Best Italian Seafood Salad Recipe

A fresh and flavorful seafood salad with tender shrimp, calamari, mussels, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Recipe Category: Salad
Recipe Cuisine: Italian
Aggregate Rating: ★★★★★ (4.9/5 from 275 reviews)

---

This authentic Italian seafood salad (Insalata di Mare) is light, refreshing, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. A perfect balance of tender seafood, fresh herbs, and a lemony dressing, making it a great appetizer or side dish for any occasion!

---

Ingredients

For the Seafood:

• ½ lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
• ½ lb calamari, cleaned & sliced into rings
• ½ lb mussels, scrubbed & de-bearded
• ½ lb scallops (small or cut into halves)
• ½ lb cooked octopus (optional), sliced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 6 cups water

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained

For Assembly:

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup black or green olives, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for garnish

---

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Seafood

1. Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add lemon slices, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
2. Reduce to a gentle simmer and add shrimp. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon.
3. Add calamari rings and cook for 1-2 minutes until opaque. Remove and set aside.
4. Add scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove.
5. Add mussels, cover, and steam for 5 minutes or until they open. Discard any that remain closed.
6. If using octopus, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
7. Let all seafood cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and capers until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked seafood, tomatoes, red onion, olives, parsley, and basil.
2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

1. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve chilled or at room temperature.
2. Enjoy with crusty Italian bread or as a light entrée!

---

Pro Tips

✅ Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture.
✅ Don't overcook the seafood—keep cooking times short to maintain tenderness.
✅ Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.

---

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 14g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fiber: 2g

---

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a gentle toss before serving.

What other seafood can I use?
Lobster, crab, or clams are great additions!

How long does it last in the fridge?
It keeps well in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

---

Google Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"This seafood salad is so fresh and flavorful! It reminds me of the one I had in Italy." – Lisa M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Perfectly cooked seafood and the lemon-garlic dressing is amazing! A new favorite." – Antonio R.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I made this for Christmas Eve, and everyone loved it. Super easy and delicious!" – Sophia L.

---

Enjoy your authentic Italian Seafood Salad, full of fresh flavors and Mediterranean goodness! 🍋🐟

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, iHeartFoodie.com earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we trust and love!