Name: Refreshing Italian Seafood Salad Recipe You’ll Love
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-491714H40M50S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 lb scallops; 1/2 lb calamari (squid), cleaned and sliced into rings; 1/2 lb mussels or clams, cleaned; Optional: 1/2 lb cooked octopus, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 stalk celery, finely chopped; 1/4 cup pitted green or black olives, sliced; 2 tablespoons capers (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped; 1–2 garlic cloves, minced (optional); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; Juice of 2 lemons; Zest of 1 lemon; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Italian Seafood Salad, also known as Insalata di Mare, is a light and refreshing Mediterranean classic made with tender seafood, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. This dish is perfect served chilled, making it ideal for summer meals, elegant gatherings, or as a refined appetizer that will impress your guests. By incorporating a variety of seafood and fresh ingredients, this salad not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides a healthy option that fits seamlessly into a balanced diet.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Seafood Salad

This Italian Seafood Salad is beloved for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly fresh and brimming with flavors from the sea. Second, it’s versatile; you can enjoy it as a light main course or a zesty side dish. Third, the vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes. Additionally, it’s a healthy choice packed with protein from seafood, making it perfect for those watching their calorie intake. You can whip up a quick version for parties or serve it as a part of an elegant Mediterranean seafood salad spread. Its refreshing taste is enhanced by the zesty Italian dressing, making it a delightful addition to any meal. For more seafood recipes, check out this seafood stock recipe.

Ingredients for Italian Seafood Salad

Gather these items:

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb scallops
1/2 lb calamari (squid), cleaned and sliced into rings
1/2 lb mussels or clams, cleaned
Optional: 1/2 lb cooked octopus, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup pitted green or black olives, sliced
2 tablespoons capers (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped
1–2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Italian Seafood Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Clean all seafood thoroughly. Pat dry.
Step 2: Boil shrimp (2–3 min), scallops (2–3 min), calamari (1–2 min), and steam mussels/clams (5–7 min). Shock in ice bath.
Step 3: Once cooled, cut seafood into bite-sized pieces if needed.
Step 4: In a large bowl, mix seafood with celery, olives, capers, and parsley.
Step 5: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Pour dressing over salad, toss gently, cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Step 7: Taste, adjust seasoning, garnish, and serve chilled.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Italian Seafood Salad

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh seafood for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the ice bath; it keeps the seafood tender.
Allow the salad to chill to let the flavors meld together.
Experiment with different seafood to create your own Italian mixed seafood salad.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Seafood Salad

Here are some serving ideas:

Serve it over a bed of arugula for a fresh twist.
Pair it with crusty bread and a glass of white wine.
Include it as part of a larger seafood antipasto salad spread for parties.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Seafood Salad

To store, place the salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed chilled, so you can prepare it a day ahead for meal prep. Use the final step from the instructions to ensure optimal flavor when serving it later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Seafood Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Seafood Salad?

The secret lies in using fresh seafood and allowing the salad to marinate in the dressing for at least an hour. This enhances the flavors and ensures a zesty Italian seafood salad experience.

Can I make Italian Seafood Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and serve it chilled when ready.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Seafood Salad?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure all seafood is properly cleaned and cooked without overcooking. Also, let it chill adequately before serving to enhance the flavors.

Variations of Italian Seafood Salad You Can Try

Here are some variations to consider:

Add fresh herbs like basil or dill for extra flavor.
Use different types of seafood like crab or lobster for an Italian-style seafood medley.
Incorporate seasonal vegetables for a fresh Italian seafood salad twist.
For a heartier version, include cooked pasta or quinoa.

Ingredients for Italian Seafood Salad including seafood and fresh herbs

Refreshing Italian Seafood Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1h 40min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

Refreshing and Authentic Italian Seafood Salad – A Mediterranean Classic You’ll Love

Instructions

Clean all seafood thoroughly. Pat dry.
Boil shrimp (2–3 min), scallops (2–3 min), calamari (1–2 min), and steam mussels/clams (5–7 min). Shock in ice bath.
Once cooled, cut seafood into bite-sized pieces if needed.
In a large bowl, mix seafood with celery, olives, capers, and parsley.
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Pour dressing over salad, toss gently, cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Taste, adjust seasoning, garnish, and serve chilled.