🍽️ Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Prepare Your Seafood
Start by preparing all your seafood:
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Shrimp: Remove the shells and devein.
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Scallops: Clean and slice into bite-sized pieces.
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Crab Meat: Break into small chunks if needed.
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Tuna (optional): Drain and set aside.
💧 Step 2: Cook Your Seafood
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Bring a pot of water to a boil, adding a pinch of salt.
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Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.
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Remove from water and set aside to cool.
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In the same pot, blanch the scallops for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they stay tender.
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Set the cooked seafood aside to cool completely.
🥗 Step 3: Prep Your Vegetables
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Wash and dry the salad greens.
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Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion and celery.
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Toss the vegetables together in a large mixing bowl.
🥣 Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
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Dijon mustard
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A splash of lemon juice
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A drizzle of olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Mix until smooth and creamy.
🌿 Step 5: Combine and Serve
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Gently fold the cooled seafood into the vegetable mixture.
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Add olives or fresh herbs if desired.
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Lightly coat with the dressing, making sure not to overwhelm the flavors.
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Garnish with extra herbs, lemon zest, or thinly sliced avocado for an elegant touch. 🥑
❄️ Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the seafood salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve it chilled for a refreshing and sophisticated meal. 🍽️
💡 Tips for Success
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Freshness Matters: Always use the freshest seafood available to maintain the best flavor and texture.
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Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked shrimp and scallops can become tough and rubbery. Keep a close eye on the cooking time.
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Versatile Veggies: Customize the salad with avocado, bell peppers, or radishes for extra color and crunch. 🌈
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Make it a Meal: Add cooked pasta or quinoa to make the salad more filling without losing its light, refreshing quality.
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Serve Fresh: If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately and mix just before serving to maintain crispness.
🌟 Conclusion
Seafood salad is a wonderfully refreshing and healthy dish that beautifully balances the flavors of the sea with crisp, vibrant vegetables. 🐚✨
Whether served as a starter or light main course, it’s an elegant and flavorful choice that can be easily adapted to suit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations of seafood and dressings to make it uniquely yours! 😋🍃
