Mediterranean Sunshine Seafood Salad
Recipe Introduction: Seaside Flavours at Home
Ever find yourself dreaming of a Mediterranean getaway? This seafood salad recipe is your ticket! It brings that sunshine-y, seaside vibe right to your kitchen.
The bright lemon vinaigrette and fresh seafood create a flavour explosion.
Catching the Perfect Bite
Honestly, I stumbled upon this best seafood salad recipe while trying to recreate a salad I had on holiday. The beauty of a Mediterranean seafood salad recipe lies in its simplicity.
It’s about highlighting fresh, vibrant ingredients.
What’s the Deal?
This Italian seafood salad recipe draws inspiration from the coastal regions of Italy and Greece. This recipe is rated as medium difficulty and takes about an hour to make, including chilling time.
It serves around 4 people. Perfect as a light lunch or an elegant appetizer. It’s a great option if you're looking for a seafood salad appetizer !
Why You'll Love This Salad
One of the best things? It’s packed with protein and healthy fats. I always think it’s ideal for a summer seafood salad .
What makes this fresh seafood salad truly special is the combination of perfectly cooked seafood and a tangy seafood salad with lemon vinaigrette .
Picture succulent shrimp, flaky white fish and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty dressing!
It's quick, easy, and bursting with flavour. Let's dive into the seafood salad ingredients you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Secret to a Killer Seafood Salad Recipe
Right then, let's talk ingredients for the best seafood salad recipe ! We need good stuff to make this shine.
Honestly, a great seafood salad with lemon vinaigrette starts with quality. Think fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavour.
Main Ingredients: The Seafood Symphony
- Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) . Go for medium size. Look for firm texture and a clean smell. Nobody wants manky prawns!
- White Fish: 8 ounces (225g) . Cod, haddock or halibut works great. The flesh should be firm and bounce back when you press it.
- Calamari: 8 ounces (225g) . Pre-cleaned rings are easier. Make sure they're white and not slimy, you know?
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for the shrimp.
- Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the Mediterranean seafood salad recipe , freshness is key. I once tried using slightly old calamari... Big mistake! The texture was awful. Don't be me! Get the good stuff.
Seasoning Notes: The Zesty Zing
- Lemon Vinaigrette: Olive oil ( 1/4 cup/60ml ), lemon juice ( 3 tablespoons/45ml ), garlic ( 1 clove ). Dijon mustard ( 1 teaspoon ), oregano ( 1/2 teaspoon ). Red pepper flakes are optional ( 1/4 teaspoon ). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley and basil ( 1/4 cup/15g each ). Don’t skimp on these.
This easy seafood salad recipe relies on the vinaigrette. That lemon zing cuts through the richness. You could use dried herbs if you have to, but fresh is way better.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- A Big Pot: For poaching the fish and calamari.
- Frying Pan: Sautéing the shrimp.
- Big Bowl: All the salad bits need a home!
- Whisk: For that dreamy vinaigrette.
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this summer seafood salad . A decent pot and pan are all you need. A bowl, a knife.
You're good to go! This chilled seafood salad is so refreshing! The perfect seafood salad appetizer or light meal, think of it as a fresh seafood salad with an Italian seafood salad recipe twist.
Nailing the Perfect Seafood Salad: A step-by-step Guide
Oh my gosh, who doesn't love a good seafood salad recipe , especially when the sun is shining? I'm talking about a proper Mediterranean seafood salad recipe , not some sad, mayo drenched thing.
We're going for fresh, zesty, and bursting with flavour. This easy seafood salad recipe is perfect for a summer seafood salad vibe, honestly.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Mate!
First things first: get organised. It's all about the mise en place. Get all your seafood salad ingredients prepped. Chop your cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and slice that red onion thinly.
Honestly, it makes all the difference. Roughly the same size will give it a nice mouthfeel. Safety first, always! And please, don't forget to wash your hands.
step-by-step: Cooking Your Dream Seafood Salad
- Cook the Fish: Poach the white fish in boiling, salted water for just 3- 5 minutes . It should flake easily.
- Calamari Time: In the same water, cook the calamari for 2- 3 minutes until tender. Nobody wants rubbery calamari!
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté the shrimp with salt and pepper for 3- 5 minutes until pink.
- Vinaigrette Magic: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy), salt, and pepper.
- Assemble! Combine everything in a bowl. Fish, calamari, shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and basil.
- Dress It Up: Pour that lush vinaigrette over the salad and mix gently.
- Chill Out: Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This is crucial for the best seafood salad recipe .
Pro Tips: Seaside Secrets
Don't overcook the seafood! Trust me on this. It’ll turn into a rubbery mess. Taste your vinaigrette and adjust the seasoning.
A little extra lemon juice for tang? Go for it!. This seafood salad with lemon vinaigrette is awesome. For seafood salad appetizer try serving it on bruschetta.
One time, I completely forgot to chill the salad and, while it still tasted good, it didn’t have that refreshing zing that makes it so special.
Chilling it allows the flavours to really marry, you know? You can also make the vinaigrette a day ahead. This Italian seafood salad recipe and fresh seafood salad can be prepped ahead.
Recipe Notes for the Best Seafood Salad Recipe
Alright, you've nailed the easy seafood salad recipe , now let's finesse it! These are my extra bits of wisdom, the stuff I learned when I messed it up, so you don't have to.
Honestly, who needs rubbery calamari? Not us. So, keep these little nuggets in mind!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
How you present your chilled seafood salad matters! Forget just dumping it in a bowl. I like to serve this Mediterranean seafood salad recipe on a bed of fresh, peppery rocket leaves.
It looks fancy, and the peppery flavour contrasts nicely with the seafood salad with lemon vinaigrette . For an extra touch, arrange some lemon wedges and sprigs of dill around the edges.
And don’t forget crusty bread to soak up that delicious dressing! This seafood salad appetizer is fab with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio.
Trust me!
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
This fresh seafood salad is best served the same day. If you absolutely have to store it, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours .
Any longer and the seafood gets a bit, well, sad. Don't even think about freezing it! Nobody wants mushy seafood salad.
When reheating (though I wouldn’t advise it!), give it a gentle toss and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up.
Honestly, just make a fresh batch!
Variations: Make It Your Own
Fancy a little twist on the Italian seafood salad recipe ? How about a spicy kick? Just add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the vinaigrette.
Boom! It's got some zing . To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free. During winter, use blood oranges instead of lemon for a lovely seasonal twist.
Nutrition Basics: Healthy and Delicious!
Each serving of this best seafood salad recipe clocks in at about 350 calories. It’s packed with protein (30g!), thanks to all that glorious seafood.
You also get 20g of healthy fats. Carbs are low, around 10g. This summer seafood salad is light, nutritious, and full of those good for-you omega-3s from the fish.
Plus, the lemon juice gives you a boost of vitamin C. Winner winner, seafood dinner!
Now, go forth and conquer that seafood salad recipe ! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this seafood salad recipe ahead of time? I'm planning a garden party, innit?
Absolutely! In fact, the Mediterranean Sunshine Seafood Salad tastes even better after the flavours have had a chance to meld together. I'd recommend making it up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good toss before serving.
No one wants a soggy salad at their bash!
Help! My calamari is always rubbery. What's the secret to getting it right in this seafood salad recipe?
Ah, the dreaded rubbery calamari! The trick is to cook it either very briefly or for a long time. For this recipe, we're going for the quick method: only 2-3 minutes in boiling water. Overcooking is the enemy! If you accidentally leave it in too long, don't despair, it can still be eaten, but will be slightly tougher.
I'm not a huge fan of calamari. Can I substitute it with something else in this seafood salad recipe?
No worries, mate, substitutions are welcome! If calamari isn't your cup of tea, you could easily replace it with more shrimp, cooked mussels, or even some chunks of cooked lobster or crab meat for a more luxurious touch. Just adjust the quantities to keep the overall seafood volume roughly the same.
You could even add some extra white fish if you like!
How long does this seafood salad recipe keep in the fridge? I'm not planning on eating all 4 servings at once.
This seafood salad is best enjoyed within 2 days of making it. After that, the seafood can start to lose its freshness and the vegetables can become a bit soggy, bit like a leftover sarnie. Be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its quality.
Always give it a sniff test before digging in, just to be on the safe side!
Is this seafood salad recipe healthy? I'm watching my waistline, you know?
Good news! This salad is packed with protein from the seafood and full of healthy fats from the olive oil, so it's a relatively healthy choice. The veggies add fibre and vitamins too. If you're particularly calorie conscious, you could reduce the amount of olive oil in the vinaigrette or use a lighter dressing.
Also, remember to adjust portion sizes according to your dietary needs. It’s all about balance, innit!
Mediterranean Sunshine Seafood Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
