Christmas Eve Seafood Salad Recipe: Easy & Festive Delight
Introduction
Christmas Eve is a time of joy, warmth, and cherished traditions. In many American and European households, especially among Italian families, the holiday table wouldn’t be complete without a classic seafood dish. One standout that’s both delicious and refreshing is the Christmas Eve seafood salad. Light yet satisfying, it’s a perfect complement to the richness of the holiday spread. This recipe blends shrimp, crab, and fresh vegetables in a zesty, herb-filled dressing—easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re continuing an old tradition or starting a new one, this festive seafood salad is a holiday must.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this vibrant and easy holiday salad. This recipe serves 6-8 guests.
Seafood:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined) – Buy on Amazon Fresh
- ½ lb imitation crab meat or fresh lump crab
- ½ lb calamari rings (optional, lightly boiled)
- ½ lb bay scallops (optional, lightly seared)
Vegetables & Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp capers (optional)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of kick)
To Serve:
- Butter lettuce or arugula (for plating)
- Crusty bread or crostini (optional)
- Festive salad bowl for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Seafood
If you’re starting with fresh or frozen seafood:
- Shrimp: Boil in salted water for 2-3 minutes until pink, then cool in an ice bath.
- Crab meat: If using fresh, make sure it’s clean and shell-free.
- Calamari: Lightly boil rings for 1-2 minutes until tender.
- Scallops: Sear in a hot skillet for 1 minute per side, then cool.
Let all seafood chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before assembling the salad.
Step 2: Chop the Veggies
While your seafood chills, slice the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and celery. Chop the parsley and zest the lemon.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Let the dressing sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the chopped veggies with the seafood. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat. Add capers and lemon zest for extra zing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve in Style
Line a serving bowl with butter lettuce or arugula and gently spoon the seafood salad over it. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired. Serve chilled with crusty bread or crostini.
Serving Tips for the Holiday Table
- Make It Ahead: This salad tastes even better after a few hours, making it ideal for prepping in the morning and serving at night.
- Holiday Plating: Serve in a decorative holiday-themed salad bowl to match your table’s festive decor.
- Pairing: Pairs beautifully with white wines like Pinot Grigio or a citrusy mocktail for a non-alcoholic option.
- Add More Color: For a Mediterranean twist, add roasted red peppers or olives.
- Customize It: Don’t like calamari or scallops? Stick to shrimp and crab for a simpler version.
Conclusion: Try This Easy Christmas Eve Classic
This Christmas Eve seafood salad recipe is the perfect addition to your holiday meal. It’s light, flavorful, and showcases the best of fresh seafood with festive flair. Whether you’re celebrating the Feast of the Seven Fishes or simply want a refreshing dish among the holiday indulgence, this salad delivers.
Give it a try this season—and don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest so others can enjoy it too! Tag us with your creations using #EasyYumFood and bring more delicious moments to your holiday table.
Looking for more holiday cooking inspiration? Check out our full list of Holiday Recipes and browse our collection of Healthy Recipes to keep your celebrations balanced and joyful.
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