The ocean breeze, mixed with the tantalizing aroma of fresh seafood and zesty lemon, creates a culinary experience that’s nothing short of magical. Imagine a vibrant Italian Seafood Salad, bursting with flavors that dance on your palate and textures that keep you coming back for more. This dish is perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or even a cozy dinner at home when you want to impress without the fuss.

As I recall my first encounter with this delightful dish during a sun-soaked vacation by the coast of Italy, I can almost hear the laughter of friends and taste the salty air mingling with the juicy morsels of shrimp and calamari. It wasn’t just a salad; it was an explosion of freshness that made every bite feel like a celebration. Now, let’s take a dive into this delicious recipe that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean!

Ingredients for Italian Seafood Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Shrimp: Use about 1 pound of medium-sized shrimp; ensure they are peeled and deveined for convenience.
• Calamari: About 1 pound of cleaned calamari rings gives texture and adds to the seafood medley.
• Cherry Tomatoes: A cup of vibrant cherry tomatoes adds sweetness and color; halved for better presentation.
• Cucumber: One medium cucumber brings crunchiness; peel it if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Red Onion: Half a small red onion provides sharpness; slice thinly to avoid overpowering other ingredients.

For the Dressing:

• Olive Oil: Use about 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil for richness and flavor enhancement.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice from two lemons gives the salad its refreshing zing.
• Dried Oregano: One teaspoon helps to bring out that classic Mediterranean taste in every bite.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

this recipe

How to Make Italian Seafood Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prep Your Seafood

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp first since they cook faster—just about two to three minutes until they turn pink. Then toss in the calamari rings for another minute until they become tender yet firm. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Step 2: Chop Your Veggies

While your seafood cools off, grab your knife and cutting board! Dice up those cherry tomatoes in half, chop your cucumber into bite-sized pieces, and slice that red onion thinly enough so it doesn’t scare anyone away with its intensity.

Step 3: Whisk Up That Dressing

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until all ingredients blend harmoniously together—this dressing is going to be the life of your salad party.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooled seafood with chopped veggies. Drizzle your homemade dressing over everything while gently tossing it all together like you’re at an Italian wedding reception!

Step 5: Chill Out

Cover your salad with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for at least half an hour. This allows all those flavors to mingle—a little chill time never hurt anyone.

Step 6: Serve Up!

When ready to serve, give it one last gentle toss before plating it up beautifully on your chosen dishware. You can also garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy!

This Italian Seafood Salad is best enjoyed chilled alongside some crusty bread or simply on its own as a refreshing meal option. Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra dressing for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every zesty bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your seafood to ensure it’s tender and flavorful, then whip up the dressing while the seafood cools. Toss everything together right before serving to keep ingredients fresh and zesty.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite seafood or add seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers. A splash of lemon juice can amp up the freshness, while herbs like dill or parsley offer a lovely aromatic touch.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Italian seafood salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating; instead, enjoy it cold for the best taste and texture.

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my cousin’s wedding where I made this dish. Everyone raved about it, and it felt great to see everyone enjoying my creation.

FAQs:

What is Italian Seafood Salad?

Italian seafood salad is a vibrant dish that typically combines a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, calamari, and scallops, tossed with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. The salad is often flavored with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil to create a refreshing taste. It serves as an excellent appetizer or light meal, perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions. This dish highlights the best of Italian cuisine while celebrating the flavors of the sea.

How do I prepare Italian Seafood Salad?

To prepare Italian seafood salad, start by cooking your chosen seafood, such as shrimp or squid, until tender. Allow it to cool while you chop fresh vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions. Combine the seafood and veggies in a large bowl. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Can I make Italian Seafood Salad in advance?

Yes, you can make Italian seafood salad in advance! Prepare the salad several hours before serving or even a day prior. However, for optimal freshness and texture, it’s best to add delicate ingredients like avocado just before serving. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it cool. This advance preparation makes it an ideal dish for parties or family gatherings where you want to save time on the day of the event.

What variations can I try for Italian Seafood Salad?

There are many delicious variations for Italian seafood salad! You can substitute different types of seafood like crab or lobster based on your preferences. Additionally, feel free to add more vegetables such as cucumber or olives for extra flavor and crunch. For a twist on traditional recipes, consider incorporating fruit juices into your dressing or using herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness. These adaptations can enhance your dish while still keeping with its core Italian roots.

Conclusion for Italian Seafood Salad:

Italian seafood salad is a delightful dish that showcases a blend of fresh seafood and vibrant vegetables. By preparing this salad ahead of time and utilizing various ingredient substitutions, you can customize it to suit your tastes. With its refreshing flavors and beautiful presentation, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making this easy recipe that celebrates both Italian cuisine and the bounty of the sea!

Print

Italian Seafood Salad

---

• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Italian Seafood Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. This delightful salad features succulent shrimp and tender calamari, complemented by colorful vegetables and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or as an impressive appetizer, this easy-to-make dish offers a burst of flavors that will leave your guests craving more. Serve it chilled with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own for a light, satisfying meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound calamari rings, cleaned
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 0.5 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink; add calamari for an additional minute until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While seafood cools, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine cooled seafood with chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or olives. For an indulgent twist, substitute crab or lobster for part of the seafood.