Gourmet Seared Scallop and Watermelon Salad with Sparkling Mint Infusion
Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite Gourmet Seared Scallop and Watermelon Salad, drizzled with a refreshing sparkling mint infusion. This salad combines succulent seared scallops with the juicy sweetness of watermelon, vibrant radishes, and peppery arugula, all harmonized with a zesty mint vinaigrette. Perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or enjoying a sophisticated meal at home, this salad is a quick and elegant option sure to tantalize your taste buds. Delight in the perfect balance of flavors and textures that this dish offers, making it a standout star on any table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mint leaves
1/2 cup (fresh, packed)
Champagne vinegar
3 tablespoons
Grapeseed oil
1/2 cup
Agave nectar
2 tablespoons
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Diver scallops
8 large (pat dry, remove 'foot')
Cayenne pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Oil (for cooking)
1 teaspoon (for searing)
Butter
1 tablespoon (for searing)
Watermelon
8 slices (cut into rounds)
Radishes
1 bunch (sliced thin)
Baby arugula
5 ounces (washed)
Salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the watermelon: use a 2-3 inch cookie cutter to cut the watermelon into 8 uniform rounds. Set aside.
2
Thinly slice the radishes and place them in a bowl. Set aside for garnish.
3
Prepare the scallops by patting them dry with paper towels and removing the 'foot' if present. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
4
Heat a large skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke. Drizzle in a small amount of grapeseed oil and carefully wipe it around the skillet with a paper towel to coat the surface.
5
Sear the scallops top-side down in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 1.5 minutes until caramelized at the edges.
6
Using tongs, flip each scallop, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, and continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7
In a blender, combine the mint leaves, champagne vinegar, grapeseed oil, agave nectar, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create the sparkling mint vinaigrette.
8
To assemble the salad, place a handful of baby arugula on each plate. Top with a watermelon round, followed by a seared scallop. Garnish with thinly sliced radishes and generously drizzle with the mint vinaigrette just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Gourmet Seared Scallop and Watermelon Salad?
The main protein in this dish is large diver scallops.
How should the watermelon be prepared for this salad?
Use a 2-3 inch cookie cutter to cut the watermelon into 8 uniform rounds.
What ingredients are needed for the sparkling mint vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is made by blending fresh mint leaves, champagne vinegar, grapeseed oil, agave nectar, salt, and pepper.
How long do you need to sear the scallops on the first side?
Sear the scallops top-side down for about 1.5 minutes until they are caramelized at the edges.
What type of greens serve as the base for this salad?
The salad uses 5 ounces of washed baby arugula as the base.
Why is it important to pat the scallops dry before cooking?
Patting scallops dry ensures they sear properly and achieve a golden-brown crust rather than steaming in the pan.
What seasoning is used to give the scallops a touch of heat?
A sprinkle of cayenne pepper is added to the scallops for a touch of heat.
When should the butter be added to the skillet when cooking scallops?
Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet after flipping the scallops to finish the cooking process.
What is used to garnish the salad?
The salad is garnished with a bunch of thinly sliced radishes.
What type of oil is recommended for searing the scallops?
Grapeseed oil is used for searing because it has a high smoke point suitable for high-heat cooking.
How do you assemble the Gourmet Seared Scallop and Watermelon Salad?
Place arugula on a plate, top with a watermelon round, add a seared scallop, garnish with radishes, and drizzle with mint vinaigrette.
Should the skillet be hot before adding the scallops?
Yes, the skillet should be heated over high heat until it begins to smoke before adding the oil and scallops.
What is the 'foot' of a scallop?
The foot is a small, tough muscle on the side of the scallop that should be removed before seasoning and cooking.
How many scallops are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 large diver scallops.
What sweetener is used in the mint infusion?
Agave nectar is used to sweeten the sparkling mint vinaigrette.
How do you achieve a caramelized edge on the scallops?
Achieve this by using a very hot skillet and not overcrowding the pan while searing.
Is the watermelon round placed under or over the scallop?
The seared scallop is placed on top of the watermelon round.
What is the total cooking time for the scallops once they are flipped?
After flipping, the scallops should cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Can I use any type of vinegar for the vinaigrette?
The recipe specifically recommends champagne vinegar for its light and crisp flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
Based on the 8 watermelon rounds and 8 scallops, it typically serves 4 to 8 people depending on if it is an appetizer or main.
What should the consistency of the mint vinaigrette be?
The vinaigrette should be blended until it is completely smooth.
What flavor profile does the arugula add to the dish?
Arugula adds a peppery bite that balances the sweetness of the watermelon and richness of the scallops.
How do you prepare the radishes?
The radishes should be thinly sliced to serve as a delicate garnish.
What is the purpose of wiping the oil around the skillet with a paper towel?
This ensures the surface of the pan is evenly coated with a thin layer of oil for a consistent sear.
Can this salad be served at a formal dinner?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet and elegant option perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party.
How much mint is required for the vinaigrette?
You will need 1/2 cup of fresh, packed mint leaves.
What kind of oil is used inside the vinaigrette itself?
Grapeseed oil is used as the base for the mint vinaigrette.
Should the scallops be seasoned on both sides?
The recipe instructs to season the scallops with salt, pepper, and cayenne after patting them dry.
How do you know the scallops are finished cooking?
They are ready when they are golden brown on both sides and cooked through, usually after 3-4 minutes total cooking time.
When should you drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad?
The mint vinaigrette should be drizzled over the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.