Lo-Cal Seafood Salad

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A light, flavorful seafood salad featuring shrimp, calamari, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a healthy, refreshing meal or side dish for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. fresh shrimp, cooked and chopped
  • 1 lb. calamari rings, cooked
  • 7 oz. pasta shells or spirals, cooked and drained
  • 1/2 cup celery
  • 1/2 cup green pepper

Instructions

  1. Blend all ingredients together in a large bowl.
  2. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours to allow flavors to blend.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider incorporating a tablespoon of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning to the mixture. If you're not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with crab meat or diced scallops. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also enhance the dish. Make sure to drain the pasta well to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this seafood salad on a bed of mixed greens or alongside crusty bread for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Hot Shrimp Appetizers or as part of a seafood platter. For a complete dinner, consider adding a side of grilled vegetables or a light vinaigrette salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a microwave, but be cautious not to overcook the seafood. Alternatively, serve it cold directly from the fridge for a refreshing meal.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lo-Cal Seafood Salad contains roughly 114 calories, with 5g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 839mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

114 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 6.8g 9% DV
Carbs 8.5g 3% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 5.9g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 838.5mg 36% DV
Potassium 381.2mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 37.8mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 46.3mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 7mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 67.7mg 5% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Wheat/Gluten Shellfish

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 make this seafood salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a few hours early or the day before, allowing the flavors to meld together in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness.

What can I substitute for calamari?

If you're not keen on calamari, you can replace it with cooked scallops or even chunks of firm white fish like cod. Both options will provide a similar texture and complement the shrimp well.

Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?

To make this salad gluten-free, simply substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta alternatives made from rice or quinoa. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious seafood salad without the gluten.

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).

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