Get ready to fall in love with a dish that perfectly balances crispy, fresh, and vibrant all in one bowl. Crispy Mediterranean Seafood Salad Bliss is exactly what it sounds like: a glorious celebration of golden-fried shrimp, calamari, and scallops resting atop a colorful bed of mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy kalamata olives. Dressed with a bright lemon and oregano vinaigrette, this salad bursts with the flavors of the Mediterranean and offers a delightful crunch that will keep you coming back for more. It’s light, nutritious, and downright addictive—your go-to recipe for impressing friends or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary on a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and essential for crafting those irresistible textures and fresh flavors. Each plays a unique role, from the crispy coating on the seafood to the refreshing salad base and the zesty dressing that pulls everything together in a harmonious bite.
- 12 oz mixed seafood (shrimp, calamari, small scallops): Fresh or thawed, these are the stars of the dish that will get crispy and golden.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The first layer for the perfect fried coating, helping the seafood crisp beautifully.
- 1/2 cup cornmeal: Adds extra crunch and a lovely texture contrast to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smoky warmth to the coating, enhancing flavor depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides savory notes that pair wonderfully with the seafood.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to elevate all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For frying that perfect crispy layer while keeping the seafood juicy.
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, radicchio): A vibrant, bitter, and peppery base that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness balancing the crispy seafood.
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced: Adds refreshing crunch and coolness to every forkful.
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Sharp and mildly sweet, it cuts through richness with a zing.
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Briny and tangy, they bring an authentic Mediterranean touch.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and salty, this ties the flavors together beautifully.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Bright citrus that lifts the entire salad with fresh acidity.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Rich and fruity, it forms the base of the luscious dressing.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy, herbaceous aroma true to Mediterranean cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon honey: A subtle touch of sweetness to balance the citrus and spice.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Sharp and aromatic, it infuses the dressing with bold flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: A fresh green burst that adds color and herbal brightness.
How to Make Crispy Mediterranean Seafood Salad Bliss
Step 1: Prep Your Seafood
First things first, give your shrimp, calamari, and scallops a gentle rinse under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry seafood fries up crispier, so this step is crucial. Then combine the flour, cornmeal, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish for the perfect flavorful coating.
Step 2: Coat the Seafood
Take each piece of seafood and thoroughly coat it in the seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture. Make sure every side is covered to capture maximum crunch and flavor during frying. This coating creates that signature crisp shell that makes this salad so special.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the seafood pieces for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn a glorious golden brown. The aroma will be irresistible! Once done, set them aside on paper towels to drain excess oil so they stay crispy and light.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine your mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. This fresh and colorful combo balances the fried seafood beautifully.
Step 5: Whip Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This bright, tangy dressing is the magic that brings the whole Crispy Mediterranean Seafood Salad Bliss to life.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over your salad and toss gently to coat every leaf and veggie. Arrange the crispy seafood on top, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for that final vibrant touch, and serve immediately. The contrast of crispy seafood with the fresh salad makes each bite an absolute joy.
How to Serve Crispy Mediterranean Seafood Salad Bliss
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice that adds crisp color and a mild herbaceous note. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds to introduce an extra crunch that complements the fried seafood wonderfully. A few extra lemon wedges on the side are perfect for guests who like an added citrus kick.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a standalone meal, but consider pairing it with crusty Mediterranean bread to soak up the flavorful dressing. A light tzatziki dip or a chilled glass of white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc also make charming accompaniments that heighten the overall dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in rustic bowls or on large, flat plates for an inviting family-style feel. For dinner parties, try creating individual salad cups with crispy seafood perched on top for a stunning appetizer. Layering the salad components in clear glass bowls can also showcase the vibrant colors, tempting everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store the seafood and salad separately in airtight containers. The seafood will stay better apart to avoid sogginess, and you can reheat it when ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well, especially the crispy seafood, which loses its crunchy texture. To enjoy Crispy Mediterranean Seafood Salad Bliss at its best, prepare it fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
To reheat the seafood leftovers, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This helps to revive some of that crunch without drying out the seafood. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour and cornmeal for gluten-free breadcrumbs or chickpea flour to maintain the crispy, golden coating—just as delicious and safe for those avoiding gluten.
What seafood works best for this salad?
This recipe shines when you use a mix of shrimp, calamari, and small scallops. They each bring unique textures and flavors, but feel free to experiment with your favorites or what’s fresh at the market.
Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
You can prep the salad ingredients and dressing in advance and keep them refrigerated. Just fry the seafood right before serving to keep it crispy and irresistible.
How spicy is the dish?
It has a mild smoky flavor from paprika with a slight garlicky kick, but nothing too overwhelming. If you love heat, simply add some crushed red pepper flakes either to the coating or into the dressing for a spicy twist.
What if I don’t have kalamata olives?
If kalamata olives aren’t available, substitute with green olives or even capers for that punch of briny flavor that complements the salad perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into the perfect combination of crispy, fresh, and bright in a single dish. Crispy Mediterranean Seafood Salad Bliss is a celebration of textures and flavors that turns a simple meal into a memorable occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress company or treat yourself to something delightful, this salad is a fantastic choice that never disappoints. Go on, dive in and savor every delicious bite—you’ll thank me later!
Print
Crispy Mediterranean Seafood Salad Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A vibrant and crispy Mediterranean seafood salad featuring a delightful mix of shrimp, calamari, and scallops, fried to golden perfection and served atop fresh salad greens with a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. This light and healthy dish blends crunchy textures and bold Mediterranean flavors for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Seafood & Coating
- 12 oz mixed seafood (shrimp, calamari, small scallops)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Salad
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, radicchio)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the seafood: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp, calamari, and scallops thoroughly to remove excess moisture for optimal crispiness during frying.
- Create the coating mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Coat the seafood: Dredge each piece of seafood in the coating mixture, ensuring every piece is thoroughly covered for a flavorful and crispy crust.
- Fry the seafood: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the seafood for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the seafood onto paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to mix all the fresh ingredients.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to evenly coat all the ingredients with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve: Arrange the crispy fried seafood atop the dressed salad. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of textures and vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour and cornmeal with gluten-free breadcrumbs or chickpea flour.
- Add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for an extra crunchy texture.
- For a spicier flavor, incorporate a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the coating mixture or the dressing.
- Best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispiness of the seafood.
