Cool Off with Refreshing Seafood Salads and Ceviches

Summer calls for light, refreshing meals that keep you cool and satisfied. There's no better way to embrace the season than with fresh seafood salads and ceviches. These dishes not only celebrate wild seafood but also bring a burst of flavors and textures to your table. Dive into these six delicious recipes that make summer meals a breeze.

1. Smoked Salmon Nicoise Salad

Start your seafood adventure with a smoked salmon salad that combines the rich, smoky flavor of the fish with crisp, fresh vegetables. Begin with a bed of mixed greens, adding thinly sliced cucumbers, radishes, and cherry tomatoes. Top with generous slices of smoked salmon, capers, and a sprinkle of red onion. For the dressing, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a starter for a dinner party.

2. Blackened Cod Salad

For a salad with a bit of a kick, try the blackened cod salad. Season your cod filets with a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt and pepper, then grill them until they’re beautifully charred on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve the cod on a bed of romaine lettuce, with corn, black beans, avocado, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with a cilantro-lime dressing made from fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. This salad is a flavor-packed meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.

3. Seared Scallops with Miso-Corn Salad

Seared scallops paired with a miso-corn salad create a blend of sweetness and umami. Sear the scallops in a hot pan until they have a golden crust and are just cooked through. For the salad, toss grilled corn kernels with a dressing made from miso paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add cherry tomatoes, arugula, edamame, and green onions. The sweetness of the corn complements the scallops, while the miso adds a depth of flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.

4. Simple Shrimp Ceviche

Nothing says summer like a refreshing shrimp ceviche. This dish is incredibly simple to prepare and bursting with citrusy flavors. Start by marinating fresh shrimp in lime juice until they turn opaque and are cooked through by the acidity. Mix the shrimp with diced tomatoes, red onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and avocado. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled with tortilla chips or on a bed of lettuce for a light, zesty appetizer or snack.

5. Mango Halibut Ceviche Tostadas

Elevate your ceviche game with mango halibut ceviche tostadas. Marinate bite-sized pieces of halibut in lime and lemon juice until they are tender. Combine the halibut with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño for a sweet and spicy mix. Spoon the ceviche onto crispy tostadas and top with thin slices of avocado and a sprinkle of sea salt. These tostadas are a vibrant and fun way to enjoy ceviche, perfect for summer gatherings or a quick, flavorful meal.

6. Sockeye Salmon Cobb Salad

Finish off with a sockeye salmon Cobb salad, a hearty yet refreshing dish. Grill or bake sockeye salmon until it’s flaky and moist. Arrange it over a bed of mixed greens along with hard-boiled eggs, bacon bits, avocado, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, and red onion. Dress with a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing. This salad offers a delicious mix of proteins and flavors, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Conclusion

These seafood salads and ceviches are perfect for keeping cool during the hot summer months. They are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or looking for a quick and healthy meal, these recipes are sure to impress and satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the refreshing taste of wild seafood this summer!