Mario's Seafood Salad is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of seafood with the crunch of vegetables and the tanginess of a zesty dressing. This classic Italian salad is perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing appetizer, or a side dish to grilled meats or fish. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender calamari, and flaky white fish tossed in a zesty dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Served on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves and garnished with fresh parsley, this salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate.
This article provides three variations of Mario's Seafood Salad to cater to different tastes and preferences. The classic recipe features a combination of shrimp, calamari, and white fish, while the Mediterranean version adds the vibrant flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. For those who prefer a spicy kick, the Cajun recipe incorporates a blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, and cumin, creating a zesty and flavorful salad that is sure to awaken your senses.
ITALIAN SEAFOOD SALAD
Steps:
- Fill a large pot with 3 quarts of water and add the Old Bay seasoning and 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil, add the shrimp, lower the heat, and simmer for 3 minutes, until just firm. With a skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a large bowl. Leave 2 cups of the poaching liquid in the pot and discard the rest.
- Add the wine to the poaching liquid and bring to a boil. Add the scallops, lower the heat, and simmer for 2 minutes, until just cooked. With the skimmer, transfer the scallops to the bowl with the shrimp. Bring the poaching liquid back to a boil, add the calamari, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until just cooked. Be careful not to overcook any of the seafood or it will be tough! With the skimmer, transfer the calamari to the bowl.
- Bring the poaching liquid to a boil again, add the mussels, cover, and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, until all the shells have opened, discarding any that don't open. Turn off the heat and set aside until the mussels in the broth are cool enough to handle. Remove the mussels from the shells and add to the bowl. Add 12 of the shells to the seafood and discard the rest. Set aside 1/2 cup of the poaching liquid, discarding the rest. Drain the seafood in a colander and put it all back into the bowl.
- For the dressing, heat the olive oil in a medium (10-inch) saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute. (Be careful: Overcooked garlic will be bitter.) Add the tomatoes and cook over medium heat for 2 more minutes. Add the reserved poaching liquid, the limoncello, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and cook for 1 more minute. Pour the sauce over the seafood and toss gently. Add the fennel and parsley. Cut a lemon in half lengthwise, cut it thinly crosswise, and add it to the salad. Toss gently to combine and cover with plastic wrap. Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- To serve, sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and the juice of the remaining lemon. Taste for seasonings and serve cold or at room temperature.
ITALIAN SEAFOOD SALAD (INSALATA DI MARE) RECIPE
Italy's classic light, bright salad of gently cooked and marinated seafood, including shrimp, squid, scallops, and mussels, with lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, and subtle spices.
Provided by Daniel Gritzer
Categories Appetizers and Hors d'Oeuvres Salads
Time 1h40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, toss shrimp with salt and baking soda and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Pick all but 10 mussels from their shells, discarding shells. Cut shrimp in half lengthwise down the middle. In a medium bowl, combine parsley, remaining 1/2 cup (120ml) lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil, remaining 2 minced cloves garlic, cayenne pepper, and coriander seed (if using). Whisk well.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 604 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Cholesterol 364 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 63 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Sodium 1341 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 29 g, ServingSize Serves 4 to 6 as an appetizer, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
VENETIAN SEAFOOD SALAD: INSALATA DI FRUTTI DI MARE VENEZIANA
Provided by Food Network
Categories appetizer
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- To poach the seafood, you will need a large saucepan fitted with a colander insert. In the bottom of the pan, combine the celery, carrot, onion, bay leaf, lemon juice, salt, and water. Bring to a boil. Place the calamari in the colander and cook in the simmering water for 2 minutes. Remove from the water, transfer to a large bowl, and set aside. Place the scallops in the colander and cook until opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the water and transfer to the bowl with the calamari (large sea scallops may be cut in half horizontally after cooking; bay scallops may be left whole). Place the shrimp in the colander and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove from the water. Peel, devein, and cut in half horizontally, adding them to the bowl with the calamari and scallops. Remove the colander from the pan and place the octopus directly in the saucepan, adding more water if necessary to completely cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and gently simmer until tender, about 40 to 50 minutes. Transfer the octopus to a bowl and rinse under cold running water until octopus is completely cooled, about 5 minutes. Use your fingers and a small paring knife to remove the outer skin. Discard the hard mouth and head sac. Cut the tentacles and octopus on the bias into 1-inch pieces and add to the bowl with the other seafood. To prepare the salad, toss the julienned celery, carrots, bell peppers, scallion, parsley, basil, and garlic together in a serving bowl. Add the seafood and toss. Add the lemon juice, vinegar, and olive oil and toss well. Season with the salt and generous grindings of pepper. Arrange 1 cup of lettuce on each serving plate. Top with equal portions of the seafood and vegetable mixture, and serve immediately. Variations: 6 to 8 steamed mussels may be added to the basic recipe and tossed with the other seafood. To extend the recipe and add a new texture dimension, 1/2 cup cubed, peeled, cooked Idaho potatoes and/or 1/2 cup cooked or canned (drained and rinsed) cannelini beans may be added to the basic recipe. Although it isn't traditional, I like this salad with a hint of chopped cilantro, about 2 teaspoons.
ITALIAN SEAFOOD SALAD
Seafood is a must for the Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian Christmas Eve tradition. This salad with squid, shrimp, mussels, and crab is a delicious way to kick off the meal.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Appetizers
Time 1h40m
Yield Makes 10 cups; serves 8 to 10
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large bowl, whisk together lemon zest, juice, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and garlic. Whisk in oil and chopped parsley.
- Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring 4 quarts water, 6 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 cup salt to a boil. Add squid and blanch until just tender, 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon or a spider, transfer squid to an ice bath to stop cooking. Once cool, drain squid and lay on paper towels to dry; transfer to bowl with dressing.
- Return water to a boil. Add shrimp, stir once, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand 3 minutes; using a slotted spoon, remove to a plate to cool slightly; pat dry and transfer to bowl with squid. Return water to a boil and add mussels, reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer until mussels open, 3 to 5 minutes (discard any unopened mussels). Drain and transfer to a plate to cool. Remove all but 10 mussels from their shells and add to bowl with seafood. Reserve mussels in shell for serving.
- Toss dressed seafood with fennel, bell pepper, celery, crab, and parsley leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, with reserved mussels and lemon wedges, or store, covered, in the refrigerator, for up to 8 hours.
Tips:
- Choose fresh and high-quality seafood. This will ensure that your salad is not only delicious but also safe to eat.
- Cook the seafood properly. Overcooked seafood is tough and chewy, so be careful not to overcook it.
- Use a variety of seafood. This will give your salad a more interesting flavor and texture.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. There are many different ways to make a seafood salad, so feel free to get creative.
- Serve the salad immediately. Seafood salad is best when served fresh.
Conclusion:
Seafood salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover seafood, and it is also a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, try making a seafood salad. You won't be disappointed!
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