Seafood lovers, are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that’s as quick as it is delicious? Say hello to our Quick & Easy Seafood Salad! In just 13 minutes, you can have a plate brimming with the ocean’s bounty, ready to tantalize your taste buds.
Author’s Note – Dive into Simplicity: Picture this: You’re craving the taste of the sea, but you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where our Quick & Easy Seafood Salad comes in – a culinary masterpiece that’s ready in a flash.
First, we drop lemon quarters into boiling, salted water. These lemons are like a burst of sunshine, infusing our salad with bright, zesty flavors.
Next up, the star of the show – raw shrimp. They take a quick dip in the simmering water, and within minutes, they’re transformed into vibrant, pink morsels of delight. We give them a refreshing ice bath to stop the cooking process, ensuring they’re tender and succulent.
Now, it’s time to get these shrimps ready for their close-up. We pat them dry, making sure there’s no excess water allowed. Dry shrimps mean a better salad – crisp and flavorful.
In a big, welcoming bowl, we toss together our perfectly cooked shrimp with imitation crab meat, finely diced celery, minced red onion, a hint of Old Bay Seasoning, and a dash of salt and pepper. Then, we add mayo for creaminess and a touch of fresh dill for that herbal magic.
But we’re not done yet – we squeeze in some lemon juice for that irresistible zing. It’s the secret ingredient that ties everything together.
To finish, we garnish our seafood salad with more fresh dill. It’s like the icing on the cake, or in this case, the dill on the seafood.
This dish is versatile, my friends. You can plate it on a bed of greens, stuff it in a tomato, or scoop it up with crackers. This refreshing salad is as adaptable as it is delectable.
So, have you tried this recipe yet? We’d love to see your version of this easy seafood delight. Share it in the comments or on social media, and let’s celebrate the joy of cooking together.
- Fast Prep & Cook: Ready in just 13 minutes!
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and zesty flavors.
- Make-Ahead: Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch.
Quick & Easy Seafood Salad
Seafood lovers, rejoice! This Seafood Salad recipe brings the ocean’s bounty to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Imitation Crab Meat | 8 ounces |
| Raw Shrimp (51-60 count) | 8 ounces |
| Lemon | 1, quartered + 2 tsp juice |
| Finely Diced Celery | 1/2 cup |
| Minced Red Onion | 3 tablespoons |
| Old Bay Seasoning | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt and Pepper | to taste |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Dill, chopped | 1 1/2 tablespoons, plus more for garnish |
Instructions
- Boil the Lemons: Drop lemon quarters in boiling salted water.
- Shrimp Time: Add shrimp, cook until pink. Then, ice bath!
- Dry Off: Pat those shrimps dry. No excess water allowed.
- Mix It Up: Toss shrimp, crab, veggies, seasoning, lemon juice, mayo, and dill.
- Garnish & Chill: Top with dill. Eat now or chill for later.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 317kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 648mg
Flavor Tips
- Lemon Love: Don’t skimp on the lemon—it brings a bright zing!
- Seasoning Swap: Swap Old Bay for Cajun spice if you fancy a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Dish it on a bed of greens, stuff it in a tomato, or scoop it with crackers. This refreshing salad is as versatile as it is delicious.
Tried This Recipe?
We’d love to see your version of this easy seafood dish. Share it in the comments or on social media!
Special Equipment:
- Large pot for boiling water
- Ice bath (a large bowl filled with ice and water)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the seafood salad on a bed of fresh greens for a light and healthy meal.
- Stuff it inside hollowed-out tomatoes for an elegant appetizer or light lunch.
- Pair it with your favorite crackers or toasted baguette slices for a delightful seafood dip.
- For a heartier meal, consider serving the salad in a buttery croissant or as a seafood sandwich.
Tips & Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick if you like it fiery.
- Experiment with different seafood options, like adding cooked and flaked salmon or chunks of lobster for a luxurious twist.
- For a creamy avocado seafood salad, fold in diced ripe avocado just before serving.
- Customize the veggies by adding diced cucumber, bell pepper, or corn kernels for extra crunch and color.
Common Questions:
Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab meat?
Absolutely! You can use fresh or canned crab meat if you prefer a more authentic crab flavor.
How long can I store this seafood salad in the fridge?
This seafood salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed shortly after making it for the freshest taste and texture.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise if I’m not a fan?
Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a mayo alternative for a tangy twist.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a picnic or potluck?
Absolutely! This seafood salad is a great make-ahead dish. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. If making it in advance, consider adding fresh herbs and lemon juice just before serving to keep the flavors vibrant.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen shrimp?
Thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for quicker thawing.
Enjoy your quick and easy seafood salad—it’s a refreshing and zesty delight that’s perfect for any occasion! Bon Appétit! 🌊🦐
