Tarragon Scallop And Shrimp Salad
A light and elegant seafood salad featuring tender scallops and shrimp, accented with fresh herbs and tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a sophisticated appetizer or a refreshing main course, this dish balances delicate flavors with crisp lettuce, ideal for entertaining or a delightful summer meal.
Ingredients
- water ⓘ
- 12 oz. scallops
- 1/3 cup light olive oil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 tsp. white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried tarragon leaves, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground white pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 8 oz. frozen cooked tiny shrimp, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 2 tsp. snipped fresh chives ⓘ
- 2 tsp. minced fresh parsley ⓘ
- about 5 cups torn tender Boston, bibb or butter lettuce leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a large skillet.
- Slice the scallops and simmer for 1 1/2 minutes or until opaque halfway through.
- Drain and spread out the scallops on a large plate to cool quickly.
- In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine light olive oil, fresh lemon juice, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, crumbled dried tarragon, ground white pepper, and sugar.
- Whisk or shake until well blended to make the dressing.
- Toss the cooked scallops, thawed shrimp, and half of the chopped chives and parsley with half of the dressing in a medium bowl to coat well.
- Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Just before serving, gently toss the lettuce leaves with the remaining dressing.
- Arrange the dressed lettuce on four large salad plates.
- Spoon the seafood mixture into the center of each plate.
- Sprinkle with the remaining chives and parsley, then add freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider substituting the tarragon with fresh dill or basil. If you're in a pinch, use pre-cooked shrimp for convenience. Make sure to thoroughly drain the shrimp to prevent excess moisture in the salad. For a creamy twist, you can incorporate a dollop of Greek yogurt into the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a light lunch or elegant starter and pairs beautifully with a chilled white wine. Serve alongside crusty bread or a light soup, such as Fisherman'S Soup(Fast And Easy), for a complete meal. For a refreshing finish, consider a simple fruit sorbet.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The seafood salad can be served cold or at room temperature. If you need to refresh it, gently toss with a bit more dressing before serving, but avoid reheating to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tarragon Scallop And Shrimp Salad contains roughly 201 calories, with 14g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (107% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and calcium (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 531mg per serving (23% 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 scallops instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh scallops can be used in this recipe. Just ensure they are properly cleaned and cooked until opaque. Fresh scallops provide a sweeter flavor and firmer texture, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad heartier, consider adding cooked quinoa or couscous as a base. This not only increases the nutritional value but also adds a satisfying texture. You can also include avocado slices or boiled eggs for additional richness.
Is it possible to prepare this salad in advance?
Absolutely! The seafood mixture can be prepared and chilled for up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. However, dress the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp and vibrant.
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).