Welcome to a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean, where the sun-kissed shores of Aruba inspire a delectable seafood creation like no other. Our Aruban Seafood Salad is a celebration of the bountiful treasures the azure waters have to offer, combining the freshest catches with a burst of tropical goodness. Immerse yourself in the essence of the Caribbean as we guide you through this refreshing and succulent culinary experience, bringing a taste of paradise to your plate. Join us as we explore the tantalizing blend of oceanic delights in every flavorful bite, inviting you to savor the essence of Aruba in every mouthwatering moment.

Aruban Seafood Salad Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 1 pound (450g) mixed seafood (shrimp, calamari, and/or scallops), cleaned and cooked
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 mango, peeled and diced
• 1 lime, juiced

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Seafood: Cook the seafood (shrimp, calamari, and/or scallops) according to package instructions or your preferred method. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked seafood, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, parsley, diced avocado, and mango.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Add Citrus Zing: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad to add a bright, citrusy flavor. Adjust the lime juice amount to your taste preference.

Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the seafood salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps to chill the salad, making it refreshing when served.

Garnish and Enjoy: Before serving, garnish the Aruban Seafood Salad with additional cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy the taste of the Caribbean!

This Aruban Seafood Salad is a delightful combination of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and zesty dressing, making it a perfect dish for warm days or as a light and flavorful appetizer.

Nutritional Values

It's challenging to provide exact nutritional values without specific brands or sizes of ingredients, but I can offer approximate values based on standard serving sizes and typical nutrient content:

Nutritional Values (Per Serving, Approximate):

Mixed Seafood (1 pound):

• Calories: 400-500
• Protein: 80g
• Fat: 5-10g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in high-quality protein.
• Good source of essential minerals such as iodine, selenium, and zinc.
• Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to heart health.

Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved):

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits:

• Packed with antioxidants, including lycopene, which may help protect against certain diseases.
• Low in calories and high in vitamins A and C.

Cucumber (1 cup, diced):

• Calories: 16
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• Hydrating due to its high water content.
• Low in calories and provides vitamins K and C.
• Contains antioxidants and may contribute to skin health.

Red Onion (1/2 cup, finely sliced):

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• May have cardiovascular benefits and help regulate blood sugar.

Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped):

• Calories: 1
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants and essential oils.
• Contains vitamins A, C, and K.
• May have antimicrobial properties.

Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped):

• Calories: 1
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamins K, C, and A.
• Contains flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• May support bone health.

Avocado (1 medium, diced):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 12g

benefits:

• Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
• Rich in potassium, which is essential for blood pressure regulation.
• Provides fiber, aiding in digestion and satiety.

Mango (1 medium, peeled and diced):

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 15g

benefits:

• High in vitamins A and C.
• Contains dietary fiber and antioxidants.
• May support immune function.

Lime Juice (from 1 lime):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, promoting immune health.
• Adds a refreshing citrus flavor to dishes.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 54g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Healthy monounsaturated fats may support heart health.
• Contains antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.
• May contribute to improved cholesterol levels.

Red Wine Vinegar (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Contains acetic acid, which may aid digestion.
• May have blood sugar-lowering effects.

Honey (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g

benefits:

• Natural sweetener with antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
• Provides energy in the form of natural sugars.

Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits:

• Low in calories and adds a tangy flavor.
• Contains mustard seeds, which are rich in selenium and magnesium.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Negligible in terms of calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

benefits:

• Enhance flavor but should be used in moderation.
• Salt provides essential sodium, important for fluid balance.
• Pepper contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption.

Remember, these are general estimates, and actual nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. If you have specific dietary concerns or goals, it's advisable to consult with a nutritionist or use a nutrition calculator for more accurate information.