Frutti di Mare Seafood Salad: Authentic Italian Chilled Delight

The Quintessential Italian Summer Classic

Frutti di Mare Seafood Salad is the jewel of Italian coastal cuisine – a refreshing, vibrant mix of perfectly poached seafood tossed in extra-virgin olive oil and bright lemon juice. Served chilled, this elegant salad is a staple in delis across Italy and Italian-American communities, offering the pure taste of the sea without heavy sauces. Light yet satisfying, it’s the ideal dish for warm evenings when you want something luxurious that won’t weigh you down.

Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought Every Time

The secret to an unforgettable Frutti di Mare lies in using the freshest seafood and gently poaching it in an aromatic broth of wine, bay leaves, and pepper. Unlike many deli versions that can be rubbery or overly acidic, this homemade recipe delivers tender calamari that melts in your mouth, plump shrimp, sweet bay scallops, and briny clams – all perfectly balanced with crisp vegetables and a bright citrus dressing.

A Show-Stopping Yet Simple Dish

Best enjoyed a few hours after preparation (never more than 4), this salad actually improves as the flavors meld in the fridge. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices and a chilled bottle of white wine or rosé – pure Mediterranean bliss on a plate.

Ready for the freshest, most flavorful seafood salad you’ve ever tasted? Scroll down and bring the Italian coast to your table tonight!

Frutti di Mare Seafood Salad: Authentic Italian Chilled Delight

Recipe by Next DeliciousCourse: SaladsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

318

kcal

Ingredients

• For the poaching broth:

• 4 cups water

• 1 cup dry white wine (or chicken stock)

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 2–3 bay leaves

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 small onion, roughly chopped

• For the salad:

• 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced

• 1 large yellow or orange bell pepper, diced

• 1 pound ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced

• ½ cup chopped chives

• 1 pound small cocktail shrimp (pre-cooked)

• 1 pound small clams in shell

• ½ pound bay scallops

• ½ pound calamari rings (and tentacles if desired)

• ¼ cup high-quality extra-virgin olive oil (or more to taste)

• Juice of 1–2 lemons

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

• Combine all poaching broth ingredients in a medium pot, cover, and bring to a boil. Turn off heat and let steep while you prep vegetables.
• Dice bell pepper and tomatoes, thinly slice celery, chop chives, juice lemons, and place everything (including pre-cooked shrimp) in a very large bowl.
• Bring broth back to a boil, add clams, and cook 3–4 minutes until they open. Remove clams with a slotted spoon, shuck the meat, and add to the bowl.
• Turn off heat, add scallops, cover, and let sit 3–4 minutes. Remove scallops and add to bowl.
• Bring broth to a boil again, add calamari rings, and cook 30–60 seconds. Immediately drain (reserve broth if desired) and add calamari to bowl.
• Add olive oil, half the lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently. Taste and adjust with more oil, lemon, salt, and pepper until bright and glistening.
• Stir in chives. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour (best 2–3 hours). Serve cold.

Notes

• Use the freshest seafood possible – frozen/thawed is fine if very fresh.
• Save the flavorful poaching broth for seafood risotto or soup.
• Add a pinch of crunchy finishing salt (like Maldon) right before serving for extra pop.
• Optional: add crab meat, mussels, or octopus for an even more luxurious version.

Health Benefits of Frutti di Mare Seafood Salad

This vibrant seafood salad is packed with lean protein from shrimp, scallops, clams, and calamari—supporting muscle repair and keeping you full longer. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it promotes heart health, reduces inflammation, and supports brain function. The fresh vegetables add fiber, vitamins C and A, and antioxidants, while extra-virgin olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats. Low in carbs and naturally gluten-free, it’s a perfect light yet satisfying meal for weight management and overall wellness.

Perfect for Summer Entertaining

On hot days, nothing beats this chilled seafood salad. Serve it family-style in a large bowl or portioned into martini glasses for an elegant appetizer. Pair with chilled Pinot Grigio, rosé, or a crisp pilsner and plenty of crusty bread. It’s light, refreshing, and feels luxurious without weighing you down.

Make-Ahead Friendly Holiday Star

Frutti di Mare is a traditional star of Italy’s Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes. Prepare it up to 4 hours ahead—the flavors only get better as it chills. It’s also ideal for New Year’s Eve parties or summer picnics. Just keep it cold until serving time and watch it disappear!

Storing Tips for Frutti di Mare Seafood Salad

• Store immediately in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 1–2 days maximum.
• Do NOT leave at room temperature longer than 1 hour.
• If it starts to smell fishy, discard the entire salad—better safe than sorry.
• Freezing is not recommended; texture suffers dramatically.

Conclusion

Frutti di Mare Seafood Salad is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of the sea on a plate. With its tender seafood, bright lemon dressing, and crisp vegetables, this classic Italian recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with surprisingly little effort. Whether you’re recreating childhood deli memories, honoring the Feast of the Seven Fishes, or simply craving something light and luxurious, this salad never fails to impress. Make it once, and it will become your go-to for summer dinners and special occasions alike. Buon appetito!

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