Are you craving a refreshing, flavorful seafood salad that will remind you of your favorite Publix deli dish? If so, you’re in for a treat! This seafood salad recipe is a game-changer that brings together succulent seafood, creamy dressing, and a delightful mix of crunchy vegetables—all in one bowl. Not only is this recipe quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also a healthier alternative to the store-bought version.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation steps, and even some fun ways to make this dish your own. By the end of this post, you’ll have the secrets to recreating this beloved Publix-style seafood salad at home!

Ingredients List

A key to creating a delicious seafood salad is the balance of fresh seafood and creamy dressing. Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible seafood salad:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound of cooked shrimp (medium size, peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup of imitation crab meat, shredded
• 1/2 cup of diced celery (for that delightful crunch)
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion (adds a bit of zest)
• 1/4 cup of diced bell peppers (green or red)
• 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise (for a creamy base)
• 1/4 cup of sour cream (adds tanginess)
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (a subtle kick)
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (to brighten up the flavors)
• 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning (a must for that authentic seafood flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Substitutions:

• For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• You can swap out imitation crab meat with real crab meat if you prefer a more luxurious touch.
• For a dairy-free version, replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with avocado or a vegan mayo.

Timing

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes (since you’ll be using pre-cooked seafood)

Total Time: 15 minutes

This recipe is remarkably quick! With just 15 minutes, you can have a fresh seafood salad ready to serve. Compared to most seafood salad recipes, this is a 20% faster method—perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients lined up, let’s walk through the process of making your own Publix-style seafood salad.

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Start by rinsing the cooked shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Once dry, chop them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using imitation crab meat, shred it into smaller strands or bite-sized chunks. This ensures that every bite has a perfect mix of seafood and crunchy veggies.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Dice the celery, red onion, and bell peppers into small, uniform pieces. The goal is to create a salad with the perfect balance of texture, so keep the vegetable cuts consistent.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a more tangy dressing, feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice or mustard.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, crab meat, celery, onion, and bell peppers. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything together until well-coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish the seafood salad by sprinkling chopped parsley on top. The fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of herbal freshness that elevates the dish. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for this delicious seafood salad (per serving, approximately 1 cup):

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg

This seafood salad is packed with lean protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice for anyone looking to enjoy a light, yet satisfying meal.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make this seafood salad a bit healthier or tailored to specific dietary needs, here are some modifications you can make:

For a Lower-Calorie Version:

• Use low-fat mayonnaise or a vegan mayo to reduce the fat content.
• Swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, which adds protein and lowers the calorie count.

For a Gluten-Free Version:

• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to make any substitutions! Just double-check that your mayonnaise and mustard are gluten-free, especially if you’re using store-bought versions.

For a Keto-Friendly Version:

• You can reduce the carbohydrates by removing or minimizing the bell peppers and celery, focusing mainly on the shrimp and crab meat.

For a Dairy-Free Version:

• As mentioned earlier, use a vegan mayo and replace sour cream with avocado to keep the creaminess without the dairy.

Serving Suggestions

This seafood salad is delicious as a standalone dish, but it also pairs perfectly with many sides to complete your meal. Here are some serving ideas:

• On a bed of greens: Serve the seafood salad over a bed of mixed greens for a low-carb, refreshing meal.
• With crackers or toast: Serve it alongside whole-grain crackers or toast for some added crunch.
• As a sandwich or wrap: Spread the seafood salad on a soft roll or wrap for an easy, handheld meal.
• In a lettuce cup: For a light and fresh option, serve the salad inside a lettuce leaf instead of bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making this seafood salad is simple, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overmixing the dressing: You want the seafood and veggies to be coated, not drowning in dressing. Add a little at a time and gently toss.
• Using overcooked shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery. Make sure your shrimp is just cooked through, and keep it chilled before adding it to the salad.
• Ignoring seasoning: Old Bay seasoning is key to creating that authentic seafood flavor. Be sure to add it to your dressing for the best results.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store your seafood salad:

• In the fridge: Keep the seafood salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The seafood might lose some texture, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
• Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy seafood salad fresh, if you have leftovers, you can freeze the seafood and dressing separately. However, freezing may affect the texture of the seafood.

Conclusion

This seafood salad recipe is a perfect blend of fresh, flavorful ingredients that will make you feel like you’re enjoying a Publix deli favorite at home. Whether you serve it as a light lunch, dinner, or side dish, it’s a versatile option that’s both nutritious and delicious. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comment section!

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FAQs

Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?

Yes! You can absolutely use real crab meat for a richer, more luxurious flavor. It’s a great way to elevate the salad.

How long can I store seafood salad in the fridge?

You can store seafood salad for up to 2 days in the fridge. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I make this seafood salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this seafood salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Make it a few hours or the day before for the best results.

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