Seafood salad

Seafood Salad – An explosion of flavors and freshness!

Total preparation time: 4 hours and 30 minutes (including marinating time)
Number of servings: 6-8

Who can resist a fresh, colorful, and flavorful seafood salad? This seafood salad recipe is not only simple but also a true delicacy that will impress any guest. With a vibrant mix of seafood and fresh vegetables, this salad brings a touch of summer to any meal, regardless of the season.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg of fresh shrimp, peeled
- 1 kg of shellfish meat (preferably clams or mussels)
- 1 kg of squid, cut into rings
- 500 g of surimi (for added texture)
- 1 kg of lime, juice and zest
- 1 head of garlic, cut in half
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), diced
- 3-4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 onions (one red and one white), finely chopped
- A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- A bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, to preference

A bit of history
Seafood has been consumed throughout history, holding a special place in cuisines around the world due to its unique taste and high nutritional values. Seafood salad is a recipe that reflects the diversity of marine ingredients, allowing them to shine in light yet sophisticated dishes. This salad is often associated with summer meals but can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Step by step: Preparation

1. Marinating the seafood
To achieve the best flavors, start by marinating the seafood. In a large bowl, add the shrimp, shellfish meat, and squid rings. Squeeze the juice from all the limes and add it to the bowl, along with the halved head of garlic. Add salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix well, ensuring all seafood is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours. Marinating not only intensifies the flavors but also helps tenderize the fish and seafood.

2. Preparing the vegetables
After the seafood has marinated, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Wash them well and cut them into even cubes. The peppers, tomatoes, celery, and onion will add not only color but also a crunchy texture that will balance the aroma and taste of the seafood.

3. Mixing the ingredients
Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and remove the head of garlic. Add the chopped vegetables to the bowl with the seafood and gently mix to combine all the ingredients. Check the taste and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary. Add the fresh parsley and cilantro for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

4. Serving the salad
To add a touch of elegance, you can serve the salad on a bed of green lettuce leaves or on individual plates. A personal recommendation is to add a few slices of lime or lemon on top for a vibrant look and additional flavor. Balsamic vinegar or soy sauce can also be an excellent choice to add a contrasting element.

Useful tips:

- Choose fresh seafood: Buy seafood from a trusted supplier to ensure it is fresh and of high quality. Frozen seafood can be an alternative, but make sure to thaw it properly before preparation.
- Be creative with vegetables: You can replace or add vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, or radishes to diversify textures and flavors.
- Enrich the salad with dressings: Balsamic vinegar, flavored olive oil, or soy sauce can add a distinctive taste.
- Serve with a refreshing drink: Fresh lemonade or a gin and tonic cocktail are perfect to complement the seafood salad.

Nutritional benefits:
This seafood salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Seafood is an excellent source of quality protein, omega-3, and essential vitamins. Fresh vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish a nutritious choice for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of seafood?
Sure! You can experiment with mussels, octopus, or even cubed white fish.

- How can I store this salad?
It is recommended to consume it immediately, but it can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days. The flavor will intensify after marinating, but the texture of the vegetables will change.

- Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
No, but you can adapt the recipe using plant-based ingredients like marinated tofu or tempeh, along with fresh vegetables.

So, I invite you to enjoy this seafood salad! It is a simple and quick recipe, perfect for summer lunches, festive dinners, or just to treat your taste buds. Savor every bite and enjoy the explosion of flavors!