![Seafood Components - 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1 cup calamari rings, cooked - 1 cup mussels, cooked and shelled I love using fresh seafood in this salad. The shrimp brings a sweet taste. Calamari adds a nice chewy texture, while mussels give a briny flavor. You can mix and match your seafood choices, but these three work great together. Vegetables and Extras - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped The vegetables add color and crunch. Cherry tomatoes are juicy and sweet. Cucumber gives a cool bite, while red onion adds a mild sharpness. Black olives and capers provide a salty kick. Fresh parsley brightens the dish with its green flavor. Dressing Ingredients - 1 lemon, juiced - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing is simple but powerful. Fresh lemon juice brings acidity. Extra-virgin olive oil adds richness. A pinch of salt and pepper ties it all together. This dressing enhances every bite of the salad. For the complete preparation, check the Full Recipe. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Italian seafood salad! Combining Seafood Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked shrimp, calamari rings, and mussels. These three seafood items bring great taste and texture. Make sure they are all well-cooked and ready to go. Adding Vegetables Next, it’s time to add color and crunch. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, black olives, and capers. Each vegetable adds a unique flavor. The mix will look vibrant and fresh. Dressing the Salad Now, let’s dress the salad. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the seafood and veggies. Then, drizzle in three tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. These two ingredients brighten the dish. They make all the flavors pop. Final Tossing and Serving Gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients get coated in the dressing. Now, sprinkle the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper over the top. Toss again to mix well. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend. Serve your salad in bowls or on a large platter. You can garnish with extra parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful Italian seafood salad with crusty bread for the full experience. For the complete recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. Cooking Seafood Perfectly To cook seafood right, you need timing. Overcooking makes it tough. For shrimp, cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes. For calamari, one minute is enough. Mussels can be steamed until they open, which takes about 5 minutes. This keeps them tender and tasty. Choosing Fresh Ingredients Fresh ingredients make your salad shine. Look for bright colors and firm textures. For seafood, choose bright, clear eyes on fish and a fresh smell. For veggies, select those with no soft spots. Fresh herbs add great flavor and aroma. Always wash your produce well before use. Marinating for Enhanced Flavors Marinating seafood is a game-changer. It helps blend flavors. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple marinade. Let your seafood sit in this mix for 15-30 minutes. This step is key for a tasty salad. It adds depth and makes every bite pop. For a detailed guide on making this delightful dish, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} Different Seafood Options You can switch up the seafood in this salad. Use any cooked seafood you love. Try scallops or crab instead of shrimp. You can mix and match according to your taste. Just remember to keep the seafood fresh and tasty. Vegetarian Alternative If you want a vegetarian version, skip the seafood. Use chickpeas or white beans for protein. Add artichoke hearts for a fun texture. You can also use marinated tofu as a substitute. This gives you a fresh and unique salad. Flavor Enhancements Boost flavors with herbs and spices. Fresh basil or dill can add a nice twist. You can also add red pepper flakes for some heat. A splash of balsamic vinegar can give a sweet tang. These small changes can make your salad pop. For the full recipe, check out the Italian Seafood Medley Salad. When you make Italian seafood salad, you want to keep it fresh. Here’s how to store it properly. Refrigerating Leftovers Store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh for about 2 days. Place the salad in the fridge right after serving. If you leave it out for more than 2 hours, throw it away. Keeping seafood safe is important. Freezing Options and Duration Freezing seafood salad isn't the best choice. The texture can change when thawed. If you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheating Tips If you choose to reheat your seafood, do it gently. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat for short bursts, checking often. You want to warm it, not cook it again. After reheating, let it cool a bit before serving. For more detailed steps on how to make the salad, check the Full Recipe. To make a simpler version, use fewer seafood types. You can stick to shrimp and one other kind, like crab. Replace fresh herbs with dried ones. This keeps the flavors nice without fuss. Great sides include crusty bread or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with lemon wedges on the side. These choices balance the seafood flavors nicely. The salad lasts up to two days in the fridge. Keep it in a covered container to stay fresh. Make sure to eat it within this time for the best taste. Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Just make sure to thaw it properly. Rinse the seafood under cold water before cooking. Fresh seafood gives a better texture, but frozen works too. To enhance the flavor, add more lemon juice or fresh herbs. You can also include a splash of white wine vinegar. A bit of garlic can add a nice kick too. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Italian seafood salad mixes fresh seafood with crisp veggies and a tasty dressing. You can add your favorite seafood and even make it vegetarian. Remember to refrigerate leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Experimenting with flavors and ingredients keeps this dish exciting. Make it your own with these tips, and enjoy a refreshing meal that's simple and delicious. Happy cooking!](https://pureeatsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2a48796a-7174-4693-8fdc-363ced269390-250x250.webp)
Italian Seafood Salad
Discover the vibrant flavors of an Italian Seafood Medley Salad that's perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines succulent shrimp, calamari, and mussels with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. In just 25 minutes, you can create a refreshing dish that’s sure to impress. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light dinner, click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your seafood culinary game!