Seafood Salad

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

1. Dice the celery, red bell pepper, cucumber, and onion into small, uniform pieces.
2. Chop the parsley finely to add a fresh, aromatic flavor.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
2. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Add salt, black pepper, and optional paprika or chili flakes to taste.

Step 4: Combine Seafood and Vegetables

1. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooled seafood and chopped vegetables.
2. Pour the dressing over the mixture.
3. Toss carefully to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the delicate seafood.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Serve on a bed of mixed greens or lettuce leaves.
3. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley for a fresh, colorful presentation.

Tips for the Perfect Seafood Salad

• Use fresh seafood whenever possible: It makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcook the seafood: Overcooked shrimp or scallops can become rubbery.
• Customize your salad: Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, or olives for extra richness.
• Serve chilled: Seafood salad tastes best cold, especially on a warm day.

Seafood salad is not only delicious but also a visually appealing dish that can elevate any meal. Its combination of fresh seafood, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser. With this step-by-step guide, you can easily prepare a restaurant-quality seafood salad at home that will impress family and friends alike.

If you want, I can also create a quick version of this seafood salad that takes only 15 minutes, perfect for when you’re in a hurry but still want something gourmet. Do you want me to do that?