Scallops Nicoise
A vibrant seafood dish featuring tender scallops, fresh tomatoes, olives, and capers, perfect for a light Mediterranean-inspired meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Core and peel tomatoes, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Chop the green and black olives, approximately 3 tablespoons of green and 1 1/2 tablespoons of black.
- Saute the minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and bring to a boil.
- Add the chopped olives and capers, then season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use fresh bay scallops and ripe tomatoes. If bay scallops are unavailable, consider using sea scallops cut into smaller pieces. To enhance the dish, add a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also be incorporated for a Mediterranean twist. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Scallops Nicoise over a bed of mixed greens or alongside crusty bread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Cucumber Cups Filled With Herbed Yogurt And Smoked Salmon. For added color, garnish with additional parsley or lemon wedges. A chilled white wine complements the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Scallops Nicoise can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Avoid microwaving as it may overcook the scallops, making them rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scallops Nicoise contains roughly 736 calories, with 21g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (316% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1199mg per serving (52% 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 scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking. This may require a longer cooking time, so be mindful to avoid overcooking them, which can result in a tough texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also serve the dish with a side of spicy aioli for dipping, which complements the scallops beautifully and enhances the overall flavor.
What can I substitute for olives if I dislike them?
If you prefer to skip olives, you can substitute them with chopped artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile. These ingredients will add a unique twist while still providing a delicious Mediterranean flair to the dish.
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).