This Seafood Salad is the appetizer of choice when preparing your menu for an Italian Christmas Eve supper celebration. This family recipe is sure to please even the most discerning guest.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
Whisk to combine. Set aside.
To cook the octopus:
In a large stockpot, fill with 1 gallon of water, the baby octopus, and ½ cup of white vinegar.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. When you can easily pierce the skin with a fork, they are done. Allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes if not tender and test again.
To cook the shrimp, scallops and calamari:
In a medium stockpot, bring 8 cups of white vinegar to a boil.
Add the shrimp and allow to simmer for 1½-2 minutes (depending on the size). Remove from pot and set aside to cool off.
In the same pot, add the baby scallops and simmer for 1-1½ minutes. Remove and set aside to cool off.
Again, in the same pot, add the calamari and simmer for about 10 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside to cool off.
The assembly:
While the octopus is still simmering, chop the vegetables and the Italian parsley.
When the octopus is done, remove and allow to cool off.
Combine the seafood with the chopped vegetables, parsley and marinade and mix to combine.
Refrigerate for the flavors to develop.
When ready to serve, taste and adjust seasonings.
Garnish with lemons, minced parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
Each serving size is equivalent to ½ cup. Total yield for the recipe is 9 cups.
Celery leaves add great flavor and texture -make sure to include this part of the vegetable.
Properly rinse all the seafood.
Cut the calamari into ½ inch rings (minimum) as they shrink once they are cooked.
Once cooked, if the shrimp or octopus are large, cut in half or in thirds for bite sized pieces.
The type of seafood used can easily be replaced, just keep the total quantity the same.
If desired, you can add chopped green olives or finely chopped fennel.
Always taste, adjust seasonings and mix well before serving.
Serve salad at room temperature.
Can this Seafood Salad be prepared ahead of time? Yes, it can be made 24 hours before serving, making it the ideal make-ahead appetizer for the holidays.Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used.