Seared Scallop Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette 🥗🦪🍊 Light, Elegant, and Brightly Refreshing

This salad combines golden-seared scallops with crisp greens, fresh citrus, and a zesty citrus vinaigrette. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for a refined lunch or a dinner-party starter.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the salad

• 1 lb sea scallops (about 12–16 large scallops)
• 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
• 1 orange, peeled and segmented
• 1 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ¼ cup toasted almonds or pistachios
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced

For the citrus vinaigrette

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step 1: Make the vinaigrette

In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Set aside.

Step 2: Prep the scallops

Pat scallops very dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the scallops

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear scallops 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and opaque. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the salad

Arrange greens on a platter or individual plates. Top with citrus segments, avocado slices, red onion, and toasted nuts.

Step 5: Add scallops and vinaigrette

Place seared scallops on top, drizzle with citrus vinaigrette, and serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

• Add pomegranate seeds for extra color and sweetness
• Swap avocado for fresh mango slices for a tropical twist
• Use blood oranges for a more dramatic presentation
• Add crumbled goat cheese or feta for a creamy tang

Pro Tips

• Dry scallops thoroughly — moisture prevents the golden crust
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches for best results
• Assemble salad just before serving so greens stay crisp
• Toast nuts lightly to bring out maximum flavor

Final Thoughts

Seared Scallop Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette is light, elegant, and refreshing — a perfect blend of richness from scallops and brightness from citrus. Ideal for warm-weather dining or when you want something sophisticated yet simple.

Sear it. Toss it. Brighten your table. 🥗🦪🍊

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

• 🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
• 🦞 Delicious Seafood Boil Recipes – Spicy, saucy boils packed with crab, shrimp, and corn. The ultimate feast.
• 🍝 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Elegant and indulgent, like shrimp linguine in a white wine sauce.
• 🍤 Shrimp Recipes – Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed; smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries
• 🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
• 🦞 Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, Buttery & Oven-Ready. Comfort food meets coastal flavor.
• 🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
• 🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick, delicious, easy recipes bring bold flavor with minimal prep and cleanup
• 🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light, fresh & packed with protein and omega-3s with bright, satisfying flavor
• 🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy, silky rice dishes meet the richness of the sea.
• 🌊 Seafood Stews – Mediterranean, Latin to classic American, hearty stews with satisfying depth in your bowl.
• 🍝🧀 Seafood Lasagna – Lasagna meets the sea in these rich and satisfying delicious twist classic bakes.