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.

Easy Seafood Salad with Italian Dressing

Ingredients

Scale

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