Name: Seafood With Vegetables Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 13 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 8 oz imitation crab meat; 8 oz raw shrimp; 1 lemon; ½ cup celery; 3 tbsp red onion; ½ tsp old bay seasoning; 2 tsp lemon juice; salt and pepper; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1½ tbsp fresh dill

This seafood salad with vegetables recipe is a delightful mix of tender shrimp and succulent imitation crab, tossed with crisp celery, tangy red onion and a creamy mayo dressing, all enhanced with a hint of fresh dill. It's a simple and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.

Photos of Seafood With Vegetables Salad Recipe

Imitation crab meat and Old Bay seasoning might not be the usual items in your pantry. Imitation crab, made from surimi, a fish-based food product, is commonly used in seafood salads and sushi, and can be found in the refrigerated seafood section of most supermarkets. Old Bay seasoning, a blend of herbs and spices, is a classic seafood seasoning available in the spice aisle.

Ingredients for Seafood Salad with Vegetables

Imitation crab meat: A seafood product made from fish, it has a taste and texture similar to real crab.

Raw shrimp: Adds a burst of sea flavor and a tender texture to the salad.

Lemon: Adds fresh, citrusy tang to balance the rich flavors.

Celery: Provides a nice crunch and slight bitterness.

Red onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and color to the salad.

Old Bay seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs and spices that enhances the seafood taste.

Lemon juice: Enhances the flavors and prevents the salad from tasting too heavy.

Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the other flavors.

Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing that ties all the flavors together.

Fresh dill: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the salad.

One reader, Hoebart Head says:

This seafood salad with vegetables recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh seafood, crunchy vegetables, and zesty lemon dressing is simply divine. It's a refreshing and light dish that's perfect for a summer day. I highly recommend trying it out for a healthy and delicious meal!

Hoebart Head

Techniques for Making Seafood Salad With Vegetables

How to cook shrimp: Shrimp should be cooked in boiling salted water for 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Then, they should be transferred to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

How to toss ingredients: When tossing the ingredients, it's important to do so gently to ensure that the seafood and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing without breaking apart.

How to garnish: Garnish the seafood salad with additional fresh dill before serving to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.

How to refrigerate: If not serving immediately, cover the seafood salad and refrigerate for up to 2 days to allow the flavors to meld together.

How To Make Seafood With Vegetables Salad

Seafood and veggies in one delicious dish. This seafood salad is the perfect blend of imitation crab and shrimp with veggies tossed with dill dressing.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 3 minutes

Total: 13 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8ozimitation crab meat,flaked style or sticks cut into slices
8ozraw shrimp
1lemon,quartered
½cupcelery,finely diced
3tbspred onion,minced
½tspold bay seasoning
2tsplemon juice
Salt and pepper,to taste
½cupmayonnaise
1½tbspfresh dill,chopped, plus more for garnish

Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the quartered lemon.
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
Drain the shrimp then pat dry.
Place the shrimp, imitation crab, celery, red onion, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, and dill in a bowl. Toss gently to coat.
Garnish with additional fresh dill and serve or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 313.68kcal
Fat: 22.90g
Saturated Fat: 3.53g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.79g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 13.54g
Carbohydrates: 11.59g
Fiber: 1.19g
Sugar: 4.46g
Protein: 16.14g
Cholesterol: 113.89mg
Sodium: 545.02mg
Calcium: 59.05mg
Potassium: 277.11mg
Iron: 0.78mg
Vitamin A: 4.12µg
Vitamin C: 9.81mg

Helpful Technique for Preparing Seafood Salad

When cooking shrimp, it's important to not overcook them as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. The moment they turn pink and opaque, they're done. Plunging them into ice water immediately after cooking not only stops the cooking process but also keeps them firm and juicy.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the seafood and chop the vegetables the night before to save time on the day of serving.

Use pre-cooked seafood: Consider using pre-cooked shrimp and imitation crab meat to cut down on cooking time.

One-step seasoning: Use a premade seafood seasoning blend to simplify the seasoning process.

Efficient assembly: Have all the ingredients and utensils ready before starting to assemble the salad.

Quick chilling: Place the salad in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it rapidly before serving.

Substitute Ingredients For Seafood With Vegetables Salad Recipe

imitation crab meat - Substitute with shredded cooked chicken: Shredded cooked chicken can provide a similar texture and flavor to imitation crab meat, making it a suitable substitute for this seafood salad recipe.
raw shrimp - Substitute with cooked and chopped chicken breast: Cooked and chopped chicken breast can be used as a substitute for shrimp to maintain a protein element in the salad while accommodating dietary restrictions or preferences.

Presenting Your Seafood Salad With Vegetables

Elevate the seafood: Arrange the imitation crab meat and shrimp in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they are the focal point of the dish.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce a variety of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens, to create a visually stunning and appetizing presentation.
Utilize elegant plating: Serve the seafood salad on chilled, high-quality plates or shallow bowls to enhance the overall dining experience.
Garnish with precision: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, to add a pop of color and a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Balance textures: Incorporate a delicate crunch by adding a small amount of finely diced cucumber or radish to provide a textural contrast to the seafood salad.
Emphasize freshness: Highlight the freshness of the ingredients by arranging them in a way that showcases their natural beauty and appeal.
Consider the vessel: Serve the seafood salad in a stylish and modern dish that complements the overall aesthetic and elevates the dining experience.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that every element is thoughtfully arranged to create a visually stunning dish.

Essential Tools for Making a Seafood Salad

Pot: A large, deep container used for boiling or steaming ingredients.
Bowl: A round, deep dish for mixing and serving ingredients.
Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Cutting board: A sturdy board used as a surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with perforations for draining liquids from food.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for mixing and stirring ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Lemon squeezer: A tool used to extract juice from lemons and other citrus fruits.
Ice water: Chilled water used for quickly cooling down cooked ingredients.
Refrigerator: An appliance used for storing and preserving food at a cool temperature.

Storing and Freezing Seafood Salad With Vegetables

Storing: transfer the seafood salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing: seafood salad does not freeze well due to the high moisture content of the vegetables and the delicate texture of the shrimp and imitation crab. Freezing can cause the ingredients to become soggy and lose their crisp texture upon thawing.
If you have leftover cooked shrimp or imitation crab, you can freeze them separately for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using them in the salad.
To ensure the best quality and texture, it is recommended to consume the seafood salad within 2 days of preparation and store it in the refrigerator.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, you can chop the vegetables and cook the shrimp ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and then combine them with the remaining ingredients just before serving.

Interesting Fact About Seafood Salad With Vegetables

Imitation crab meat is made from a type of fish called surimi, which is minced fish flesh that has been deboned, washed to remove fat and unwanted bits, and then minced into a paste. This paste is then flavored, colored, and shaped to resemble the appearance of crab meat. It's a versatile and affordable alternative to real crab meat in seafood salads and other dishes.

Is Making Seafood Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This seafood salad with vegetables recipe offers a high degree of cost-effectiveness for a household. The use of imitation crab meat and raw shrimp provides a budget-friendly yet flavorful base. The addition of celery, red onion, and lemon juice further enhances the dish without significantly increasing the cost. With an approximate cost of $20, this recipe offers a great value for a household of 4. The overall verdict rates this recipe at 8/10 for its affordability and delicious flavor profile.

Is This Seafood Salad Recipe Healthy?

The seafood salad recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a good balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients and their nutritional value:

Shrimp and imitation crab meat: Both are low in calories and high in protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.
Celery and red onion: These vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish, promoting digestive health and boosting the immune system.
Lemon juice: Rich in vitamin C, lemon juice helps improve iron absorption and supports a healthy immune system.
Mayonnaise: While high in fat, mayonnaise is used in moderation and provides a creamy texture to the salad.
Fresh dill: This herb is a good source of antioxidants and adds a fresh, aromatic flavor to the dish.

However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:

Use low-fat or avocado-based mayonnaise to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
Increase the amount of celery and red onion to add more fiber and nutrients.
Consider adding other vegetables, such as:
- Diced cucumber for extra hydration and vitamin K
- Cherry tomatoes for a boost of lycopene and vitamin C
- Shredded carrots for beta-carotene and fiber
Replace the imitation crab meat with real crab meat for a more natural and nutrient-dense option.
Use whole grain crackers or a bed of mixed greens as a serving option to increase the fiber content and provide a more balanced meal.

Editor's Take on This Seafood Salad Recipe

The seafood salad with vegetables recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of imitation crab meat and shrimp provides a refreshing seafood taste, while the addition of celery, red onion, and dill adds a satisfying crunch and aromatic freshness. The blend of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and old bay seasoning creates a creamy and zesty dressing that ties the salad together beautifully. This dish is versatile and can be served as a light lunch, a side dish, or as an elegant appetizer. It's a perfect choice for a summer gathering or a quick and delicious meal any time of the year.

Enhance Your Seafood With Vegetables Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the seafood salad.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest, a refreshing side to accompany the seafood salad.

Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: A colorful and refreshing fruit salad tossed in a sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing, a delightful contrast to the savory seafood salad.

Similar Recipes to Seafood Salad With Vegetables

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs before threading them onto skewers and grilling until tender and slightly charred.

Mango Chicken Salad: Combine diced chicken, ripe mango, red onion, and a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt and lime juice for a refreshing and satisfying salad.

Butternut Squash Soup: Roast butternut squash, onions, and garlic until caramelized, then blend with vegetable broth and warm spices for a comforting and velvety smooth soup.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Shrimp Cocktail: Tantalize your palate with this classic shrimp cocktail, featuring plump, juicy shrimp served with a zesty cocktail sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful and refreshing dessert option. It's a balance of sweet and tart flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this Seafood With Vegetables Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for imitation crab meat?

You can substitute imitation crab meat with real crab meat, cooked and shredded chicken, or even cooked and flaked white fish.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

How long can I store the seafood salad in the refrigerator?

You can store the seafood salad in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Can I add other vegetables to the seafood salad?

Absolutely! You can customize the salad by adding diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

To make this recipe healthier, you can use low-fat or light mayonnaise, and increase the amount of vegetables in the salad. You can also reduce the amount of mayonnaise used for a lighter dressing.