Italian Seafood Salad Recipe

There's something truly magical about a plate of Italian Seafood Salad on a warm summer evening. Brimming with tender calamari, sweet shrimp, and briny mussels, this dish is light yet satisfying, with a bright, zesty flavor that transports you straight to the coast of Italy.

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I first tasted this refreshing salad at a seaside trattoria during a trip to Amalfi. I was instantly hooked by the vibrant mix of seafood, citrus, and herbs, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. Now, it's a staple for special gatherings and easy weekend meals alike. Let's dive right into the delicious details!

Why You'll Love This Italian Seafood Salad

Get ready to fall head over heels for this light yet luxurious seafood dish. Italian Seafood Salad isn’t just a showstopper – it's a perfect celebration of fresh ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Most of the work is in prepping the seafood, and once that's done, the salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for both impromptu dinners and planned parties.

It's a lighter alternative to heavier dishes. With its olive oil and lemon dressing, this salad feels indulgent but won't weigh you down, making it perfect for warm-weather meals or festive occasions where you want something refreshing.

You’ll also love how customizable it is. You can stick with traditional shrimp, calamari, and mussels, or toss in scallops, clams, or even chunks of firm white fish depending on what’s available and fresh.

Finally, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a starter or the main event, this seafood salad impresses with its vibrant colors and clean, briny flavors that seafood lovers can't resist.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Italian Seafood Salad lies in its simplicity. Choosing high-quality, fresh ingredients ensures that every bite is bursting with authentic coastal flavor.

Shrimp are the backbone of this salad. Look for medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined, to make things easy. Quickly poaching them in seasoned water keeps them juicy and tender, and their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the lemony dressing.

Calamari adds a tender, slightly chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the shrimp. Fresh squid is ideal, but good-quality frozen calamari rings can also work well. The key is to cook them briefly – just until opaque – to avoid toughness.

Mussels bring a briny depth to the dish. Steamed until they just open, mussels add a beautiful glossy look and an irresistible ocean flavor. Be sure to discard any that don’t open after cooking.

The lemon and olive oil dressing is what ties everything together. Freshly squeezed lemon juice, good extra-virgin olive oil, and a touch of garlic create a bright, lively dressing that highlights the natural flavors of the seafood without overpowering them.

You'll also need a large mixing bowl and a steamer basket or large pot for preparing the seafood. Having a slotted spoon handy is helpful for transferring the seafood from their cooking liquids without bringing excess water along.

How To Make This Italian Seafood Salad

Making this Italian Seafood Salad is surprisingly straightforward, and the results are so worth it. Let’s walk through the steps together.

Begin by prepping all your seafood. Clean the mussels by scrubbing the shells and removing the beards, peel and devein the shrimp, and clean and slice the calamari into rings if needed. Having everything ready makes the cooking process seamless.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Start by poaching the calamari – it only needs about 1-2 minutes in the hot water until it turns opaque. Remove it immediately with a slotted spoon and transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking.

Next, cook the shrimp in the same water. Shrimp typically cook in just 2-3 minutes, turning pink and curling into a "C" shape when ready. Again, plunge them into the ice bath to preserve their tender texture and vivid color.

Steam the mussels separately over simmering water until they open, usually about 5-7 minutes. Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking. Once cool enough to handle, remove most of them from their shells, reserving a few in-shell for garnish if you like.

Once all your seafood is cooled and drained, pat it dry gently with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Place everything into a large mixing bowl and drizzle generously with freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil. Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and a bit of black pepper. Toss gently to coat every piece with the bright, herby dressing.

The entire process takes about 30 minutes start to finish. The finished salad should look vibrant and glistening, with the seafood retaining its natural colors and a light coating of dressing bringing everything together.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), Italian Seafood Salad stores beautifully for a day or two. Place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly after serving. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness and texture.

Since seafood can be delicate, avoid freezing this dish. Freezing would alter the texture of the shrimp and calamari, making them rubbery upon thawing.

To refresh the salad before serving leftovers, toss it with a little more fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to revive the flavors.

When reheating, avoid using the microwave, which can toughen seafood. Instead, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, allowing the seafood to gently lose its chill without any harsh reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the greatest joys of Italian Seafood Salad is how easily you can customize it based on what’s fresh, available, or simply what you love most.

Swap in scallops or baby clams for a slightly sweeter, brinier flavor. Sear small scallops quickly in a hot pan before adding them to the salad for a slight caramelized touch.

Add in chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut for a meatier bite. Poach them gently alongside the shrimp to ensure they stay tender and flaky.

If you like a little more texture and bite, toss in some celery slices or finely diced fennel for a fresh, crisp element that complements the seafood beautifully.

For a spicier kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the lemon dressing. It gives the salad a subtle warmth without overpowering the clean flavors of the seafood.

And of course, feel free to play with the herbs. While parsley is traditional, a sprinkle of fresh basil or dill can lend a delightful twist to the overall flavor profile.

No matter how you mix it up, don't be afraid to make this recipe your own. After all, the heart of Italian cooking lies in celebrating fresh ingredients and following your taste buds wherever they lead.

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