Name: Pickled Vegetable-Seafood Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 large celery ribs; 2 Large Carrots; 2 tsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 2 large cucumbers; ½ lb shrimp; ½ lb small; 2 cloves large garlic; 2 red Thai chilis; ¼ cup Asian fish sauce; 2 tbsp fresh lime juice; 2 tbsp water; ½ cup salted peanuts

This vibrant salad is a delicious combination of fresh vegetables and seafood, perfectly pickled and marinated. It's a delightful mix of crisp, juicy, and tender textures, with a tangy and mildly spicy dressing that's sure to tantalize your palate.

Photos of Pickled Vegetable-Seafood Salad Recipe

While most ingredients in this recipe are commonly found, Thai chilis and Asian fish sauce might require a trip to an Asian grocery store. Thai chilis are very spicy and add a vibrant kick to the salad, but can be substituted with other hot chilis if desired. Asian fish sauce, on the other hand, is a salty and savory condiment that imparts a unique, umami flavor to dishes.

Pickled Vegetable and Seafood Salad Ingredients

Celery: A crisp vegetable that adds a nice crunch and subtle flavor.

Carrots: They add color, sweetness, and a satisfying crunch to the salad.

Cucumbers: They provide a refreshing, crisp texture.

Shrimp: A juicy, tender seafood that pairs well with the pickled vegetables.

Squid: A unique seafood that adds a chewy texture and mild flavor.

Garlic: Gives a savory depth to the dressing.

Thai chilis: Adds a spicy kick to the salad.

Fish sauce: Contributes a salty and umami flavor to the dressing.

Lime juice: Adds a tangy freshness to the dressing.

Peanuts: Gives a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the salad.

One reader, Emanuele Monson says:

This pickled vegetable and seafood salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crunchy veggies and tender seafood, all brought together with a zesty and tangy dressing, is simply divine. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for a light and healthy meal. Highly recommended!

Emanuele Monson

Techniques Required for Making a Pickled Seafood Salad

How to pickle the vegetables: This involves tossing the celery and carrots with salt, sugar, and vinegar, then letting them stand for 5 minutes before rinsing and squeezing dry.

How to cook the shrimp and squid: Boil the shrimp for about 1 minute until pink and curled, then transfer them to the bowl with the vegetables. Next, cook the squid in boiling salted water for about 1 minute until opaque, then transfer it to the bowl.

How to make the dressing: Pound the garlic to a paste with the chilis, sugar, and then stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and water to create the dressing.

How To Make Pickled Vegetable-Seafood Salad

Have your fill of this crisp and flavorful vegetable-seafood salad, made with crunchy veggies, with heat from Thai chiles, for a unique and tasty meal!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 40 minutes

Stand Time: 5 minutes

Total: 55 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4large celery ribs
2large carrots
2tspkosher salt
1tbspsugar,plus an additional 2 tbsp
1tbspwhite vinegar,plus an additional 1 tbsp
2large cucumbers
½lbmedium shrimp
2large garlic cloves
2red Thai chilis,or 1 medium jalapeño
¼cupAsian fish sauce
2tbsplime juice,fresh
2tbspwater
½cupsalted peanuts,roasted

Instructions

In a medium bowl, toss the celery and carrots with 1 teaspoon each of salt and sugar.
Add the vinegar and gently squeeze the vegetables with the hands to work in the seasonings. Let stand for 5 minutes.
In another bowl, toss the cucumbers with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt; work the salt into the cucumbers. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Rinse the celery, carrots, and cucumbers under cold water and squeeze dry. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl.
In a medium saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the shrimp for about 1 minute just until pink and curled. With a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to the bowl with the vegetables.
Add the squid to the water and cook for about 1 minute until opaque. Transfer to the bowl.
In a mortar, pound the garlic to a paste with the chilis, and the remaining 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and water.
Add the dressing to the bowl and toss well.
Sprinkle the peanuts over the salad and serve. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Make-Ahead: The squeezed vegetables, cooked seafood, and the dressing can be refrigerated separately overnight.

Nutrition

Calories: 145.61kcal
Fat: 6.67g
Saturated Fat: 1.10g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.27g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.40g
Carbohydrates: 13.50g
Fiber: 2.86g
Sugar: 6.55g
Protein: 9.98g
Cholesterol: 47.63mg
Sodium: 1252.04mg
Calcium: 74.21mg
Potassium: 484.35mg
Iron: 0.84mg
Vitamin A: 234.70µg
Vitamin C: 8.29mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Pickled Vegetable and Seafood Salad

When preparing the shrimp and squid, ensure they are not overcooked as this can make them tough and chewy. The key is to cook them just until they change color - the shrimp should turn pink and curl, and the squid should become opaque. This usually takes about a minute. Also, using a slotted spoon to transfer the seafood helps to drain any excess water, keeping your salad crisp and fresh.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and pickle the vegetables the day before to save time on the day of serving.

Quick cooking: Use pre-cooked shrimp and squid to cut down on cooking time for the salad.

Efficient assembly: Have all the ingredients prepped and ready before starting the assembly process to streamline the salad-making process.

Multi-task: While the vegetables are pickling, cook the seafood to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Organized workspace: Keep your workspace organized and clean to work more efficiently and save time during the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Pickled Vegetable-Seafood Salad Recipe

celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor that can work well in pickled salads.
carrots - Substitute with radishes: Radishes can provide a similar crunch and peppery flavor to the salad, adding a different dimension to the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in pickling solutions, providing a similar level of salinity.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a touch of sweetness to the pickling solution while also bringing its unique flavor to the dish.
white vinegar - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar can provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that complements pickled vegetables and seafood well.
cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be pickled and offers a similar texture and mild flavor that can work as a substitute for cucumbers in the salad.
shrimp - Substitute with crab meat: Crab meat can provide a similar seafood element to the salad, offering a delicate and sweet flavor that pairs well with pickled vegetables.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to garlic, adding a different aromatic profile to the salad.
red Thai chilis - Substitute with jalapeños: Jalapeños can provide a similar level of heat and a slightly different flavor profile to the salad.
Asian fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can provide a savory, umami flavor similar to fish sauce, adding depth to the salad's dressing.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar level of acidity and citrusy flavor to the salad dressing.
peanuts - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can offer a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the salad.

Best Way to Present This Pickled Vegetable and Seafood Salad

Elevate the plating: As a chef, the presentation of the dish is crucial. Arrange the pickled vegetables and seafood salad in a visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring that each component is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Utilize the natural colors of the vegetables and seafood to create a visually stunning dish. The vibrant hues will not only be visually appealing but also indicate the freshness of the ingredients.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and aroma to the dish by garnishing with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or Thai basil. This will enhance the overall presentation and add a pop of color.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose elegant and sophisticated serving ware to complement the dish. This could include porcelain plates or glass platters to elevate the overall dining experience.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the dish, such as a delicate crispy shrimp chip or fried shallots, to introduce an element of texture and visual interest.
Balance and symmetry: Pay attention to the balance and symmetry of the plating. Ensure that the components are arranged in a harmonious manner, creating an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Sauce drizzling: Use a steady hand to delicately drizzle the dressing over the salad, creating an artistic and appetizing design on the plate.
Edible flowers: Consider incorporating edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or borage flowers, to add an elegant and sophisticated touch to the dish.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the finer details, such as wiping the edges of the plate to ensure a clean presentation, and ensuring that each element of the dish is meticulously placed.
Final touch - citrus zest: Just before serving, add a sprinkle of citrus zest over the salad to impart a burst of fresh flavor and a visually appealing finish.

Essential Tools for Making a Pickled Seafood Salad

Medium bowl: A medium-sized bowl used for mixing and tossing ingredients.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for boiling or heating liquids.
Mortar and pestle: A tool used for grinding and mixing ingredients, particularly for making pastes or dressings.
Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or openings that allow liquids to drain while lifting solid foods.

How To Store and Freeze Pickled Seafood Salad

This pickled vegetable and seafood salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
The vegetables will lose their crispness over time, so it's recommended to consume the salad as soon as possible for the best texture and flavor.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, you can pickle the celery, carrots, and cucumbers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the shrimp and squid just before serving and toss with the pickled vegetables and dressing.
It's not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the vegetables and seafood will deteriorate significantly upon thawing, resulting in a mushy and unappetizing dish.

Random Fact About Pickled Vegetable and Seafood Salad

The pickled vegetable and seafood salad is a popular dish in Southeast Asian cuisine. It is often served as a refreshing appetizer or a light main course. The combination of pickled vegetables, shrimp, and squid creates a unique blend of flavors and textures. This dish is a great source of protein and is packed with essential nutrients. It's also a perfect option for those looking for a healthy and delicious meal.

Is Making This Seafood Salad Economical for Home Cooking?

This pickled vegetable and seafood salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as celery, carrots, cucumbers, shrimp, squid, garlic, chilis, fish sauce, lime juice, and peanuts, are relatively affordable and widely available. The use of seasonal vegetables and readily accessible seafood makes it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it an economical choice for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Overall Verdict: 9.

Is This Seafood Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

This pickled vegetable and seafood salad recipe is a healthy and refreshing dish with a balance of nutrients. The vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while the shrimp and squid offer lean protein and healthy fats. The use of fish sauce and peanuts adds depth of flavor without relying heavily on unhealthy ingredients.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:

Increase the variety of vegetables by adding bell peppers, radishes, or cherry tomatoes for additional vitamins and antioxidants
Use a mix of dark, leafy greens like spinach or kale to boost the iron and vitamin K content
Opt for low-sodium fish sauce to reduce the overall salt content of the dish
Include a small portion of whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, to provide complex carbohydrates and additional fiber
Experiment with different herbs and spices, like fresh mint, cilantro, or ginger, to add flavor without increasing calorie content
Replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to minimize processed sugar intake

By incorporating these adjustments, you can create a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your body's nutritional needs. The combination of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and healthy substitutions make this salad an excellent choice for those seeking a delicious and wholesome dining experience.

Editor's Thoughts on This Pickled Vegetable and Seafood Salad Recipe

This pickled vegetable and seafood salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The pickled vegetables add a refreshing crunch, while the shrimp and squid provide a savory and satisfying element. The dressing, with its balance of tangy, spicy, and umami flavors, ties everything together beautifully. The addition of salted peanuts brings a delightful nuttiness and crunch to the dish. Overall, this salad is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish for any occasion.

Enhance Your Pickled Vegetable-Seafood Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Butter Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a savory garlic butter glaze.

Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey and infused with aromatic thyme for a delightful side dish.

Grilled Pineapple with Chili Lime Glaze: Juicy pineapple slices grilled to perfection and drizzled with a zesty chili lime glaze for a burst of tropical flavor.

Alternative Recipes Similar to This Pickled Seafood Salad

Grilled Vegetable and Quinoa Salad: Grilled vegetables and quinoa tossed in a zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing and nutritious salad.

Braised Beef and Mushroom Stew: Tender braised beef and hearty mushrooms simmered in a rich and flavorful broth for a comforting and satisfying stew.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Creamy coconut chia pudding topped with sweet and juicy mango for a delicious and healthy dessert option.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Seafood Salad Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a rich and creamy mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Crispy Calamari: Indulge in the crispy and tender goodness of these fried calamari rings, served with a zesty marinara dipping sauce. A classic appetizer that never fails to impress.

Desserts:

Decadent Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse that will satisfy any sweet tooth. The velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor make this dessert a luxurious treat for any occasion.

Tangy Lemon Tart: Savor the bright and zesty flavors of a tangy lemon tart. The buttery crust and refreshing lemon filling create a perfect balance of sweet and sour that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Why trust this Pickled Vegetable-Seafood Salad Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh vegetables and succulent seafood, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The use of white vinegar and fresh lime juice adds a zesty tang, while the Asian fish sauce provides depth and complexity. The inclusion of celery, carrots, and cucumbers ensures a crisp and refreshing base, complemented by the tender shrimp and squid. The addition of salted peanuts offers a satisfying crunch. Trust in the balance of flavors and the expertise behind this recipe for a delightful culinary experience.

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FAQ:

What type of shrimp and squid should I use for the salad?

You can use any type of shrimp and squid for the salad. I recommend using fresh or frozen shrimp and small squid for the best results.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the vegetables and seafood with your preferred choices. Feel free to customize the salad to your liking.

How long can I store the pickled vegetable and seafood salad?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it's recommended to consume it within 1-2 days.

Is the salad spicy with the addition of red Thai chilis?

The salad has a mild level of spiciness due to the red Thai chilis. If you prefer a less spicy flavor, you can adjust the amount of chilis or remove the seeds before adding them to the salad.

Can I make the salad in advance for a party or gathering?

Yes, you can prepare the pickled vegetable and seafood salad in advance. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious. Just ensure to store it properly in the refrigerator before serving.