Baked Seafood Rice Salad
A flavorful baked seafood rice salad combining tender shrimp, crabmeat, and crunchy water chestnuts with crisp vegetables and creamy mayonnaise. Topped with Parmesan cheese, it offers a comforting yet fresh taste, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or entertaining guests seeking a hearty, seafood-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cooked rice, chopped celery, finely chopped green pepper, sliced green onions, drained water chestnuts, drained shrimp, and the can of crabmeat or chicken in a mixing bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into a shallow 2-quart casserole dish.
- Spread mayonnaise evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mayonnaise layer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like dill or parsley in the salad. If you don't have crabmeat, canned tuna can be a great substitute. You can also use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor and additional nutrients. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Seafood Rice Salad is perfect as a main dish or as a side for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with a light citrus vinaigrette salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside garlic bread or a fresh green salad. You can also browse more seafood recipes to complement your seafood-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also enjoy this dish cold, making it a great option for meal prep or picnics.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Seafood Rice Salad contains roughly 334 calories, with 13g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 912mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh seafood instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh shrimp or crab. Just make sure to cook them properly before adding to the salad. Fresh seafood will provide a more vibrant flavor, but ensure it's well-seasoned to enhance the overall dish.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this salad stores well in the refrigerator and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep. Just keep the mayonnaise separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the best texture.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with light, refreshing sides like a cucumber salad or steamed vegetables. You could also complement it with a chilled white wine for a delightful dining experience.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).