Lemon Dill Scallop-Stuffed Shells
Savor the delicate sweetness of bay scallops nestled in jumbo pasta shells, complemented by a creamy and zesty lemon-dill cottage cheese blend. This dish combines the succulence of perfectly steamed scallops with the freshness of dill and the crispness of celery and green onions. Serve them as a refreshing salad or bake them with a cheesy topping for a warm appetizer. A gourmet twist to traditional stuffed shells, perfect for an elegant dinner or a light lunch.
5
Servings
148
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
low-fat cottage cheese
1/4 cup (smooth blended)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
fresh dill
1 tablespoon (chopped)
bay scallops
2 cups (steamed)
celery
1 cup (finely chopped)
green onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Italian dressing
1 tablespoon (mixed with pasta)
jumbo pasta shells
6 ounces (cooked and drained)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the cottage cheese with freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped dill.
2
Blend until the mixture achieves a smooth and creamy consistency.
3
Transfer the cheese mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped celery, chopped green onions, and the steamed bay scallops.
4
Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the cheese mixture.
5
In a separate mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked and drained jumbo pasta shells with Italian dressing until well combined.
6
Carefully spoon the scallop mixture into each pasta shell, ensuring they are generously filled.
7
For a chilled presentation, serve the stuffed shells as a refreshing salad.
8
For a warm option, arrange the stuffed shells on a baking sheet, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and broil in the oven until the cheese melts and turns golden.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy the blend of flavors in either the chilled or warm variation.
Nutrition Information
4.4g
Fat
16g
Carbs
10.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemon Dill Scallop-Stuffed Shells?
They are jumbo pasta shells filled with a mixture of steamed bay scallops and a creamy lemon-dill cottage cheese blend, which can be served chilled or warm.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 148 calories.
How much protein is provided per serving?
This recipe provides 10.8g of protein per serving.
What is the primary seafood used in the filling?
The recipe uses two cups of steamed bay scallops.
What type of cheese is used for the stuffing?
Low-fat cottage cheese is used to create the creamy filling base.
How do you prepare the cottage cheese for the recipe?
The cottage cheese is blended with lemon juice and fresh dill until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
Can these stuffed shells be served as a cold dish?
Yes, for a chilled presentation, you can serve the stuffed shells as a refreshing salad.
How can I serve these shells as a warm appetizer?
Arrange the stuffed shells on a baking sheet, top with shredded cheese, and broil until the cheese is melted and golden.
What vegetables are added to the scallop mixture?
The mixture includes finely chopped celery and chopped green onions for crunch and flavor.
What kind of pasta is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 ounces of jumbo pasta shells, cooked and drained.
Is there a dressing used in this recipe?
Yes, the cooked pasta shells are tossed with one tablespoon of Italian dressing.
How much fat is in a single serving?
Each serving contains 4.4g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 16g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe yields 5 servings.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a blend of delicate sweetness from scallops, zesty lemon, fresh dill, and crisp vegetables.
What herbs are used in the filling?
Freshly chopped dill is the primary herb used in this recipe.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender is used to combine the cottage cheese, lemon juice, and dill into a smooth mixture.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Pasta Shells.
Can this be considered a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dish using low-fat dairy and lean seafood.
How many main ingredients are needed?
There are 8 distinct ingredients required for this recipe.
What preparation is needed for the celery?
The celery should be finely chopped before being added to the mixing bowl.
Are the scallops added raw to the shells?
No, the bay scallops should be steamed before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include scallop, pasta, stuffed shells, lemon, dill, seafood, appetizer, salad, cheese, and healthy.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
The provided data indicates that the fiber content is not specified.
What type of scallop is best for this dish?
Bay scallops are specified as they are smaller and fit well inside jumbo pasta shells.
Should the pasta shells be hot when filled?
The shells should be cooked and drained; for the salad version, they are typically used at room temperature or chilled.
What is the role of Italian dressing in the recipe?
It is used to coat the cooked pasta shells to add flavor and prevent them from sticking.
How do you ensure the filling is well distributed?
The instructions advise stirring the cheese mixture, celery, onions, and scallops well to ensure even coating.
Is this dish suitable for an elegant dinner?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet twist on traditional stuffed shells, perfect for elegant dinners or light lunches.