Salade de Fruit de Mer Monégasque
A luxurious and refreshing seafood salad featuring a medley of fresh Mediterranean seafood, tossed with crisp greens, olives, and a light balsamic vinaigrette, capturing the essence of Monaco's coastal bounty.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lb Seafood blend(mussels, scallops, calamari, shrimp, or other preferred mix)
- 2 Lobster tails(split for cooking (optional))
- 2 King crab legs(or other crab in season (optional))
- 0.5 lb Baby greens(fresh)
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives(pitted)
- 0.25 cup Butter
- 0.25 cup Olive oil
- 0.25 cup Balsamic vinaigrette
- 1 Lemon(cut into quarters, for serving)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place king crab legs (if using) on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for about 20 minutes.
- 2
While crab is warming, prepare the other seafood. If using lobster tails, you can steam or grill them until cooked through. Cook the seafood blend (mussels, scallops, calamari, shrimp) according to package directions or until just cooked. For mussels, steam until they open. For shrimp, sauté briefly until pink. For scallops and calamari, sear quickly.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it can become tough. - 3
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the cooked seafood blend (mussels, scallops, calamari, shrimp) and sauté for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
In a large serving bowl or platter, arrange the fresh baby greens as a base. Top with the warmed crab legs, cooked lobster tails (if using), and the sautéed seafood blend.
💡 Tip: Using a platter allows for a more elegant presentation. - 5
Scatter the Kalamata olives over the seafood.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk together the liquid from the seafood skillet (if any) with the balsamic vinaigrette. Drizzle this dressing over the salad.
💡 Tip: The pan juices add extra flavor to the dressing. - 7
Serve immediately with lemon quarters on the side for squeezing over the salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use the freshest seafood available for the best flavor.
- ✓You can customize the seafood mix based on your preferences and what's available.
- ✓Ensure all seafood is cooked just until done to maintain tenderness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add some thinly sliced fennel or cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
- Incorporate some blanched asparagus spears or green beans for added color and texture.
- A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can add a delightful nutty element.