Spain By Food Enthusiasts · 5 min read

National Dish Spain: Salpicón de Marisco (Recipe)

Spanish seafood salad with prawns, squid and diced peppers

In this article

Cool, bright and full of the sea, Salpicón de Marisco is Spain’s answer to a perfect summer salad. Tender prawns and squid meet crisp peppers, onion and ripe tomato, all brought together with a light olive oil and vinegar dressing. It is the kind of dish you find along the Spanish coast on a hot afternoon — refreshing, healthy and ready in minutes. Bring a taste of the Mediterranean straight to your own table.

About Salpicón de Marisco

Salpicón de Marisco is a much-loved seafood salad from Spain, celebrated for its wonderful variety of fresh ingredients. It is often served in coastal regions and combines an assortment of seafood — typically prawns, squid and mussels — tossed with vegetables and a light vinaigrette. The dish is not only refreshing and light but also genuinely healthy and full of nutrients. It is perfect for warm summer days or as a light bite between meals.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

200 g mixed seafood (e.g. prawns, squid, mussels)
1/2 red pepper
1/2 green pepper
1 small onion
1 tomato
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh coriander or parsley, to garnish

Shopping for the ingredients

When shopping for Salpicón de Marisco, freshness and quality are everything. Choose seafood from sustainable fisheries wherever possible to help protect the environment. The vegetables should be crisp and colourful — fresh peppers, a ripe tomato and a juicy onion all make for the best flavour. The olive oil and white wine vinegar play a key role too, so it is worth picking good ones for a salad as simple as this. Many of the same quality ingredients turn up in the seafood-rich Almejas en Salsa Verde.

Preparing the dish

Before you start putting together your Salpicón de Marisco, wash and chop all the ingredients carefully. The seafood can be boiled or steamed, whichever you prefer. Deseed the peppers and cut them into small dice, doing the same with the onion and tomato. This bit of groundwork ensures everything is evenly distributed and the salad looks as good as it tastes.

Step-by-step instructions

Cook the seafood in boiling water or a steamer, then leave to cool completely.
Cut the peppers, onion and tomato into small dice.
In a large bowl, mix the cooled seafood with the chopped vegetables.
Drizzle over the olive oil and white wine vinegar and toss well.
Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh coriander or parsley to taste.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Salpicón de Marisco is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes it ideal for anyone with those intolerances. Just check that all the ingredients you use, particularly the seafood, contain no hidden additives or gluten-bearing components. High-quality, pure ingredients also guarantee an honest, unadulterated flavour and a dish that sits easily with everyone.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For a vegan or vegetarian version of Salpicón de Marisco, swap the seafood for plant-based alternatives. Seaweed, a mix of mushrooms or marinated tofu cubes all work beautifully. These ingredients bring a similar taste and texture while adding valuable nutrients and vitamins to the salad. A bowl of Espinacas con Garbanzos makes a hearty vegetarian companion alongside.

More tips and tricks

To make the salad even more varied, add extras such as avocado, cucumber or olives. A squeeze of lemon juice lends an extra note of freshness. It is well worth letting the salad rest a little so the flavours have time to mingle, and chilling it before serving heightens that cooling, refreshing effect.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

One of the great strengths of Salpicón de Marisco is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt the recipe to your own preferences. If you like a bit of heat, add some chilli. Herb lovers can reach for a whole range of fresh herbs to give the salad a personal touch. Experiment with different vinegars or oils for new flavour experiences.

Ingredient substitutions

If certain ingredients are not available or you simply fancy a change, substitutes are easy to find. Instead of prawns and squid you could use various kinds of fish or even mussels — much like the clams that take centre stage in Almejas con Jamón. For a vegetarian take, marinated vegetables or pulses make a good stand-in. That way the dish always stays interesting and full of variety.

Drink pairing ideas

A refreshing Salpicón de Marisco calls for light, fresh drinks. A well-chilled white wine or rosé is an excellent choice. For an alcohol-free option, a zingy lemonade or a light herbal tea both work well. Homemade fruit or vegetable smoothies make a healthy and tasty accompaniment too.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation adds a great deal to the overall experience. Serve your Salpicón de Marisco in an attractive glass or ceramic bowl to show off its bright colours. Garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, the salad looks every bit as appetising as it tastes. Small portions make a wonderful starter or finger food for a party.

A bit of history

Salpicón de Marisco has its origins in Spain’s coastal regions, where it has long been served as a refreshing summer salad. The word salpicón roughly means “splash”, a nod to the medley of ingredients that come together in the dish. Shaped by the influences of Mediterranean cooking, this salad shines through its simplicity and the quality of its produce. It reflects the typically Spanish way of life, where good food and good company go hand in hand — a spirit you will find across all of Spanish cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Salpicón de Marisco

Salpicón de Marisco is a versatile, refreshing seafood salad defined by its combination of different seafood and crisp, fresh vegetables. Simple to prepare yet packed with flavour, it is the perfect choice for warm summer days or as a light snack. Thanks to its many possible variations, the recipe can be tailored to suit any taste. Give this traditional Spanish dish a try and let its lightness and bright flavours win you over.