Easy Seafood Salad with Italian Dressing

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Today we’re putting together one of my favorite seasonal dishes- Easy Seafood Salad with Italian Dressing, which we’ll be preparing with NatureSweet Cherubs. These tomatoes come bursting with a tangy, sweet flavor that beautifully complements the squid, while also adding a gorgeous pop of bright red color to the salad.

What I love about this salad is that not only is it super simple to put together, but it’s also as healthy as it is delicious, and it simply looks great as a nice bonus. Now, without further delay, let’s make some calamari and shrimp salad.

^{This post has been sponsored by NatureSweet. All opinions expressed are my own.}

Easy Seafood Salad with Italian Dressing

Ingredient Checklist – Everything You’ll Need

For the Seafood Salad:

8 oz. of frozen calamari rings
- Tip: Thaw the calamari before cooking as directed on the package for optimal texture.
- Thawing: I honestly recommend a “Fridge Thaw” for frozen shrimp. That means just letting them sit in the fridge overnight, or for about eight to ten hours. However, you can also use a “Water Thaw” which takes about two to three hours.
- Calamari Favorite: Another great use for squid rings is Oven Fried Calamari, one of my absolute favorites during the summer season.
32 oz. of cleaned frozen jumbo shrimp
- Tip: Thaw the shrimp and cook until just pink to avoid overcooking.
- Thawing: Thawing frozen shrimp is a straightforward process. Start off by emptying the shrimp into a zip-lock bag, and then submerging that back in a bowl of cold water. Let that sit for about a half hour, until the shrimp has fully thawed, and then remove them and pat them dry.
3 tbsp. non pareil capers
- Tip: Don’t rinse these, as we want the brine flavor they offer.
1 bunch of Italian parsley
- Note: Be sure to remove the stems and give the leaves a few rough chops for a fresh, herbal flavor.
1 small red onion
- Tip: Slice into thin rings for a mild, sweet flavor.
4 stalks of celery
- Note: Slice thinly, including the leaves for added texture and flavor.
6 oz. can of black olives
- Tip: Drain and slice for a salty, umami kick.
- Substitution: Yes, you can use the olive of your choice.
1 head of lettuce
- Note: The base to the salad.
- Substitution: Yes, you can use the green of your choice. More on this below.
10 oz. container of NatureSweet Cherubs
- Note: I cut them into halves to release the juices into the salad. They provide a nice sweet touch to the salad and a pop of color.
1 lemon
- Tip: Slice thin and toss with the salad for a zesty kick.

For the Garlic and Lemon Dressing:

Juice of 1 1/2 lemons
- Tip: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor.
4 - 5 cloves of garlic
- Note: Adjust quantity based on your preference for garlic intensity.
3/4 tsp. ground sea salt
- Tip: Season to taste.
1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
- Note: Adds a bit of heat and depth.
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- Tip: Add more if you like a spicier salad.
- Substitution: You can also use cayenne or Cajun seasoning.
1 tsp. sugar
- Note: Balances the acidity of the lemon juice.
1/2 cup of olive oil
- Tip: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, as you do taste olive oil in this recipe.
3 tbsp. water
- Note: Adjust to reach your desired consistency. More water means a thinner dressing, while less water means a thicker dressing.

Tips for Storing Seafood Salad Leftovers

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to store leftover salad and dressing separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator. The salad will become soggy and overpowered by the dressing if you store them together.
Stored in an airtight container, the salad should keep for about two days. Sorry, but seafood just doesn’t keep that long.
By contrast, the dressing can be kept for up to a week. Be sure to shake well before using.

Potential Recipe Variations

There are quite a few ways to mix up today's Easy Seafood Salad with Italian Dressing and make it your own. Below are some suggestions:

Add Fresh Herbs: One of the easiest ways to get creative is to experiment with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for added flavor.
Use Different Greens: Try arugula or spinach instead of lettuce, or with mixed summer greens.
Add Avocado: For creaminess and a boost of healthy fats, add some avocado slices to the salad, or blend it into the dressing.
Include Other Seafood: Scallops, lobster meat, clams, or mussels can all be delightful additions.
Try Different Vinegar: Use balsamic or red wine vinegar for a twist in the dressing. For a flavor neutral option, go with rice wine vinegar.
Spice it Up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the dressing. As an example, see my Spicy Pan Seared Shrimp.
Cocktail Sauce: My signature shrimp cocktail sauce is a great pairing with all things shrimp, and today’s salad is no exception.

Easy Seafood Salad with Italian Dressing

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 10 reviews

Author: Living the Gourmet
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 1x

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Ingredients

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For the Salad:

8 oz. of frozen calamari rings
32 oz. of cleaned frozen jumbo shrimp
3 tbs. non pareil capers
1 bunch of Italian parsley - stems removed and rough chopped
1 small red onion - sliced into thin rings
4 stalks of celery - sliced thin with leaves
6 oz. can of black olives - drained and sliced
1 head of lettuce - sliced thin
10 oz. container of NatureSweet Cherubs- halved
1 lemon sliced thin

For the Garlic and Lemon Dressing:

Juice of 1 1/2 lemons
4 - 5 cloves of garlic
3/4 tsp. ground sea salt
1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 cup of olive oil
3 tbs. water

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Instructions

For the Salad:

Cook the shrimp and calamari as directed.
Drain the shrimp and calamari and refrigerate until ready to use.
In a large bowl toss together the lettuce, parsley, celery, olives, capers, onion, NatureSweet Cherubs, lemon slices and shrimp and calamari and toss.
Serve with the dressing to taste.

For the Garlic and Lemon Dressing:

Place all of the ingredients for the salad dressing in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste for seasonings.
Keep refrigerated until ready to use. Serve over your favorite salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean

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FAQ for Easy Seafood Salad with Italian Dressing

What type of seafood can I use for this salad?

Fresh shrimp and calamari are recommended for the best flavor and texture. You can also use real lump crab meat, imitation crab meat, or even lobster meat from your local seafood market. For a twist, try adding mild white fish like Alaskan pollock.

Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe?

Absolutely! This easy seafood salad is delightfully versatile. You can substitute the shrimp and calamari with real crab meat, imitation crab meat, or lobster meat. Beyond other seafood, you can turn this into a quick seafood pasta by mixing in your favorite noodles such penne or ziti and just like that you’ve got a delightful seafood pasta salad.

How should I store leftover salad?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about two days. The dressing can be stored separately and kept for up to a week.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but only by a day or two days. You can prepare the dressing up to a week ahead of time, and can prepare the salad a day or two ahead of time. Keep the cooked seafood and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the fridge and assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

How can I adjust the dressing?

Try adding a bit of fresh dill or fresh parsley for an herbal note. You can also mix in a little Old Bay seasoning for a classic seafood flavor.

Is there a way to make the dressing creamier?

To create a creamy dressing, blend in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with the dressing ingredients.

What are some good pairings for this salad?

This salad pairs well with fresh vegetables, garlic bread, or even an easy taco salad. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or a main course for a light meal.

Can I add different vegetables to the salad?

Yes! Feel free to add fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers. The red onion adds a nice bite, but you can also use green onions for a milder flavor.

What type of bowl should I use to mix the salad?

Any large bowl will work to toss all the ingredients together easily.

How should I serve this salad?

This cold seafood salad is best served chilled. If you prefer, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Are there any variations for this salad?

There are different ways to enjoy this salad. You can chop the seafood and vegetables into smaller pieces for crab salad sandwiches or mix it with cooked pasta for a delicious shrimp pasta salad.

Can this salad be used for meal prep?

Yes, this salad is perfect for an easy lunch or summer salad. Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers for quick assembly.

How do I ensure the best flavor in this salad?

Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh herbs like fresh parsley and dill, fresh lemon juice, and high-quality olive oil make a significant difference in flavor.

What is the best way to cook the seafood for this salad?

Cook the seafood according to the package instructions. Typically, boiling shrimp and calamari until just done is ideal. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pot to avoid overcooking.

Can this recipe be adapted for different cuisines?

Yes, this recipe is very adaptable. For an Italian seafood salad, you can add ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

How do I adjust the seasoning?

Taste the salad and dressing as you go. You can always add a little salt, more black pepper, or a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

And that’s our Easy Seafood Salad with Italian Dressing food Salad Recipe with Italian Dressing. This easy salad recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and find your favorite salad combination! If you enjoyed today’s recipe, or have any questions or suggestions be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you.

Happy Cooking!

Easy Seafood Salad with Italian Dressing