Name: Refreshing Italian Seafood Salad Recipe for Summer
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 40 min
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 delightful dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. This refreshing salad is a perfect blend of tender seafood, vibrant herbs, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Whether enjoyed as a light meal on a hot summer day or as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the world of Italian flavors and learn how to create this culinary masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Seafood Salad

This Italian Seafood Salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience! Here are a few reasons why you will adore it:

Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
A healthy option packed with protein from seafood, perfect for a low-carb diet.
Versatile enough to serve as a main course or a fancy appetizer.
The bright flavors of lemon and fresh herbs awaken your taste buds.
It’s gluten-free and suitable for seafood lovers.
A great way to introduce a variety of seafood, making it a mixed seafood salad recipe.

This Mediterranean seafood salad brings the coastal flavors of Italy right to your table, making it a beloved choice for many.

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.
Chill the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Feel free to experiment with different seafood types to create your ideal seafood antipasto salad.
For an extra kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Seafood Salad

This salad is perfect on its own, but here are some serving ideas:

Serve over a bed of arugula for added freshness.
Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.
As a side to grilled meats or fish for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Seafood Salad

To store, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will continue to develop. However, it’s best served fresh and chilled. Avoid reheating as it may alter the seafood’s texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Seafood Salad

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Seafood Salad?

Using a variety of fresh seafood is key to achieving a balanced flavor in your Italian fish salad. Ensure that all seafood is cooked just right to maintain its tenderness.

Can I make Italian Seafood Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish can be prepared a few hours in advance, making it an excellent option for entertaining. Just remember to keep it chilled until serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Seafood Salad?

To avoid overcooking the seafood, keep a close eye on the cooking times. Also, allow the salad to rest in the fridge for at least an hour to enhance flavor.

Variations of Italian Seafood Salad You Can Try

If you want to mix things up, consider these variations:

Add avocado for a creamy texture.
Incorporate diced tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
Use different types of olives for a unique twist.
Try it with a vinaigrette dressing for a lighter option.

This Quick Italian seafood salad for dinner is not only flavorful but also adaptable to suit your preferences!

Refreshing Italian Seafood Salad Recipe for Summer - Italian Seafood Salad - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Mediterranean chicken for a delightful meal. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, our classic vanilla ice cream is a perfect treat!

For more information on the health benefits of seafood, you can visit Seafood Nutrition.