Has it struck yet, Seafoodies?
New Year’s Eve food fatigue: It’s a real thing.
After weeks of holiday feasting, followed by a parade of heavy winter foods, your body is probably sending out an SOS for something fresh, bright, and energizing. But before you resign yourself to another bowl of lettuce, let us introduce you to your new Seafood Sunday heroes: 20 refreshing seafood salads that will get you excited to eat veggies again!
Make no mistake: These are not your typical wilted garden vegetables. These are vibrant, colorful bowls of goodness that combine the flexible flavors of seafood with crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs and lively seasonings that will awaken your winter-weary palate.
We’re talking about a blueberry-rich salad with perfectly pan-seared scallops and a vibrant house-made vinaigrette to bring a little brightness to even the grayest January day. Or, tangy goat’s cheese mixed with smoked salmon, all set on a bed of healthy spelled and peppery radicchio, providing that perfect balance of coziness and freshness that winter meals often lack. And let’s not forget our favorite: a simple pantry hack that turns shelf-stable crab into a quick salad that’s basically a mood booster in a bowl!
Aside from the wonderful flavor combinations, we love that each salad in this roundup is light enough to make you feel good but satisfying enough to qualify as a real meal. Plus, they’re all packed with nutrients your body needs after every holiday marathon, like lean protein, healthy fats, gut-loving fiber-rich foods, and lots of vitamins and minerals.
Now, the easiest way to start incorporating these recipes into your regular meal rotation is to focus on smart preparation and strategic shopping. Keep frozen shrimp, salmon or scallops on hand for a protein-packed spontaneous salad. Choose heartier vegetables like radicchio and endive that can stand up to both hot and cold ingredients. And don’t be afraid to stock your pantry with interesting grains, legumes, and nuts to add substance to your new creations!
We hope you find a new favorite seafood salad that helps you quickly eliminate food fatigue!
Lobster salad with summer fruit
Lobster may have a decadent reputation, but it’s low in calories and high in protein, making it the perfect topping for a light salad!
Crab salad
We like a scoop of this creamy salad on top of kale, stuffed into a pita pocket or served as a dip with crackers and veggies.
7 Layer Tuna Pasta Salad
This whole salad can be prepared in about 15 minutes and can be enjoyed immediately or prepared in advance and left in the fridge to let everything marinate!
Rice bowls with salmon Caesar salad
Half Caesar salad and half rice bowl: Salmon is the perfect addition on a base of kale and romaine lettuce. All finished with a drizzle of super light vinaigrette.
Whether you’re a fan of “crab salad” or not, one thing is for sure: you’ll never go back to store-bought dressing again!
Seafood is a mixed Italian seafood salad that you can find at deli counters across the country, but you have to try this homemade version.
Pro tip: When boiling fresh octopus, adding a cork of wine to the water will make the octopus more tender.
Creamy crab and seafood salad with shrimp
You can use real crab, but fake crab flakes make this recipe even easier because they are already cut into small pieces.
All you self-proclaimed tuna salad haters need to try this ultimate version! With the addition of Dijon pickles, celery and dill, it’s crunchy, creamy and mouth-watering.
Taste testers recommend adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce to this salad if you want to turn up the heat!
If you’re looking for a protein- and fat-rich type of salad that’s still packed with nutrients, this keto-friendly option can’t be beat.
A rainbow of fresh greens topped with lobster, corn and red onions – you’re not dreaming, this super salad is just a click away!
Salmon salad with creamy herb dressing
Quick to prepare and easy to store: This healthy recipe is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, dairy-free, and high in protein (just to name a few benefits!).
Kale and almond crusted salmon salad
The refreshing combination of pomegranate seeds and almond-crusted salmon is probably one you haven’t tried yet—if so, add this salad to the top of your menu. We promise you won’t regret it!
Who knew that combining the winning elements of a shrimp salad and a Caesar would create an amazing dish?!
