🦐 Seafood Salad

📝 Description

Seafood Salad is a light, refreshing, and protein-rich dish made with tender seafood tossed in a creamy or citrusy dressing, often combined with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs. It’s perfect as a starter, sandwich filling, or main course—especially during warm weather. This recipe balances freshness, creaminess, and subtle ocean flavors without overpowering the seafood.

⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

🍽️ Servings

• Serves: 4 people

• Serving Size: ~1 cup per serving

🛒 Ingredients

Seafood

• 200 g shrimp (peeled & deveined)

• 150 g calamari (cleaned & sliced)

• 150 g cooked crab meat (or imitation crab)

• 1 bay leaf (for boiling)

• Salt (for boiling water)

Vegetables & Herbs

• ½ cup celery (finely chopped)

• ¼ cup red onion (finely diced)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill (chopped)

• 1 tbsp capers (optional)

Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

• Optional: pinch of paprika or chili flakes

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Seafood

   • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil with a bay leaf.

   • Add shrimp and calamari; cook for 2–3 minutes until just opaque.

   • Immediately drain and transfer to ice water to stop cooking.

   • Chop shrimp and calamari into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Dressing

   • In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, zest, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

3. Assemble the Salad

   • In a large bowl, combine seafood, celery, red onion, herbs, and capers.

   • Gently fold in the dressing until evenly coated.

4. Chill & Serve

   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

   • Serve chilled.

📌 Recipe Notes

• Always avoid overcooking seafood—it becomes rubbery fast.

• Use the freshest seafood possible for best flavor and safety.

• Dressing can be adjusted: creamier or tangier based on preference.

💡 Tips for Best Results

• ✔️ Ice bath is key to tender seafood

• ✔️ Chop everything evenly for balanced texture

• ✔️ Chill before serving to let flavors meld

• ✔️ Serve on lettuce, toast, or in a croissant

🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

(Values may vary depending on ingredients used)

🌟 Health Benefits

• 🧠 Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids – supports heart and brain health

• 💪 High protein – helps muscle repair and satiety

• 🥬 Low in carbs – suitable for low-carb and keto lifestyles

• 🦴 Mineral-rich – provides zinc, iodine, and selenium

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make seafood salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! It’s best made up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated.

Q: Can I use frozen seafood?
A: Absolutely—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q: How long does seafood salad last?
A: Up to 2 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes, use vegan mayo or olive-oil-based dressing.

Q: What can I serve it with?
A: Crackers, toasted bread, lettuce cups, or as a sandwich filling.