Refreshing and Elegant: Cold Scallop Salad with Citrus and Avocado

Nothing says “fresh and vibrant” quite like a Cold Scallop Salad with Citrus and Avocado. This dish combines tender sea scallops with bright citrus, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables, creating a stunning mix of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for a light, refreshing appetizer or as a sophisticated summer meal that highlights the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Cold Scallop Salad

1. Elegant and Refreshing – The delicate flavor of sea scallops shines when paired with citrus and avocado. Thinly sliced, the scallops absorb the fresh lime juice, which enhances their natural sweetness without overpowering them.
2. Bursting with Fresh Ingredients – Crisp cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion give the salad a satisfying crunch and vibrant color. And, of course, the creamy avocado adds richness, balancing out the citrusy zing of the dressing.
3. A Simple, Flavor-Packed Citrus Dressing – The dressing for this salad is as light as it is flavorful, made with fresh lemon and lime juice, olive oil, and just a touch of honey or maple syrup. This dressing complements the scallops beautifully, adding a hint of sweetness and brightness that make the flavors pop.

The Perfect Dish for Summer Entertaining

This Cold Scallop Salad is an ideal choice for a warm day or any time you want a meal that’s satisfying without being heavy. Serve it as a light main dish or a delightful starter that will impress any guest. The added freshness of basil and mint adds an herbaceous note, making this dish feel like a little piece of coastal dining on your own plate.

Tips for the Best Cold Scallop Salad

• Choose Fresh, High-Quality Scallops: Freshness is key here, as the scallops are served raw. Look for high-quality sea scallops that have been properly stored and handled to get the best taste and texture.
• Customize the Crunch: For added texture, try adding thinly sliced radishes or a handful of toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts. This small addition brings even more crunch and variety to the salad.
• Add a Creamy Twist: If you’re a fan of cheese, a few crumbles of feta or goat cheese make an excellent addition to this salad, adding a slight tang and creaminess that pair well with the citrus.

A Simple Yet Sophisticated Presentation

To assemble this salad, arrange a bed of mixed greens or peppery arugula on individual plates, and layer the avocado, cucumber, and bell pepper mix. Thinly sliced scallops are then placed on top, and the salad is finished with a generous drizzle of the citrus dressing and a sprinkling of fresh basil and mint.

Every bite brings a mix of delicate scallop, bright citrus, and creamy avocado, giving you a light yet fulfilling dish that feels as elegant as it is delicious. Perfectly suited for warm-weather dining, this Cold Scallop Salad with Citrus and Avocado is sure to become a favorite!

A very generous thank you to  Logan’s Daily Catch for sponsoring this recipe. It is an honour to work with brands that align with our values and make it possible for us to share these recipes with you.

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• Author: The Kilted Chef
• Yield: Serves 4

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 large sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

 

• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1 small cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mixed greens or arugula for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Scallops

1. Slice the scallops into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. If you prefer, you can also cut them into small, bite-sized pieces, toss with lime juice, salt, and olive oil, set aside.
2. Arrange the scallop slices on a plate and lightly season with salt and pepper.

Make the Citrus Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil, and honey (or maple syrup) until well combined.
2. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the Salad:

1. In a medium bowl, gently toss together the diced avocado, sliced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and red onion.
2. Drizzle half of the citrus dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.Assemble the Dish:
3. Arrange a bed of mixed greens or arugula on two plates.
4. Top each plate with the avocado and vegetable salad.
5. Arrange the scallop slices on top of the salad.

Drizzle with Dressing:

1. Drizzle the remaining citrus dressing over the scallops and salad.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and mint.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp flavors of this cold scallop dish.

 

Notes

If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, add a few crumbles of feta cheese or goat cheese on top.

Ensure that the scallops are very fresh and properly handled to ensure the best flavor and texture.

This Cold Scallop Salad with Citrus and Avocado is a refreshing and elegant dish that’s perfect for a light appetizer or a summer meal.

• Category: entrees, seafood, recipes