Brighten up your dinner table with this irresistible recipe for Scallops with Avocado Salsa—a perfect harmony of tender, golden-seared scallops and a zesty salsa bursting with fresh flavors. Featuring sweet, plump scallops seasoned with paprika and seared to perfection in a buttery olive oil blend, this dish is elevated by a vibrant avocado salsa made with creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, and a kick of jalapeño, all tied together with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and gourmet-worthy recipe is ideal for a light yet satisfying meal. Serve as a stunning appetizer or a main dish complemented by crusty bread or a side of greens. Perfect for seafood lovers and packed with healthy, wholesome ingredients, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them evenly with half a teaspoon of salt, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and paprika on both sides. Set aside.
Prepare the avocado salsa: Dice the avocado into small cubes and halve the cherry tomatoes. Finely chop the red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat). Mince the garlic. Combine everything in a medium bowl.
Add lime juice to the bowl of salsa ingredients. Sprinkle the remaining half teaspoon of salt and half teaspoon of black pepper. Gently toss the ingredients together to coat evenly. Set aside for the flavors to meld.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Once the butter is melted and begins to foam, carefully place the scallops in the pan. Ensure they are not crowded to allow proper searing.
Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on one side without moving them, until a golden crust forms. Flip and sear for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. The center should be opaque and tender.
Remove the scallops from the pan and place them on a plate to rest for a minute.
Serve the scallops warm, topped with the avocado salsa. Optionally, garnish with additional cilantro leaves. Enjoy!
Calories |
1021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.3 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.7 g | 58% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 213 mg | 71% | |
| Sodium | 4271 mg | 186% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 59.3 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.5 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g | ||
| Protein | 98.1 g | 196% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 135 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 5.9 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 3123 mg | 66% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.