Italian Seafood Salad

 

🇮🇹 Italian Seafood Salad

✅ Ingredients:

Seafood (can be adjusted):

1/2 lb (225g) cooked shrimp, peeled & deveined

1/2 lb (225g) cooked calamari (squid rings & tentacles)

1/2 lb (225g) cooked scallops or bay scallops

1/4 lb (115g) cooked octopus, chopped (optional)

1/4 lb (115g) mussels or clams (steamed and shelled)

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Juice of 1–2 lemons

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh oregano or basil, chopped (optional)

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For Serving (optional):

Thinly sliced celery or fennel

Cherry tomatoes, halved

Lemon wedges

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Seafood

Steam or simmer each type of seafood separately just until tender (2–3 minutes for shrimp and scallops, 40–60 minutes for octopus).

Drain and cool completely. Cut into bite-sized pieces if needed.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

Olive oil

Lemon juice

Red wine vinegar

Garlic

Chopped parsley

Oregano or basil

Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes

3. Assemble the Salad

Combine all the seafood in a large bowl.

Add any vegetables like celery, fennel, or tomatoes.

Pour dressing over the seafood and gently toss to coat.

4. Marinate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours).

Toss again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

5. Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with lemon wedges and extra herbs.

🐟 Tips for Success:

Don’t overcook the seafood — keep it tender.

Let it marinate to develop deep Mediterranean flavor.

Serve with crusty Italian bread or on a bed of greens.