Mediterranean Seafood Salad Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these add a succulent texture and flavor to the salad.

Calamari: Sliced into rings, it provides a tender and slightly chewy contrast to the shrimp.

Cherry tomatoes: Halved, they add a burst of sweetness and color.

Cucumber: Diced, it brings a refreshing crunch to the salad.

Red onion: Thinly sliced, it adds a sharp and tangy flavor.

Olives: Sliced, they contribute a salty and briny taste.

Feta cheese: Crumbled, it adds a creamy and tangy element.

Olive oil: Used in the dressing, it provides a rich and smooth base.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, it adds a zesty and bright flavor to the dressing.

Oregano: Dried, it brings a hint of earthiness and warmth.

Garlic: Minced, it adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the dressing.

Salt: To taste, it enhances all the flavors in the salad.

Black pepper: To taste, it adds a subtle heat and complexity.

When preparing the shrimp and calamari, ensure they are cooked just until opaque and tender to avoid a rubbery texture. Quickly blanching the seafood in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes and then immediately transferring them to an ice bath can help achieve the perfect texture. This technique, known as shocking, stops the cooking process and keeps the seafood tender and juicy.

• peeled and deveined shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative to shrimp.

• sliced into rings calamari - Substitute with octopus: Octopus has a similar chewy texture and can be sliced into rings like calamari.

• halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and size, making them an easy swap.

• diced cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar crunch and can be diced to match the texture of cucumber.

• thinly sliced red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be thinly sliced to replace red onion.

• sliced olives - Substitute with capers: Capers provide a similar briny flavor and can add a unique twist to the salad.

• crumbled feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture, making it a good alternative to feta.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and can be used in the same quantity.

• freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and fresh flavor to lemon juice.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme has a similar earthy flavor and can be used in the same quantity as oregano.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though it is less pungent than fresh garlic.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat and can be used in the same quantity as black pepper.

• To store your Mediterranean seafood salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain the freshness of the shrimp, calamari, and vegetables.
• Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Beyond this, the texture of the seafood and vegetables may start to degrade.
• If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy. Simply mix the olive oil, lemon juice, and other dressing ingredients in a small jar and refrigerate.
• When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. This ensures a fresh and vibrant flavor.
• Freezing the Mediterranean seafood salad is not recommended. The texture of the shrimp, calamari, and vegetables will be compromised upon thawing, resulting in a less enjoyable dish.
• If you must freeze, consider freezing only the seafood components. Cook the shrimp and calamari, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator and combine with fresh vegetables and dressing when ready to serve.
• Always label your containers with the date of preparation. This helps keep track of freshness and ensures you enjoy your Mediterranean seafood salad at its best.

• Gently warm the shrimp and calamari separately in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking and maintain moisture. Avoid overcooking to keep the seafood tender.
• If you prefer a microwave, place the seafood in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on low power in 30-second intervals until just warmed through.
• For the vegetables and feta cheese, keep them chilled and add them back to the seafood after reheating. This preserves their fresh, crisp texture.
• Alternatively, you can reassemble the salad by mixing the reheated seafood with the chilled cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese just before serving.
• Refresh the dressing by whisking together a bit more lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano, then drizzle over the salad to enhance the flavors.

• Large mixing bowl: To combine shrimp, calamari, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.

• Small bowl: To whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

• Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients thoroughly.

• Knife: To dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion and olives.

• Cutting board: To provide a surface for cutting the vegetables and seafood.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese.

• Measuring spoons: To measure the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

• Garlic press: To mince the garlic clove.

• Tongs: To toss the salad gently and ensure the dressing coats all ingredients evenly.

• Refrigerator: To chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving, if desired.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop vegetables and seafood ahead of time to streamline assembly.

Use pre-cooked seafood: Opt for pre-cooked shrimp and calamari to save cooking time.

Ready-made dressing: Use a store-bought Mediterranean dressing if you're in a hurry.

Batch cooking: Prepare a larger quantity and store portions for quick meals later.

Efficient tools: Use a mandoline slicer for quick and uniform vegetable cuts.