This cold seafood salad is an Italian tradition. Usually served as an appetizer for Christmas Eve feast. But why wait to have it only once a year. If you are a seafood lover like me this wonderful recipe is just for you. Boiled marinated seafood served with crunchy celery, red bell peppers and carrots in a zesty citrusy dressing. It is heavenly. Chopped green onion, diced fresh lettuce, avocado, tomato slices, cup of sliced red onions, cucumber, teaspoon of dried seasoning (dill, for example) combined with seafood are a flavorful combination together. Hollow out mussels shells, cut large squids, slice octopuses. Precooked crab imitation is one of alternative available full of protein inexpensive ingredients. Ir has low fat compared with white meat and fish. You can blend it first if desired. Extra blended crab is also good for sandwich, roll with mayonnaise, pasta, noodle or separate snack with toasted crackers. It has mild buttery creamy texture. Great for crazy party of family dinner. My children like it with puff or other pastry. You have a lot of options.
This salad served cold and is great make-ahead option. It is actually better after about 12 hours in the fridge. All the flavor have time to meld together. It is very easy to make and turns out delicious every time. It is huge hit with seafood devotees and I had raving reviews about it. This recipe includes baby octopus, baby scallops, calamari and shrimp. All of the seafood is gently poached in water and vinegar bursting with crisp flavors, absolutely not fishy. Then it is tossed with lemony-citrusy marinade and crunchy vegetables.
The seafood types can easily be substituted, muscles, clams, conch and lobster are all amazing alternatives.
I personally love the chewy textures and delicate tastes of squid and baby octopus. And you can find them in most seafood markets. Vegetables and parsley add an unbeatable freshness and a fun pop of color to the salad. And bright marinade is extraordinary tasty combining all the favorite Italian flavors like garlic, oregano, olive oil and lemon juice.
This salad is such a special treat and absolutely worth every minute spending on making it. It looks very pretty and appetizing in a glass serving bowl. It will for sure rival a 5-star restaurant appetizer and all your guests will be super impressed!
