This Italian Olive Oil Shrimp Salad is a celebration of simplicity and high-quality ingredients, featuring tender poached wild shrimp tossed in a luxurious blend of extra virgin olive oil and fresh scallions. Rooted in traditional Italian flavors, this recipe relies on a flavorful poaching liquid infused with aromatics like bay leaves, peppercorns, and onion to ensure every bite of seafood is perfectly seasoned.

Whether served as a sophisticated appetizer for a dinner party or a light, protein-packed lunch, this dish offers a clean and refreshing profile that lets the natural sweetness of the shrimp shine. With the option to add a splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon, you can easily customize the acidity to suit your palate, making it a versatile staple for any season.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pound wild shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup scallions, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare a poaching liquid by filling a medium saucepan with water and adding onion, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
3. Return the liquid to a boil, add the shrimp, cover the pan, and remove from heat for 3 minutes.
4. Drain the shrimp immediately and submerge them in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.
5. Pat the cooled shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.
6. Add the sliced scallions, chopped parsley, sea salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
7. Pour the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the mixture and toss gently to coat.
8. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

This Italian Olive Oil Shrimp Salad is a testament to the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients. By using a flavorful poaching liquid and finishing the dish with a generous pour of extra virgin olive oil, you create a refined appetizer or light meal that lets the natural sweetness of the wild shrimp take center stage. It is an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, such as a traditional Christmas Eve spread, or as a refreshing protein-packed option for a summer luncheon.

The versatility of this recipe allows you to tailor it to your personal preference, whether you enjoy the bright acidity of red wine vinegar or prefer the clean, rich notes of olive oil and fresh scallions alone. Preparing the salad at least an hour in advance ensures the flavors have ample time to meld, resulting in a sophisticated dish that is as convenient as it is delicious. Serve it alongside crusty Italian bread to soak up the seasoned oil for a truly authentic experience.