Quick & Zesty Seafood Salad Recipe for Refreshing Meals

Summer’s warmth calls for a refreshing seafood salad that whisks you straight to coastal bliss.

Crisp vegetables and tender ocean treasures combine in a light, zesty dish perfect for lazy afternoons.

Succulent shrimp, delicate crab, and bright herbs dance together, creating a symphony of flavors.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each colorful, vibrant bite.

Fresh ingredients make this recipe sing with simplicity and elegance.

Minimal effort yields maximum enjoyment, promising a meal that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully unpretentious.

Dive in and savor every delectable forkful of this seafood sensation.

Why Seafood Salad Is a Light and Flavorful Favorite

• Enjoy the perfect blend of succulent seafood, crisp celery, and zesty lemon-dill dressing that creates a refreshing and satisfying dish for any occasion.
• Prepare this salad in advance and let it chill, allowing the flavors to meld together, making it an ideal option for meal prep or last-minute gatherings.
• Packed with nutritious shrimp and crab, this salad offers a healthy and protein-rich meal that's both light and filling.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Seafood Salad

• Shrimp: Tender, pink seafood that provides the main protein base.
• Crab: Sweet, delicate seafood that adds richness to the salad.

• Celery, Dill: Crisp vegetables that add fresh crunch and herbal flavor.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the salad together.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy liquid that enhances seafood flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

How to Toss Together a Fresh Seafood Salad

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Seafood

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and generously sprinkle salt.

Gently drop the shrimp into the bubbling water.

Watch for the magical color transformation – they’ll turn from gray to a beautiful pink in just 2-3 minutes.

Quickly drain and let them cool down completely.

Slice the shrimp into delightful bite-sized morsels.

Step 2: Handle Crab Meat With Care

If using canned crab, drain thoroughly.

For fresh crab, meticulously inspect the meat, removing any pesky shell fragments to ensure a smooth eating experience.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Ingredients

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife.

• Crisp celery
• Fresh dill

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a small bowl, releasing its bright, zesty essence.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Dressing

• Smooth mayonnaise
• Tangy lemon juice
• Chopped dill
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes silky and well-combined.

Step 5: Combine Seafood Sensation

• Chopped shrimp
• Crab meat
• Diced vegetables

Pour the creamy dressing over the seafood.

Tenderly toss until every morsel is lovingly coated.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the seafood salad for at least 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and dance together, creating a truly memorable dish.

Serve cold and enjoy the ocean’s bounty!

Tips for Making Seafood Salad Even Better

• Watch closely during cooking to prevent overcooking, which can make shrimp tough and rubbery. Remove from water immediately when they turn pink and opaque.
• Take extra time to pick through crab meat, removing any small shell fragments to ensure a smooth, enjoyable eating experience.
• Adjust mayonnaise and lemon juice ratio to match your taste preference. Start with less and add gradually to control tanginess and creaminess.
• Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator allows flavors to meld together, creating a more harmonious and delicious dish.
• Consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture, keeping the seafood salad refrigerated and well-covered.

How to Store and Chill Leftover Seafood Salad

• Store seafood salad in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent odors from spreading.
• Do not freeze the seafood salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings separate and become watery when thawed. Fresh seafood loses its texture and quality during freezing.
• Consume cold directly from the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving, as it can make seafood tough and rubbery. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
• Discard the salad if it sits out for more than 2 hours or shows signs of spoilage like off-smell, discoloration, or unusual texture.

What to Serve Alongside Seafood Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the seafood's delicate flavors and cut through the creamy dressing.
• Serve with Buttery Crackers: Spread the seafood salad on crisp water crackers or buttery Ritz crackers to add a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
• Match with Light Green Salad: Create a side of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy seafood salad and provide a fresh, zesty accompaniment.
• Enhance with Chilled Rosé: Pour a cold, dry rosé wine that offers a refreshing and slightly fruity note to elevate the seafood's natural sweetness.

Unique Twists to Try in Your Seafood Salad

• Lighter Mediterranean Version: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add diced cucumber, mint leaves, and reduce salt for a fresher, healthier seafood salad.
• Gluten-Free Herb Variation: Use gluten-free mayonnaise, swap dill for fresh parsley, and add extra lemon zest to enhance flavor while keeping the recipe allergen-friendly.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Salad: Incorporate Cajun seasoning, add diced bell peppers, and mix in a touch of hot sauce for a zesty, bold seafood experience.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Skip traditional mayonnaise, use avocado-based mayo, increase herbs, and serve over mixed greens instead of traditional bread or crackers.

FAQs

• What type of seafood works best in this salad?

Shrimp and crab are the classic choices, offering a delicate flavor and tender texture. Ensure you use fresh or high-quality canned seafood for the best taste.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This seafood salad actually tastes better when chilled for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Prepare it in advance and keep refrigerated until serving.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s protein-rich from seafood, low in calories, and packed with nutrients. The fresh herbs and vegetables add extra nutritional value and crunch to the dish.

• How can I prevent the seafood from becoming tough?

Cook shrimp briefly (2-3 minutes) and avoid overcooking. Remove from boiling water immediately when they turn pink to maintain a tender, juicy texture.

Seafood Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coastal Mediterranean Seafood Salad brings oceanic freshness to your summer dining with succulent shrimp, tender calamari, and zesty herbs. Crisp vegetables and bright citrus dressing create a light, refreshing meal that transports you to sun-drenched Mediterranean shores.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Seafood Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (240 ml) crab meat (or imitation crab)

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

Dressing and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Immerse shrimp in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they transform to a bright pink hue and become translucent. Immediately strain and allow to cool, then slice into compact morsels.
2. Carefully inspect crab meat, removing any residual shell fragments. Ensure thorough draining if using canned variety.
3. Finely dice celery into uniform pieces and mince fresh dill with precision.
4. Craft the creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise with fresh lemon juice, incorporating dill, and seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper until silky smooth.
5. Gently fold shrimp, crab meat, and chopped vegetables into the dressing, ensuring each ingredient is delicately coated without crushing the delicate seafood.
6. Refrigerate the maritime mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before serving chilled.

Notes

• Swap seafood options based on availability or dietary preferences, like using imitation crab or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Reduce mayonnaise calories by substituting Greek yogurt or using a lighter version for a healthier alternative.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives, which bring bright, zesty notes to the seafood base.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time to minimize last-minute kitchen stress and allow flavors to meld together during chilling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 175 mg