Venetian Seafood Salad with Sparkling Lemon Herb Dressing
A vibrant seafood salad featuring plump shrimp and seasonal vegetables, tossed in a light, effervescent dressing inspired by the refreshing spirit of a spritz. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes blends large shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumber into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz large shrimp
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sparkling water
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and devein shrimp, then season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and pink, then set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, sparkling water, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, honey, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified and slightly bubbly.
- Step 3: Toss cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil in a large bowl, then add the warm shrimp and dressing. Gently mix until all ingredients are coated and the dressing is evenly distributed, letting the effervescence mellow for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Venetian Seafood Salad with Sparkling Lemon Herb Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (20 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Venetian Seafood Salad with Sparkling Lemon Herb Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Venetian Seafood Salad with Sparkling Lemon Herb Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Venetian Seafood Salad with Sparkling Lemon Herb Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Venetian Seafood Salad with Sparkling Lemon Herb Dressing?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.