high-quality seafood for the best flavor. If using frozen seafood, ensure it is properly thawed before cooking.
- Versatility: This Seafood Salad is versatile; serve it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
The Seafood Salad Recipe offers a delightful escape to the freshness of the ocean combined with the crispness of garden vegetables. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or the star of your summer gathering, this salad embodies the essence of a healthy and flavorful meal. With a vibrant array of colors and textures, each forkful brings a harmonious blend of seafood and garden goodness. So, venture into your kitchen, embrace the simplicity of this recipe, and treat yourself to a Seafood Salad that captures the essence of the sea on your plate.