If you’re craving a dish that bursts with ocean-fresh flavors while staying light and refreshing, this Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Perfectly tender shrimp, delicate crab meat, and crisp veggies come together in a creamy, tangy dressing that elevates every bite. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch or a sophisticated appetizer for guests, this salad offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a specific role—adding fresh crunch, briny sweetness, or creamy tang—resulting in a harmonious and satisfying salad.
- 1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined): Provides hearty, succulent seafood at the heart of the dish.
- 1 cup crab meat (imitation or real): Offers sweetness and a delicate seafood texture that complements the shrimp.
- 1 cup celery (diced): Adds a refreshing crunch and bright green color.
- ½ cup red onion (finely chopped): Brings a mild bite and subtle sweetness that wakes up the palate.
- ½ cup cucumber (diced): Infuses a cool, crisp element that balances the richness of the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Injects a lively, citrusy tang that brightens overall flavors.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy foundation for the dressing, adding indulgence.
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt: Lightens the dressing while contributing tang and smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle sharpness and complexity to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkles herbaceous freshness and vibrant green flecks.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every ingredient.
How to Make Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
Start by thawing your frozen shrimp if needed, making sure they are dry to avoid watering down the salad. Chop them into bite-friendly pieces if they are large so that every forkful has a perfect seafood ratio. For the crab, whether you opt for real or imitation, gently break it apart to maintain delicate flakes that blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the diced celery, finely chopped red onion, and diced cucumber. These fresh veggies contribute crucial crunch and refreshing qualities that uplift the seafood, making each bite layered with texture and brightness.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper. This luscious dressing provides the perfect balance of tang and richness to hold the salad together while complementing the natural sweetness of the shrimp and crab.
Step 4: Toss Together
Gently add the prepared shrimp and crab to the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the top and carefully toss just until everything is coated evenly. Be delicate here to preserve the integrity of the crab flakes and keep those crunchy veggies crisp.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is key—it allows all the vibrant flavors to meld, creating a refreshing, harmonious dish that’s even better the next day. When ready, sprinkle the chopped parsley on top and give a final taste check, adjusting salt or pepper as needed.
How to Serve Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little extra fresh parsley atop the salad just before serving not only boosts the color but also adds an herbaceous note that livens up every mouthful. For a touch of elegance, scatter a few lemon zest curls or capers to amp up the bright, piquant flavors even further.
Side Dishes
This seafood salad shines beautifully alongside a crusty baguette or crunchy whole-grain crackers for added texture. If you want a heartier meal, pairing it with a light green salad or grilled vegetables can create a balanced, summer-inspired combo that’s satisfying without being heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve your seafood salad in individual avocado halves or crisp lettuce cups to create stunning bite-sized appetizers. Layering it over mixed greens or inside a crisp pita pocket also adds a playful twist that your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where the Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Salad Recipe stays fresh for up to two days. The flavors continue to meld, but the veggies maintain their crunch, keeping the salad enjoyable even later.
Freezing
Because this salad contains fresh vegetables and mayo-based dressing, freezing is not recommended. Freezing would alter the texture, especially of the shrimp and crunchy veggies, compromising the freshness and appeal of the dish.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not advised as it will change the texture of the seafood and separate the dressing, taking away from the bright, fresh experience that makes this Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Salad Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I substitute the shrimp with other seafood?
Absolutely! You can swap shrimp for cooked scallops, crab exclusively, or even lumpfish for a different texture, but be mindful of cooking times and flavors to maintain balance.
Is it okay to use just mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the dressing?
Yes, you can use one or the other. Mayonnaise offers creaminess and richness, while Greek yogurt adds tang and lightness. Combining both achieves a perfect balance, but feel free to adjust to your preference.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator is ideal to let the flavors marry beautifully. You can prepare it up to a day ahead to save time and enjoy even more depth of flavor.
Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Use real crab meat, ensure the mayo and Greek yogurt have no added sugars, and avoid imitation crab, which often contains carbs. The fresh vegetables fit well within a keto plan.
What’s the best way to serve this salad at a party?
Try serving it in individual portions inside crisp endive leaves or cucumber cups for a chic, fuss-free appetizer. It’s not only pretty but also easy for guests to enjoy while mingling.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about this Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Salad Recipe that feels both refreshing and indulgent at once. Its vibrant mix of textures, bright flavors, and simple ingredients make it a perfect dish to share with friends or enjoy as a nourishing meal for yourself. Give it a try—you might just discover your next go-to seafood salad that always impresses!
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Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Salad is a light and creamy dish featuring cooked shrimp, crab meat, and crisp vegetables tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a refreshing lunch or a healthy appetizer, this salad combines the natural sweetness of seafood with the crunch of celery, cucumber, and red onion, making it a delightful and easy-to-prepare meal that can be chilled and served cold.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup crab meat (imitation or real, depending on preference)
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- ½ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup cucumber (diced)
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (for a lighter dressing option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped) for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and well-drained. Cut the shrimp into bite-sized pieces if they are large for easier eating.
- Prepare the Crab Meat: If using imitation crab, break it into small, manageable pieces to evenly distribute throughout the salad.
- Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced celery, finely chopped red onion, and diced cucumber. These vegetables provide a fresh crunch and texture contrast to the seafood.
- Mix the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Season this mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Toss Together: Add the prepared shrimp and crab meat to the vegetable mixture, then pour the dressing over everything. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing for balanced flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and enhance. Chill thoroughly before serving.
- Garnish and Adjust: Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, herbal note. Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh or previously cooked shrimp and crab meat to avoid overcooking.
- Imitation crab can be used as a budget-friendly alternative without compromising flavor.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for all the mayonnaise for a lighter, lower-fat dressing.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and texture, so do not skip the refrigeration step.
- Serve this salad on its own, over a bed of greens, or with crackers for a versatile meal or appetizer.
