Description
The Seafood Delight Salad is an exquisite combination of tastes and textures, featuring a refreshing mix of imitation crab and succulent shrimp, tied together with a hint of lemon and aromatic fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch, elegant dinner starter, or a healthy meal option, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you are hosting a party or looking for something quick and fulfilling, this dish promises to impress.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of imitation crab meat, flaked style or sticks cut into slices
- 8 ounces of raw shrimp (51-60 count recommended)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1/2 cup of finely diced celery
- 3 tablespoons of minced red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Boiling Water
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the quartered lemon, allowing it to infuse the water with its citrusy essence.
2. Cooking the Shrimp
Carefully add the shrimp to the boiling lemon water and cook for 1-2 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque, ensuring not to overcook.
3. Cooling the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the pot and immediately place them into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process, preserving their tenderness.
4. Drying the Shrimp
After the shrimp have cooled, drain and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
5. Mixing the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, sliced imitation crab, diced celery, minced red onion, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, and chopped dill. Toss everything gently to ensure the ingredients are well coated with the dressing without breaking the delicate seafood.
6. Garnishing and Serving
Garnish the salad with additional fresh dill. Serve immediately for the freshest taste or cover and refrigerate.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Servings: Serves 4 as a starter or 2 as a hearty main dish.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes including cooking time.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- It’s best to enjoy the salad cold and not reheat it, as reheating may change the texture of the shrimp and crab.
- If you need to freshen it up, simply stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving again.
Conclusion
This Seafood Delight Salad marries simple ingredients with elegant flavors, creating a dish that is both pleasing to the eye and the palate. With a quick preparation time and delightful combination of seafood, fresh dill, and lemon, it stands out as a favorite choice for any seafood lover looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal option. Enjoy this pleasant creation at your next gathering or as a rewarding meal that is sure to satisfy.
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Seafood Delight Salad
- Total Time: 29 minute
- Yield: Serves 4 as a starter or 2 as a hearty main dish. 1x
Description
The Seafood Delight Salad is an exquisite combination of tastes and textures, featuring a refreshing mix of imitation crab and succulent shrimp, tied together with a hint of lemon and aromatic fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch, elegant dinner starter, or a healthy meal option, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you are hosting a party or looking for something quick and fulfilling, this dish promises to impress.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of imitation crab meat, flaked style or sticks cut into slices
- 8 ounces of raw shrimp (51–60 count recommended)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1/2 cup of finely diced celery
- 3 tablespoons of minced red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning
- 2 teaspoons of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Boiling Water: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the quartered lemon, allowing it to infuse the water with its citrusy essence.
- Cooking the Shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the boiling lemon water and cook for 1-2 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque, ensuring not to overcook.
- Cooling the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the pot and immediately place them into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process, preserving their tenderness.
- Drying the Shrimp: After the shrimp have cooled, drain and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Mixing the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, sliced imitation crab, diced celery, minced red onion, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, and chopped dill. Toss everything gently to ensure the ingredients are well coated with the dressing without breaking the delicate seafood.
- Garnishing and Serving: Garnish the salad with additional fresh dill. Serve immediately for the freshest taste or cover and refrigerate.
- Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes including cooking time