Gulf Coast Salad

Gulf Coast Salad Recipe - A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Gulf Coast Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of shrimp, chicken, and a tangy dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner on a hot summer day.

History

The Gulf Coast Salad is a popular dish in the southern United States, particularly along the Gulf Coast region. It is a combination of fresh seafood, vegetables, and a creamy dressing that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice (cooked in chicken broth)
1 lb (454 g) cooked, peeled, deveined shrimp*
1 cup sliced celery
0.5 cup sliced green onions
0.5 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp catsup
1 tsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp cream-style prepared horseradish
0.5 tsp prepared mustard
0.13 tsp hot pepper sauce
salt and ground white or black pepper (optional)
salad greens (optional)
lemon wedges and parsley for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

Combine rice, shrimp, celery, and green onions in a large mixing bowl.
Blend mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, horseradish, mustard, and pepper sauce. Add to the rice mixture.
Toss lightly and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Chill.
Serve on salad greens and garnish with lemon wedges and parsley, if desired.

Variations

Add in diced avocado for a creamy texture.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different twist.
Mix in some diced mango or pineapple for a tropical flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the shrimp and chicken thoroughly before adding them to the salad.

- For a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.

- Feel free to add in additional vegetables such as bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Gulf Coast Salad on a bed of fresh salad greens for added texture and flavor. You can also garnish with lemon wedges and parsley for a pop of color.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the shrimp and chicken separately before adding them to the salad.

- Chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use cooked turkey or ham instead of chicken.

- Substitute cocktail sauce for the ketchup and horseradish for a spicier dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Gulf Coast Salad a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Gulf Coast Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a sparkling water with a splash of citrus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few minutes or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gulf Coast Salad contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

The Gulf Coast Salad is a low-carb dish, with only a small amount of carbohydrates coming from the rice and vegetables.

Fats

The main source of fat in this recipe comes from the mayonnaise used in the dressing. However, you can opt for a lighter mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content.

Proteins

This salad is a good source of protein, thanks to the shrimp and chicken. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, making this dish a great option for post-workout meals.

Vitamins and minerals

The Gulf Coast Salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the lemon juice and vegetables. These nutrients are important for overall health and immune function.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and eggs (mayonnaise), which are common allergens. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Overall, Gulf Coast Salad is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Gulf Coast Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a mix of shrimp, chicken, and a tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day on the Gulf Coast, and I was visiting a dear friend who had invited me over for a picnic in her backyard. As soon as I arrived, the tantalizing aroma of fresh seafood and citrus fruits filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat.

My friend, a native of the Gulf Coast, had prepared a beautiful salad that she called Gulf Coast Salad. It was a vibrant mix of shrimp, crab, avocado, and grapefruit, all tossed in a tangy citrus vinaigrette. The colors and flavors were so enticing that I couldn't wait to dig in.

As we sat down at the picnic table to enjoy our meal, my friend regaled me with the story of how she had come to learn this recipe. It had been passed down through generations in her family, with each cook adding their own twist to make it their own. She had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother, and so on.

I listened intently as she described the process of making the salad, from selecting the freshest seafood to carefully segmenting the grapefruit. She explained how the combination of sweet and savory flavors came together to create a dish that was both light and satisfying, perfect for a hot summer day.

As I took my first bite of the Gulf Coast Salad, I was transported to a world of sunny beaches and salty sea air. The fresh seafood melted in my mouth, while the creamy avocado and tart grapefruit provided the perfect balance of flavors. The citrus vinaigrette tied it all together, adding a zesty kick that lingered on my palate.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this salad for myself. My friend graciously shared her recipe with me, along with some tips and tricks that she had picked up over the years. I made a mental note to write it down as soon as I got home, so that I could recreate this delicious dish for my family and friends.

Back at home, I gathered all the ingredients I would need to make Gulf Coast Salad. I started by poaching the shrimp and crab in a fragrant broth, just until they were cooked through and tender. While the seafood cooled, I carefully peeled and sliced the avocado, making sure to keep the slices whole and intact.

Next, I segmented the grapefruit, removing the bitter pith and membranes to reveal the juicy, ruby-red flesh underneath. I arranged the shrimp, crab, avocado, and grapefruit on a bed of crisp lettuce, drizzling the citrus vinaigrette over the top. A sprinkle of fresh herbs and a pinch of sea salt finished off the dish, adding a final burst of flavor and color.

As I sat down to enjoy my creation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The Gulf Coast Salad was every bit as delicious as I remembered, with each bite transporting me back to that sunny afternoon on the coast. I knew that this recipe would become a beloved favorite in my repertoire, one that I would cherish and pass down to future generations.

And so, dear reader, that is how I came to learn the recipe for Gulf Coast Salad. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious flavors and vibrant colors, but for the memories of friendship and shared meals that it represents. I hope that you will try making it for yourself one day, and that it will bring you as much joy and satisfaction as it has brought me. Bon appétit!