Created on November 13th, 2025 at 03:30 pm
A refreshing blend of ocean flavors and crisp vegetables
Italian Seafood Salad is a delightful dish that encapsulates the essence of coastal Italy. By combining fresh seafood with vibrant vegetables, it creates a medley that is both light and satisfying. The succulent textures of shrimp and calamari contrast beautifully with the crispness of bell peppers and celery. The dish is brightened by a zesty lemon dressing, adding a refreshing aroma that wafts through the air as it is served. Perfect for a warm day or as a light starter for a gathering, this salad appeals to both seafood lovers and those looking for a healthy option.
What makes this Italian Seafood Salad special is its versatility. It can serve as a main course or a side dish, making it perfect for any occasion. The colors from the seafood and vegetables blend together beautifully, creating an appealing presentation that is sure to impress your guests. The flavors meld harmoniously, with the tang of lemon balancing the sweetness of the seafood, leading to a satisfying and refreshing experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian Seafood Salad is an embodiment of what makes flavors shine through simplicity. The seafood, when cooked just right, retains its tenderness and offers a delicate mouthfeel. Each bite brings a burst of flavor, from the brininess of the shrimp to the subtle sweetness of the calamari. The crisp, fresh vegetables add both texture and a vibrant visual appeal.
This salad is also incredibly easy to prepare. It requires little cooking, allowing you to focus on the vibrant ingredients. Serve it chilled, and it also makes an excellent dish to prepare ahead of time; flavors develop beautifully overnight. Whether as a light lunch on a sunny day or at a backyard gathering, this salad brings a touch of sophistication without overwhelming effort.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 12 oz (≈340 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz (≈225 g) calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 lemon, juiced (for dressing)
- ¼ cup olive oil (for dressing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: arugula for serving
Kitchen Tools
Cooking this Italian Seafood Salad is straightforward and stress-free, requiring just a few essential tools that you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Large pot (for boiling seafood)
- Colander (for draining)
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the shrimp and calamari, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and the calamari is opaque. Drain in a colander and set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the boiled seafood with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and celery. The vibrant colors should mix well, creating a visually appealing salad.
- In another bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. This dressing will bring a bright, refreshing note to the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the seafood and vegetable mixture, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. The aroma of fresh lemon will begin to fill the air.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve on a bed of arugula or alone, garnished with fresh parsley for added color.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to not overcook the seafood to retain its tenderness.
- Substitute with your favorite seafood, like scallops or crab, to mix things up.
- Chill the seafood before mixing with the vegetables for a refreshing bite.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator and can taste even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld.
Seafood Comfort, Made Simple
Italian Seafood Salad is a refreshing, easy dish that embodies the vibrant spirit of Italy. Its blend of textures and flavors brings a satisfying taste experience, while the simplicity of preparation makes it approachable for any home cook. This dish proves that gourmet comfort can be simple and satisfying.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Italian Seafood Salad
Ingredients
Seafood
- 12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz calamari, cleaned and sliced into rings
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red and yellow), diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
Dressing
- 1 lemon, juiced (for dressing)
- ¼ cup olive oil (for dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Arugula (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Cooking Seafood
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Once boiling, add the shrimp and calamari, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and the calamari is opaque.
- Drain in a colander and set aside to cool.
Combining Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine the boiled seafood with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and celery.
Preparing Dressing
- In another bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Assembling Salad
- Drizzle the dressing over the seafood and vegetable mixture, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve on a bed of arugula or alone, garnished with fresh parsley for added color.
Notes
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