Insalata di Mare

Name: Insalata di Mare
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 300g cleaned octopus; 300g squid, cleaned and sliced into rings; 300g large shrimp, peeled; 500g mussels, scrubbed; 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; Juice of 2 lemons; 80ml extra-virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped; Salt, black pepper, pinch red pepper flakes

Insalata di Mare (een-sah-LAH-tah dee MAH-reh)

Seafood Salad

⏱ Prep Time 30 min + chilling

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 262 kcal

A bright, citrus-dressed medley of tender octopus, squid, shrimp, and mussels tossed with celery, parsley, and olive oil.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 28.0g

Carbs 6.0g

Fat 14.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ shellfish ⚠ mollusks

Equipment Needed

large pot bowl slotted spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: shallow ceramic bowl

Garnishes: lemon wedges, parsley, olive oil drizzle

Accompaniments: crusty bread

Ingredients

300g cleaned octopus
300g squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
300g large shrimp, peeled
500g mussels, scrubbed
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Juice of 2 lemons
80ml extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Salt, black pepper, pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions

1
Simmer octopus in salted water with a cork (to tenderize) for 45 min until fork-tender. Cool and cut into bite-size pieces.
2
Boil squid rings for 2 min until just opaque. Remove with a slotted spoon and cool.
3
Boil shrimp for 2-3 min until pink. Drain and cool.
4
Steam mussels in a covered pot with a splash of white wine until they open (3-4 min). Discard shells, keep the meat.
5
Combine all seafood with celery, red onion, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
6
Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve cold or at room temperature.

💡

Did You Know?

In southern Italy, insalata di mare is an essential part of the Feast of the Seven Fishes served on Christmas Eve.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
bowl
slotted spoon

Garnishing

lemon wedges, parsley, olive oil drizzle

Accompaniments

crusty bread

The Story Behind Insalata di Mare

Coastal Italian communities have dressed fresh-caught seafood with olive oil and citrus for centuries. Insalata di mare is found from Liguria to Sicily, each port town adding its own local catch and accent.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed christmas eve or summer antipasto 📜 Origins: Coastal Italy, centuries old

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