Appetizers

Fish salad

⏱ 30 min🍳 45 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

Colourful, entertaining and above all irresistible, today our chef offers a fish salad: serve as a starter for a summer dinner, or transform it into a sumptuous and nutritious main course ... Get some fresh fish, fresh crisp vegetables and set to work immediately! We will provide a recipe, but you can vary it slightly depending on the availability of the best quality ingredients at the greengrocer’s or fishmonger’s. For example, if you can’t find a decent octopus, try some squid; or, if you want to give a bit of colour to your salad add both yellow and red peppers. If you wish to add character and flavour, you could mix in some capers to your seafood salad, or if you want to accentuate its Mediterranean character throw in some black olives and a few cherry tomatoes.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving

Protein
38g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
12g
Fiber
1.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Total time
45 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Cut the carrot into strips, slice the celery, cut the radicchio into quarters and then into small pieces, and finally chop the peppers fairly finely. Boil the octopus for 45 minutes in salted water, then cut into cubes. Clean and shell the prawns and steam for 5 minutes. Grill the fillet of perch, then cut into cubes. Mix all the ingredients when cooled and dress with salt, oil, pepper, lemon, the chopped parsley and a clove of crushed garlic. Here's a great appetizer for summer: cold seafood salad.

Tips
Prepare the dressing for this seafood salad separately, making an emulsion to pour over the fish. Simply combine salt, oil, pepper and lemon juice in a small bowl and lightly beat with a fork.
Trivia
Fish is perfect for those who want tasty food which is also really healthy. It is rich in protein and unsaturated fats containing the famous Omega 3, invaluable for cardiovascular function, for the production of energy, for the control of cholesterol and much more besides. Unlike the protein found in meat, which is difficult to digest because of its connective tissue, fish protein is easy to digest. And fish promote growth and well-being, so are well-suited for children.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Fish Salad with Fresh Vegetables

One of the tastiest variations of Fish Salad is the one that includes fresh vegetables such as carrots, yellow peppers, and celery. This preparation not only enriches the dish visually but also adds a crunch and fresh flavor that perfectly complements the fish. The carrots cut into strips and the almost chopped peppers provide a note of sweetness, while the celery adds a pleasant freshness. To prepare this variation, follow the basic recipe for Fish Salad and mix the vegetables with octopus, shrimp, and perch fillet. The dressing with oil, lemon, and parsley further enhances the flavors, making this dish ideal for a summer dinner or a light lunch. You can serve the salad either cold or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion.

Neapolitan Fish Salad

The culinary tradition of Campania offers a variation of Fish Salad that reflects the typical flavors and ingredients of the region. This preparation is characterized by the use of fresh fish of the day, which varies according to the season and availability. You can substitute perch with other local fish such as sea bass or gilt-head bream, both highly appreciated. Additionally, the addition of typical ingredients such as black olives or capers can further enrich the dish. This Neapolitan Fish Salad is perfect for serving on special occasions or during holidays, accompanied by a good local white wine. The taste of the sea is felt in every bite, providing an authentic experience of Campanian cuisine.

Light Fish Salad without Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For those who desire a lighter version of Fish Salad, it can be prepared without the addition of extra virgin olive oil, replacing it with a lemon and water emulsion. This variation maintains the fresh and delicate flavors of the ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the fish and vegetables without weighing down the dish. The octopus, shrimp, and perch can be steamed or grilled to maintain their lightness. Furthermore, the addition of aromatic herbs such as parsley and a crushed garlic clove can enhance the flavor without the use of fats. This Light Fish Salad is ideal for those following a healthy and balanced diet, perfect for summer or for those who wish to maintain their figure without sacrificing taste.

Nutritional Benefits of Fish Salad and Approximate Calories

Fish Salad is a dish rich in nutritional benefits thanks to the presence of fresh and healthy ingredients. The octopus and shrimp are excellent sources of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Additionally, vegetables such as carrots, celery, and radicchio provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. This preparation is also low in calories, with a serving around 250-300 calories, depending on the quantities used. Fish Salad is therefore an ideal option for those looking for a light yet nutritious meal, perfect for maintaining energy and vitality throughout the day.

Can Fish Salad be Stored in the Refrigerator?

Yes, Fish Salad can be stored in the refrigerator, but it is advisable to consume it within 1-2 days of preparation to ensure the freshness and quality of the ingredients. To store it best, it is important to place it in an airtight container to avoid absorbing unpleasant odors and to maintain its fragrance. Before serving, you can add a drizzle of oil and a splash of lemon to brighten the flavors. However, it is not recommended to freeze the salad, as the texture of the fish and vegetables may deteriorate, compromising the tasting experience. If you wish to prepare it in advance, it is better to cook the fish and vegetables separately and assemble everything just before serving.