Perfect Italian Seafood Salad Recipe for Sunny Summer Lunches

Ocean breezes whisper memories of my summer adventures with this classic italian seafood salad that dancing between light freshness and bold Mediterranean flavors.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this delightful dish packed with tender seafood and zesty herbs.

Coastal regions along Italy’s stunning shorelines contribute authentic ingredients to this vibrant recipe.

Crisp vegetables and succulent seafood create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Each forkful carries the essence of sun-drenched seaside markets and generations of culinary tradition.

Bright lemon and delicate herbs elevate simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Sea-kissed flavors await you in this simple yet spectacular seafood celebration.

FAQs

• What type of seafood works best in this salad?

Shrimp, calamari, and scallops are the ideal combination, offering a mix of textures and flavors. These seafood varieties cook quickly and absorb the zesty dressing beautifully.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like super spicy food?

Yes, the red pepper flakes are optional. You can adjust the amount or skip them entirely to control the heat level according to your preference.

• How fresh should the seafood be for this recipe?

Use the freshest seafood possible. Look for seafood with a clean, ocean-like smell and firm texture. If it smells fishy or looks discolored, it’s not good to use.

• Can I prepare this salad in advance for a dinner party?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better after marinating for a few hours. Prepare it a day ahead and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator, making your party prep easier.

What You’ll Appreciate About Italian Seafood Salad

• Quick-Prep Delight: Whips up in under 30 minutes with minimal cooking steps, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a gourmet meal without complex techniques.
• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with lean protein from seafood, low in calories, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, offering a healthy Mediterranean-style dish that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Versatile Entertaining Option: Excellent as an appetizer, light lunch, or summer party dish that impresses guests with its elegant presentation and fresh ingredients, suitable for casual gatherings or sophisticated dinner parties.
• Flexible Ingredient Adaptation: Easy to customize by swapping seafood types or adjusting spice levels, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and taste sensibilities.

Italian Seafood Salad Ingredient Combo

• Shrimp: Fresh and sweet protein that adds delicate ocean flavor to the salad.
• Calamari: Tender sea ingredient with a mild, slightly chewy texture.
• Scallops: Soft and buttery seafood that brings rich marine taste.

• Celery, Red Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Crisp vegetables that provide crunch and fresh garden notes.
• Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and herbaceous freshness to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds deep, pungent undertones.

• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that tenderizes seafood and adds zesty tang.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Smooth, rich dressing base with fruity Mediterranean character.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.

Italian Seafood Salad Assembly Plan

Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Shrimp

Fill a large pot with water and add salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Carefully drop shrimp into the boiling water and cook until they turn a vibrant pink color, about 2-3 minutes.

Use a slotted spoon to remove shrimp and set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare Calamari and Scallops

Using the same pot of boiling water, gently add calamari and scallops.

Cook these delicate seafood items for 1-2 minutes until they are just opaque.

Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them cool completely.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Vegetables

• Celery (thinly sliced)
• Red onion (finely diced)
• Bell pepper (chopped into small pieces)
• Garlic (minced)
• Fresh parsley (roughly chopped)

Step 4: Create Zesty Dressing

• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Step 5: Combine Seafood and Vegetables

In a large serving bowl, gently mix the cooled shrimp, calamari, and scallops with the chopped vegetables.

Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Dress and Chill the Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the seafood and vegetable mixture.

Toss everything gently to ensure each piece is well-coated with the zesty dressing.

Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld together.

Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer or light meal.

Italian Seafood Salad With Bright Dressing and Chill-Time Advice

• Choose the freshest seafood possible for the most vibrant and delicious flavad. Ask your fishmonger about that day's catch to ensure top quality.
• Cook seafood precisely to avoid rubbery texture. Remove shrimp, calamari, and scallops immediately when they turn opaque and firm to maintain tender, delicate consistency.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference. Start with a small amount and gradually increase for a personalized flavor profile without overwhelming the seafood's natural taste.
• Let the salad sit longer than one hour if possible. Overnight refrigeration allows flavors to develop more deeply, creating a more complex and integrated taste experience.
• Serve on a bed of mixed greens or with crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious dressing. Chilled serving temperature highlights the salad's refreshing Mediterranean character.

Keep Italian Seafood Salad Cold And Crisp

• Store leftover seafood salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Not recommended due to seafood's delicate texture. Freezing can make shrimp, calamari, and scallops become tough and lose their tender quality.
• Serve cold directly from the refrigerator. If desired, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and softness.
• Discard seafood salad if it smells fishy or looks discolored. Always prioritize food safety when handling seafood leftovers.

What Complements Italian Seafood Salad

• Pair Fresh Mediterranean White Wine: Crisp, light Vermentino complements the seafood's delicate flavors and cuts through the olive oil dressing perfectly.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Rustic Italian bread provides a wonderful texture contrast and helps soak up the zesty citrus-herb marinade.
• Create Bright Citrus Salad Companion: Prepare a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to enhance the seafood's fresh Mediterranean profile and add green complexity.
• Match with Chilled Prosecco: Sparkling Italian wine adds celebratory bubbles and refreshing acidity that elevates the entire seafood experience.

Italian Seafood Salad with Fresh Herb Options

• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Seafood Salad: Replace traditional ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Ocean Medley: Reduce salt content by using fresh herbs, lemon zest, and minimal salt. Swap salt with herb blends to maintain flavor complexity without sodium.
• Keto-Friendly Seafood Protein Bowl: Remove onions and bell peppers. Add extra virgin olive oil, replace parsley with fresh dill, and incorporate avocado chunks for healthy fat content.
• Spicy Citrus Seafood Mix: Increase red pepper flakes, add orange zest, include chopped jalapeños, and incorporate fresh cilantro for a zesty, heat-packed version of the original recipe.

Italian Seafood Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Culinary magic emerges in this zesty Italian Seafood Salad, blending Mediterranean flavors with fresh oceanic delights. Delicate seafood mingles with crisp herbs, promising a refreshing journey that transports you directly to coastal Italian shores.

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Ingredients

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Main Seafood Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound calamari, cleaned and sliced
• 1/2 pound scallops

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dressing and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil, preparing to poach the seafood delicately.
2. Gently immerse shrimp in the bubbling water, cooking for approximately 2-3 minutes until they transform to a vibrant pink hue, then carefully extract and set aside on a clean surface.
3. Utilize the same pot of simmering water to quickly cook calamari and scallops, ensuring a tender texture by limiting cooking time to 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling area.
4. Assemble a large mixing vessel and combine the expertly cooked seafood with crisp celery, pungent red onion, colorful bell pepper, aromatic garlic, and fresh parsley.
5. Create a zesty vinaigrette by whisking together bright lemon juice, rich olive oil, seasoning with salt, cracked black pepper, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes in a separate small bowl.
6. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the seafood and vegetable medley, thoroughly tossing to ensure each morsel is evenly coated with the vibrant flavors.
7. Seal the salad in a container and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour, enabling the ingredients to meld and intensify their collective taste profile before serving chilled.

Notes

• Ensure seafood is ultra-fresh to guarantee the best flavor and prevent potential foodborne illness.
• Use cold water bath immediately after boiling seafood to stop cooking process and maintain tender texture.
• Keep cooking times precise for each seafood type to prevent rubbery or overcooked results.
• Consider substituting shrimp, calamari, or scallops with alternative proteins like firm white fish for dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg