Seafood Salad Recipe – A Mediterranean Appetizer Favorite
Seafood Salad, or Insalata di Mare, is a vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean appetizer that beautifully showcases the bounty of the sea. Featuring a combination of mussels, clams, octopus, shrimp, and calamari, this dish is enhanced with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a family gathering or a dinner party, this appetizer is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Below, you’ll find a detailed recipe complete with ingredients, nutritional information, and step-by-step instructions to guide you through crafting this Italian classic.
Ingredients for Seafood Salad
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mussels | 1 kg |
| Clams | 750 g |
| Octopus | 700 g |
| Shrimp | 500 g |
| Calamari | 400 g |
| Carrots | 2 |
| Celery | 2 stalks |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Bay leaves | 4 |
| Parsley | As needed |
| Black peppercorns | As needed |
| Coarse salt | As needed |
| Lemon juice | 40 g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40 g |
| Fine salt | As needed |
| Ground black pepper | As needed |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 Recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 265 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Sodium | 470 mg |
Instructions for Preparing Seafood Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Clams
- Begin by thoroughly inspecting the clams. Discard any with broken or open shells that do not close when tapped.
- Place the clams in a large bowl filled with cold water and add a generous handful of coarse salt. Gently stir and let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour to purge sand and impurities.
Step 2: Cook the Octopus
- Peel and chop the carrots and celery into large chunks.
- Fill a large pot with water, add the chopped vegetables, bay leaves, and a few black peppercorns.
- Bring the water to a boil, then submerge the octopus completely. Cover the pot and simmer for 40-50 minutes until the octopus is tender but not mushy. Test by piercing the center with a fork.
- Once cooked, transfer the octopus to a colander to cool, and discard the vegetables and cooking liquid.
Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp
- While the octopus is cooking, clean the shrimp by removing the heads, legs, and shells. Use a knife to devein each shrimp.
- Boil the shrimp in lightly salted water for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Clean and Cook the Calamari
- Separate the head from the calamari bodies and remove the cartilage-like quill from inside. Peel off the outer skin and discard the fins.
- Slice the cleaned calamari into rings.
- In the same pot used for the shrimp, boil the calamari for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Mussels and Clams
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil and sauté a whole clove of garlic until fragrant.
- Add the mussels and clams, cover, and cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until the shells open. Discard any that remain closed.
- Remove the shellfish from their shells, leaving a few in their shells for garnish. Strain the cooking liquid and reserve for future recipes.
Step 6: Prepare the Octopus
- Once the octopus has cooled, remove the eyes and inner beak from the head.
- Slice the tentacles into 2 cm pieces.
Step 7: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked octopus, shrimp, calamari, and shelled mussels and clams.
- Prepare a simple citronette by finely chopping parsley, then whisking it with lemon juice, olive oil, fine salt, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the seafood and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the seafood salad to a serving platter.
- Garnish with whole mussels and clams in their shells, and sprinkle with additional parsley for a fresh and vibrant finish.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with crusty bread or alongside other antipasti dishes.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Seafood Salad
- Quality Matters: Use the freshest seafood available to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Balance the Cook Time: Each type of seafood has its own optimal cooking time. Avoid overcooking to maintain a tender and juicy consistency.
- Customize the Garnish: Add lemon wedges or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Seafood Salad, or Insalata di Mare, is a timeless recipe that highlights the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine. With its combination of tender seafood, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing, it’s sure to delight your guests and transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coast.
