Hey, salad enthusiasts! Today, we’re making a DELICIOUS seafood salad that’s going to blow your taste buds away. This isn’t just any salad, oh no. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish packed with fresh seafood, crunchy veggies, and the most amazing dressing EVER!

I made this for my sister-in-law’s beach party last summer. Let me tell you… it was the star of the show! Everybody asked for the recipe. It’s PERFECT for those hot days, or anytime you crave something light and refreshing but also with amazing taste. Get ready because I’m going to show you the ropes step by step. Let’s dive in and make this happen, alright?
Table of Contents
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Why You Need Seafood Salad in Your Life
First things first: Why is this seafood salad so incredibly awesome, and how will this salad change your mealtime routine forever? I can go into all the details, but let’s make this simple so everybody enjoys their next culinary moment:
First and foremost, it’s HEALTHY and packed with nutrients. You get a big dose of protein from the seafood and a variety of vitamins from all the fresh veggies. I’m a strong advocate for deliciousness, and when things combine like that, it’s pure MAGIC. Second, the salad tastes SO GOOD! Every single bite has something special to offer. When I mention “something special,” we talk about texture with a lovely balance between creamy, crunchy, fresh, and rich at the same time.

Another big plus? This seafood salad is so VERSATILE. This meal works perfectly for parties, casual lunches, light dinners, beach days… I could go on! I even made a picnic for myself using seafood salad once. If you have some leftovers for lunch, the next day is even BETTER – the flavor really stands the test of time. Finally, this recipe is super easy to customize, and it always looks sophisticated without you going all in to prepare it. What else could we want from one of the MOST adaptable and loved dishes ever? It will be such an easy and refreshing surprise! You are all going to love this one!
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The Ultimate Dream Team (Ingredients, Explained!)
Before you begin with the hands-on magic of making, make sure everything is nearby and your kitchen is ORGANIZED! No need to stress. Everything is about organization and when it comes to preparing fresh food you need to ensure all goes SMOOTHLY. Let’s review our team list, okay?
The Seafood Base:
- Shrimp: A pound of medium cooked shrimp is needed here. Either fresh or frozen is okay! No uncooked ones.
- Crab Meat: About a half pound of imitation crab meat will add lots of taste. Fresh is more authentic for texture and taste, you should look into it!
- Optional: Add one or two cooked calamari rings as well, just a small portion. Remember your salads need a base of seafood so use the variety your family loves more!
The Veggie Crunch:
- Celery: One and a half cup of celery, chopped adds the CRUNCH. Make sure the chopped sizes are even so you get equal taste and texture in all slices.
- Red Onion: Half a cup of thinly sliced red onion which provides a spicy and strong kick to your recipe. Use thin slices only so it will have proper balance!
- Bell Pepper: Use 1 cup of diced bell pepper of different colors for visual and flavorful layers! Try different shades; they offer a sweet touch to your meals!
- Optional: If you love some greens, throw one cup of lettuce into the mix; make sure it’s very fresh so the taste will match your needs. I made my salad for the beach picnic using baby spinach, which holds for longer!
The Zesty Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: Half a cup to get the base done! Choose a mayonnaise that your family usually likes or go creative to try new tastes in your meal.
- Lemon Juice: Use 2-3 tablespoons to bring that tang! ALWAYS the secret weapon of an AMAZING salad. No salad should lack freshness, period.
- Dill: Two tablespoons, fresh and chopped, provides an herbal taste with the fresh lemon
- Mustard: Just a teaspoon, Dijon works the BEST! To have a more pronounced flavor mix a little extra for a good kick!
- Garlic: Half a teaspoon of garlic powder to give that final and strong touch of spice! Make sure it all has the proper balance before using it!
- Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper for tasting, they’re a must in your daily kitchen use for any dish!
Now, do we have it all? Perfect! The fun is about to begin! I AM EXCITED!
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The Making Of Your Masterpiece (Step by Step, my friends!)
Let’s start creating the delicious seafood salad step by step so no mistakes will be done in the way. Follow my directions, no pressure. With enough patience and attention to the recipes, I assure you that you’ll nail it for a GREAT seafood salad! Here we GOOO!
Seafood Prep.
- Check for Quality: make sure you wash every single seafood item you are about to use. Pay EXTRA attention if it is store bought frozen kind: take your time for it. And never cut a not fully unfrozen kind of food for extra safety on your prep, okay?
- Chop & dice: Using a clean cutting board, dice everything according to the guidelines for the previous steps. Remember, equal chop means the same portion in EVERY single bite! Keep a bowl next to you for throwing the prepped ones, okay?
Veggies Time.
- Wash, Peel, and Prep: make sure every veggie is ready for the process. Wash them under the faucet and let them drip in a clean space before moving to cut them. I enjoy this time as it is the more “carefree” section! My little nephew usually stays close just to “observe”!
- Chop & Dice: Repeat the steps from the seafood pre process. Using a clean chopping board slice all in even sizes for great results later! A variety of color really gets everything SO MUCH better! Always remember to use sharp-cutting items only to get smoother and safer preps.
Dressing Magic.
- Whisk Time: Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper into a bowl, using a clean utensil mix very thoroughly so it all merges into the PERFECT sauce. Remember your sauce base is creamy, so make it smooth. It helps greatly with taste, texture and blending properties.
The Big Combine.
- Layering Fun: In a large mixing bowl, put your pre-prepped seafood together with all chopped veggies. Toss gently to get some equal results. Make sure everything goes well, slowly. We don’t want broken ingredients, we simply want the full range to be embraced with flavor.
- Dressing Moment: Add your previously prepared creamy dressing. Make sure it spreads smoothly all over your mix. Go smoothly using circular and ample movements to give all the veggies a good chance at feeling its goodness! Gently toss it until it is evenly coated for all sections!
- Refrigerate Always for about 30 minutes before serving it, this final step greatly enhances the taste as everything merges, making each bite memorable and balanced. Remember, balance always is key to great results, it needs to marinate so that the magic will actually unfold!
Serve and ENJOY!
- Presentation Moment: You can serve in small dishes individually as appetizer style or bring to table a single and big plate for serving, always garnished with extra lemon slice for visual balance! Feel free to explore, the sky is your limit now!
- Taste and Enjoy: Remember always what YOU feel like! Get inspired by fresh products. It is time to present and allow all the people you cherish most to truly enjoy!
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Make It Shine (Tips and Extra Info!)
- Fresh is always BETTER: try using as many fresh ingredients as you can. For taste quality matters so try not to add frozen produce if possible to your shopping list. It WILL make all the difference.
- Mix Your Colors: When cooking, try incorporating different colors into your salads and get the most out of them visually as you prepare them. All great dishes include great layers of flavor and also beautiful layers of color to please the eyes.
- Tastes Great Next Day: if there are any left over do not hesitate in adding in into air-tight food containers. Because the blending process really takes some time, you will be getting even tastier bites in the next day’s meals. Always a perfect choice!
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All Your Questions, Fully Covered (FAQs!)
Okay, here are the most common questions about making seafood salads:
Can I use frozen seafood?
You can, as long as you thaw it first! The important bit is not adding ice into a final recipe – so always follow carefully every advice. Fresh produce it better, but if using frozen kind take great care!
What other veggies can I add?
Avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers are all very great choices that will keep it balanced. Experiment as needed! As much veggies the merrier (always as long as they are compatible taste-wise!)
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
For the best results and safety, storage is all in. Use air-tight food storage for up to 3 days to maintain taste balance. The freshness may decrease by the day, but it still has its uses up to this limit!
Can I add other seafood?
YES you CAN, always. Adding mussels, octopus or any other seafood product your family adores. Get as creative as your desires and remember a varied salad always surprises by new ways!
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes you can! Try a different container if it isn’t going to be added before using as salads like dressing is fresh should all be done around same times to really make its best. And if making before time keep it safe into the fridge up to 1 day or it can be changed flavor wise.
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That’s it! A DELICIOUS Seafood Salad done. Now, go on and have your try and let me know what did you added to it – I love discovering the little tips you all find for recipes! Have a WONDERFUL cooking and eating! Remember to have lots of joy when in the kitchen!

Refreshing Seafood Salad Recipe
Refreshing seafood salad recipe perfect for Father’s Day and summer. Easy, healthy, and delicious!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
The Seafood Base:
- Shrimp: A pound of medium cooked shrimp is needed here. Either fresh or frozen is okay! No uncooked ones.
- Crab Meat: About a half pound of imitation crab meat will add lots of taste. Fresh is more authentic for texture and taste, you should look into it!
- Optional: Add one or two cooked calamari rings as well, just a small portion. Remember your salads need a base of seafood so use the variety your family loves more!
The Veggie Crunch:
- Celery: One and a half cup of celery, chopped adds the CRUNCH. Make sure the chopped sizes are even so you get equal taste and texture in all slices.
- Red Onion: Half a cup of thinly sliced red onion which provides a spicy and strong kick to your recipe. Use thin slices only so it will have proper balance!
- Bell Pepper: Use 1 cup of diced bell pepper of different colors for visual and flavorful layers! Try different shades; they offer a sweet touch to your meals!
- Optional: If you love some greens, throw one cup of lettuce into the mix; make sure it’s very fresh so the taste will match your needs. I made my salad for the beach picnic using baby spinach, which holds for longer!
The Zesty Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: Half a cup to get the base done! Choose a mayonnaise that your family usually likes or go creative to try new tastes in your meal.
- Lemon Juice: Use 2-3 tablespoons to bring that tang! ALWAYS the secret weapon of an AMAZING salad. No salad should lack freshness, period.
- Dill: Two tablespoons, fresh and chopped, provides an herbal taste with the fresh lemon
- Mustard: Just a teaspoon, Dijon works the BEST! To have a more pronounced flavor mix a little extra for a good kick!
- Garlic: Half a teaspoon of garlic powder to give that final and strong touch of spice! Make sure it all has the proper balance before using it!
- Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper for tasting, they’re a must in your daily kitchen use for any dish!
Instructions
Seafood Prep.
- Check for Quality: make sure you wash every single seafood item you are about to use. Pay EXTRA attention if it is store bought frozen kind: take your time for it. And never cut a not fully unfrozen kind of food for extra safety on your prep, okay?
- Chop & dice: Using a clean cutting board, dice everything according to the guidelines for the previous steps. Remember, equal chop means the same portion in EVERY single bite! Keep a bowl next to you for throwing the prepped ones, okay?
Veggies Time.
- Wash, Peel, and Prep: make sure every veggie is ready for the process. Wash them under the faucet and let them drip in a clean space before moving to cut them. I enjoy this time as it is the more “carefree” section! My little nephew usually stays close just to “observe”!
- Chop & Dice: Repeat the steps from the seafood pre process. Using a clean chopping board slice all in even sizes for great results later! A variety of color really gets everything SO MUCH better! Always remember to use sharp-cutting items only to get smoother and safer preps.
Dressing Magic.
- Whisk Time: Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper into a bowl, using a clean utensil mix very thoroughly so it all merges into the PERFECT sauce. Remember your sauce base is creamy, so make it smooth. It helps greatly with taste, texture and blending properties.
The Big Combine.
- Layering Fun: In a large mixing bowl, put your pre-prepped seafood together with all chopped veggies. Toss gently to get some equal results. Make sure everything goes well, slowly. We don’t want broken ingredients, we simply want the full range to be embraced with flavor.
- Dressing Moment: Add your previously prepared creamy dressing. Make sure it spreads smoothly all over your mix. Go smoothly using circular and ample movements to give all the veggies a good chance at feeling its goodness! Gently toss it until it is evenly coated for all sections!
- Refrigerate Always for about 30 minutes before serving it, this final step greatly enhances the taste as everything merges, making each bite memorable and balanced. Remember, balance always is key to great results, it needs to marinate so that the magic will actually unfold!
Serve and ENJOY!
- Presentation Moment: You can serve in small dishes individually as appetizer style or bring to table a single and big plate for serving, always garnished with extra lemon slice for visual balance! Feel free to explore, the sky is your limit now!
- Taste and Enjoy: Remember always what YOU feel like! Get inspired by fresh products. It is time to present and allow all the people you cherish most to truly enjoy!
Notes
- Fresh is always BETTER: try using as many fresh ingredients as you can. For taste quality matters so try not to add frozen produce if possible to your shopping list. It WILL make all the difference.
- Mix Your Colors: When cooking, try incorporating different colors into your salads and get the most out of them visually as you prepare them. All great dishes include great layers of flavor and also beautiful layers of color to please the eyes.
- Tastes Great Next Day: if there are any left over do not hesitate in adding in into air-tight food containers. Because the blending process really takes some time, you will be getting even tastier bites in the next day’s meals. Always a perfect choice!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal