Few culinary delights rival the joy of a fresh, flavorful seafood salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Wash and dice: Clean cucumber, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Dice cucumber and bell pepper into small, even pieces, and halve cherry tomatoes.
2. Chop aromatics: Finely chop red onion and celery, which will add crunch and a subtle sharpness.
3. Combine: Gently fold the vegetables into the seafood bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. Combine ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
2. Adjust flavors: Taste and tweak the seasoning—more lemon juice for tang, more honey for a hint of sweetness, or extra mustard for a kick.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

1. Gently mix: Pour the dressing over the seafood and vegetable mixture. Carefully toss everything together so that each ingredient is lightly coated without breaking the delicate seafood.
2. Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, dill, or cilantro over the salad and fold them in for a fragrant finish.

Step 5: Optional Garnishes

• Add avocado slices for creaminess.
• Sprinkle capers for a salty, briny pop.
• Dust lightly with chili flakes for subtle heat.

Step 6: Serve

1. Chill or serve immediately: Seafood salad can be served straight away for a fresh, light taste or chilled for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Presentation tip: Serve on a bed of leafy greens or in individual cups for an elegant touch. Garnish with lemon wedges for a bright, refreshing finish.

Tips for a Perfect Seafood Salad

• Freshness is key: Always use fresh or high-quality pre-cooked seafood.
• Avoid overmixing: Seafood is delicate, and rough handling can make it mushy.
• Balance flavors: The acidity of lemon juice should complement the natural sweetness of seafood.

A fresh seafood salad is more than a dish—it’s an experience. With the sweet brininess of shrimp, the delicate texture of scallops, the tender flakiness of crab, and a crisp crunch of vegetables, every bite is a celebration of the ocean’s bounty. Once you master this basic recipe, feel free to experiment with ingredients, herbs, and dressings to create your own signature seafood salad masterpiece.

If you want, I can also create a quick visual chart showing the step-by-step assembly of the seafood salad, which makes it even easier to follow. Do you want me to do that?