Easy Seafood Salad
A light, refreshing seafood salad featuring shrimp, crab, and crunchy vegetables, dressed in a tangy Thousand Island or Ranch dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked shrimp, flaked crab or mock crab, chopped pimiento, chopped celery, and green peas in a serving bowl.
- In a shaker container, mix light Thousand Island dressing or lite Ranch, lemon juice, pepper, marjoram, and plain nonfat yogurt.
- Pour the dressing over the seafood and vegetables.
- Toss gently to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresh twist, consider adding diced avocado or using scallops instead of shrimp. If you're short on time, pre-cooked seafood is a great shortcut. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for the plain nonfat yogurt for a creamier texture. For a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this seafood salad chilled as a light lunch or appetizer. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Sea Slaw for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Buttermilk Fried Fillets or a green salad for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover seafood salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the salad fresh, avoid adding the dressing until you're ready to serve. If reheating is necessary, do so gently in a microwave, ensuring it doesn’t overcook the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Seafood Salad contains roughly 248 calories, with 19g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 901mg per serving (39% 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 frozen seafood for this salad?
Yes, you can use frozen seafood, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain excess water before adding it to the salad. This will help maintain the right texture and flavor. Just ensure the seafood is thoroughly cooked according to package instructions.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To add some heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dressing. You could also mix in some diced red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
Is this seafood salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This seafood salad is ideal for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to maintain freshness. Portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. It’s perfect for a busy schedule.
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).