Description
Seafood salad, or Insalata di Mare, is an Italian favorite often enjoyed during the Feast of the Seven Fishes, but perfect any time. A refreshing blend of octopus, shrimp, and squid is complemented by a citrusy, Mediterranean dressing. It’s light, zesty, and perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- Octopus (1.5 lbs): Tenderize by boiling.
- Shrimp (8 large): Peeled and deveined.
- Squid (4 tubes): Cut into rings.
- Celery (1 rib), bay leaves (2), lemon (2), tangerines (3): For poaching and dressing.
- Garlic (3 cloves): Adds depth to the dressing.
- Olive oil (¼ cup): The base for the citrus dressing.
- Honey Dijon mustard (2 tsp): Adds subtle sweetness to the vinaigrette.
- Fresh parsley (¼ cup): Brings color and freshness to the salad.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
- Cook the Octopus:
Begin by rinsing the octopus thoroughly. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add celery, bay leaves, lemon slices, peppercorns, and salt. Before fully submerging the octopus, dip the tentacles into the boiling water a few times to curl them. Once done, simmer the octopus for about 40-45 minutes until tender. Afterward, remove, cool, and cut into bite-sized pieces. - Poach the Squid and Shrimp:
In the same pot, add the shrimp and squid and boil them for about 2 minutes each. For added flavor, add tangerine and lemon halves into the water. Once cooked, remove and set them aside to cool. - Make the Citrus Dressing:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed tangerine and lemon juice, minced garlic, mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper. The dressing should be zesty and fragrant with citrus notes. - Assemble the Salad:
Combine the cooked octopus, shrimp, and squid in a large serving bowl. Drizzle the citrus dressing over the seafood and toss to ensure everything is well coated. Let the salad sit for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Flavor Development: The salad benefits from being made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. It can be prepared up to 12 hours before serving.
- Seafood Substitutions: Octopus can be swapped with other seafood like scallops or crab for a similar texture.