Italy Insalata di Mare (Seafood Salad)
Insalata di mare, or Italian seafood salad, is a refreshing and elegant dish that celebrates the bounty of the Mediterranean Sea. Popular in coastal regions of Italy, it typically includes a mix of shellfish and tender seafood, dressed simply with olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs. This salad is a staple at summer meals and festive occasions. Its simplicity highlights the natural sweetness of the seafood.
Recipe Servings: 4
Prep Time
15 minutes
+ 30 minutes resting
+ 30 minutes resting
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
- ½ lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb (225 g) calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
- ½ lb (225 g) mussels or clams, cleaned
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp (2 ml) salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp (1 ml) black pepper
- ¼ tsp (1 ml) red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 Tbsp (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- ½ cup (75 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup (38 g) black olives, sliced
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until pink and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the calamari rings to the same pot and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until tender. Remove and set aside.
- Finally, add the mussels or clams and cook until they open, about 3–5 minutes. Discard any that do not open. Allow all seafood to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked seafood, parsley, cherry tomatoes, celery, and black olives, if using. Pour the dressing over the seafood mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or olive oil as needed.
- Serve the insalata di mare chilled, garnished with additional parsley. It can be enjoyed as a standalone appetizer or paired with crusty bread.
Notes
- Use the freshest seafood available for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer, add scallops or octopus to the mix for more variety.
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