Seafood Salad Recipe

This Seafood Salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm weather! Tender shrimp and crab meat are tossed with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing with a hint of Dijon mustard. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, a summer picnic, or a casual dinner party.

Ingredients

• Cooked salad shrimp: Peeled and deveined for convenience.
• Cooked crab meat: Use lump crab meat or imitation crab meat, depending on your preference and budget.
• Celery: Finely chopped celery adds a crisp texture and a subtle savory flavor.
• Red onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a sharp bite and a pop of color.
• Red bell pepper: Finely chopped red bell pepper adds sweetness, color, and crunch.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the dressing.
• Sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor and balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp and tangy kick to the dressing.
• Lemon juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the seafood.
• Old Bay seasoning: Optional, but adds a classic seafood flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
• Fresh dill or parsley: Chopped fresh dill or parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
• Lemon wedges: Served on the side for squeezing extra lemon juice over the salad.

How to Make Seafood Salad

Step 1: Combine the Vegetables and Seafood

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, red onion, and red bell pepper. Add the cooked shrimp and crab meat to the bowl with the vegetables.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the seafood and vegetables. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

How to Serve

This Seafood Salad is delicious on its own as a light lunch or a refreshing appetizer. You can also serve it with:

• Crackers or Crostini: Serve with crackers or crostini for scooping up the salad.
• Mixed Greens: Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens for a more substantial meal.
• Avocado: Add slices of avocado for a creamy and healthy fat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Seafood Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture of the seafood and vegetables.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled, so reheating is not necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, you can use frozen seafood, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before adding it to the salad.

2. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, you can use vegan mayonnaise and sour cream to make this salad vegan.

3. Can I add other seasonings to the dressing?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.

4. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicier kick. You can also add diced jalapeños or other chili peppers to the salad itself.

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