This Fresh Italian Seafood Salad is a colorful mix of shrimp, calamari, and mussels, all tossed together with crunchy veggies. The zesty dressing adds a bright kick that’s simply irresistible!
You know it’s good when you can’t stop reaching for seconds! I love serving this salad on a warm day, sipping iced tea while enjoying each bite. It’s like a little taste of Italy at my table! 🍤🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large, peeled shrimp are perfect for this salad. If you prefer, you can swap with scallops or even crab meat. Fresh is best, but frozen can work well too—just thaw them before cooking!
Calamari: If you’re not a fan of calamari, feel free to leave it out or replace it with cooked squid. They both give that delightful seafood taste.
Mussels: Mussels add great flavor but can be substituted with clams or more shrimp. Just ensure whatever you use is fresh and cleaned well.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes add sweetness; however, any ripe tomatoes can work. For more crunch, bell peppers are a tasty alternative. Use whatever veggies you love!
Olives: Black olives are classic, but consider green olives for a different twist, especially if you prefer a bit more tang.
How Do I Cook the Seafood Perfectly?
Cooking seafood correctly is key! Follow these tips for tender and flavorful results:
- For the shrimp and calamari, only cook them until they are just opaque. Overcooking can make them tough.
- When cooking mussels, always discard any that don’t open after cooking. It’s best for safety and taste.
- Using boiling water helps cook everything quickly; make sure your water is well-salted for flavor.
Fresh Italian Seafood Salad with Zesty Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Seafood:
- 1/2 lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb (225g) calamari rings
- 1/2 lb (225g) mussels, cleaned and debearded
For the Salad:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Zesty Dressing:
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing seafood salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 30 minutes to chill. In total, you’ll spend around 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve. Perfect for a quick meal or impressing guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Shrimp:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling nicely, add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. After that, carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate.
2. Cooking the Calamari:
Now, using the same boiling water, add the calamari rings. They only need about 1-2 minutes to cook until tender. Drain them and set aside with the shrimp. Easy, right?
3. Preparing the Mussels:
For the mussels, you have a couple of options! You can steam or boil them in a covered pot. They should take about 5-7 minutes to open. Discard any mussels that don’t open. When they’re done, let them cool slightly and remove them from their shells.
4. Mixing the Seafood:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, calamari, and mussels. This is going to be the heart of your salad!
5. Adding the Vegetables:
Next, it’s time to add some color and crunch! Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, sliced celery, black olives, and chopped parsley. Mix it gently so everything is nicely combined.
6. Making the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Get it all nice and blended!
7. Combining with Dressing:
Pour the zesty dressing over the seafood and veggies. Toss everything gently to ensure that all the ingredients are coated in that delicious dressing.
8. Chill Before Serving:
Cover your salad and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
9. Ready to Serve:
Your Fresh Italian Seafood Salad is now ready to shine! Serve it chilled or at room temperature and feel free to garnish with extra parsley or lemon slices for that final touch.
Enjoy every bite of your vibrant seafood salad with that zesty dressing! Buon appetito! 🌊🍽️
FAQ for Fresh Italian Seafood Salad with Zesty Dressing
Can I Use Frozen Seafood for This Salad?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp, calamari, and mussels completely before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Always drain and pat dry before adding them to the salad.
What Can I Substitute for Mussels?
If you’re not a fan of mussels, feel free to substitute them with clams or simply add more shrimp or calamari. Make sure whatever seafood you choose is fresh and cleaned properly.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture and flavor, it’s best to consume it fresh. Give it a gentle toss before serving again!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance! Simply follow the recipe and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just remember to toss it again before serving for an even distribution of flavors.
