Best Easy Antipasto di Mare Recipe

A lavish platter of assorted seafood preparations opens any Italian coastal meal. This high protein mediterranean spread is a fresh, festive family starter perfect for celebrations.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 138 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • shrimp 10 oz
  • squid 8 oz
  • mussels 12 oz
  • octopus 8 oz
  • cherry tomatoes 1 cup
  • fresh parsley 1 cup
  • arugula 2 cups
  • lemon 1 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 4 tbsp
  • garlic 2 cloves
  • sea salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 7 g 20%
Protein 18 g 52%
Fat 3 g 28%
Serving size 120g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Clean and prep the shrimp, squid, mussels, and octopus. Slice squid into rings and octopus into bite-size pieces.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of water to a gentle simmer (medium-low heat). Poach the shrimp and squid for 2–3 minutes, just until opaque, then remove with a slotted spoon.

  3. 3

    In the same water, add mussels and cover. Steam until shells open (about 5–7 minutes). Discard any unopened mussels.

  4. 4

    Quickly blanch the octopus for 30 seconds and cool immediately in ice water to preserve tenderness.

  5. 5

    Arrange arugula on a large platter. Toss poached seafood with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Top with cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately, with the seafood still slightly warm for optimal flavor.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Antipasto di Mare recipe?
Seafood takes center stage in this dish—especially shrimp, mussels, squid, and octopus. Together, these provide the classic taste, texture, and freshness expected from an authentic Italian seaside starter.
Q. What heat control or timing tips are important for the seafood?
To keep the seafood tender and flavorful, gentle simmering and precise timing are crucial. Shrimp and squid need only 2–3 minutes poaching, while mussels steam just until shells open. Octopus is quickly blanched and cooled to avoid toughness.
Q. How can I prevent rubbery seafood in this recipe?
Avoid overcooking! Remove shrimp and squid as soon as they turn opaque, blanch octopus briefly, and cool it rapidly. Mussels should steam just until they open. Quick, controlled cooking followed by serving while slightly warm keeps textures ideal.
Q. What are the nutrition highlights for Antipasto di Mare?
Each serving offers about 138 kcal, with 18g protein (52% of calories), 7g carbs (20%), and 3g fat (28%). This makes it a high protein, Mediterranean-style starter with light fat and modest carbohydrates.
Q. Which seasoning best enhances the seafood flavors in this platter?
Extra virgin olive oil blended with minced garlic, sea salt, and fresh parsley naturally brings out the seafood’s briny sweetness, balancing the dish and making it taste truly festive.
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