When summer’s warmth starts to envelop us, the thought of turning on the stove becomes less appealing, and that’s when I reach for my favorite go-to dish: Gala Prawn Salad. This vibrant platter not only captures the essence of the season but also dazzles the taste buds with its fresh flavors and textures. The luscious prawns mingle with creamy avocado and crispy prosciutto, creating a delightful contrast that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
I can still recall that impromptu garden party where I whipped this up in no time—it was a hit! Paired with a zesty dressing that strikes just the right balance of creaminess and heat, this salad becomes a centerpiece everyone raves about. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is designed to impress without the fuss. Get ready to elevate your meal experience and dive into a bowl of pure summer bliss!
Why is Gala Prawn Salad a must-try?
Refreshing, Light Dish: This salad is perfect for hot summer days, providing a guilt-free meal that won’t weigh you down.
Flavor Combination: The fusion of juicy prawns, creamy avocado, and crispy prosciutto creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
Quick Prep: With minimal cooking, this dish comes together swiftly, leaving you more time to enjoy with family and friends.
Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors make it not just delicious but visually appealing, sure to impress any guest at your next gathering.
Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or side, it caters to any occasion. Whether served at a fancy dinner or a casual lunch, this salad is bound to delight!
Gala Prawn Salad Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to create your delightful Gala Prawn Salad.
For the Salad
• Prosciutto – 6 thin slices; adds a crispy, savory crunch that complements the fresh ingredients.
• Cos Lettuces – 1–2, leaves separated; provides a refreshing, crisp base that holds everything together.
• Large Cooked Prawns – 500 grams; the star of your salad, juicy and flavorful for a satisfying bite.
• Diced Cucumber – 1 cup; adds a cool, hydrating crunch that balances the richness.
• Red Onion – 1 small, finely chopped; contributes a mild sharpness that elevates the overall flavor.
• Avocados – 1–2, sliced; creamy and luxurious, making the salad indulgent yet healthy.
• Chives – 2 tablespoons, finely chopped; fresh herbs that enhance the dish with a mild onion flavor.
For the Dressing
• Egg Mayonnaise – ⅔ cup, good-quality; a creamy base that binds all the flavors together beautifully.
• Horseradish Sauce – 1 tablespoon; adds a delightful kick that enhances the prawns’ sweetness.
• Tomato Sauce – 2 tablespoons; brings a hint of sweetness and color to the dressing.
• Sriracha Chilli Sauce – 1 tablespoon; for those who like a bit of spice in their Gala Prawn Salad.
• Sea Salt – to taste; brings out all the flavors and ties the dish together.
How to Make Gala Prawn Salad
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Whisk Together: In a bowl, combine the egg mayonnaise, horseradish sauce, tomato sauce, and sriracha. Mix until smooth and season with sea salt to taste. This creamy dressing will elevate your salad to a new level of deliciousness!
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Cook Prosciutto: Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over medium heat. Add the prosciutto slices and cook until they’re golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes on each side. This crispy layer will add an irresistible texture to your salad.
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Arrange the Base: On a large platter or board, lay down the separated cos lettuce leaves as a fresh base. This creates a lovely foundation for your colorful Gala Prawn Salad.
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Add Ingredients: Layer the cooked prawns, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion over the lettuce. Nestle the creamy avocado slices amongst the other ingredients, creating a beautiful and inviting presentation.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped chives on top for a touch of freshness. Drizzle some of the prepared dressing over the salad and serve the remaining dressing on the side for extra indulgence.
Optional: Garnish with a few lemon wedges for a zesty kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Gala Prawn Salad
• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest prawns and salad vegetables you can find. Fresh produce will enhance the overall flavor of your Gala Prawn Salad.
• Crispy Prosciutto: Keep an eye on the prosciutto while cooking. It’s easy to overcook it—aim for just crispy, but not burnt, for the perfect texture.
• Cooling Avocados: To prevent browning, slice your avocados just before serving. This ensures they maintain their vibrant green color in your salad.
• Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients according to your taste. If you love spice, add more sriracha, or mellow it out with extra mayonnaise.
• Layering Technique: Layer ingredients thoughtfully for a stunning presentation. The visual appeal of the Gala Prawn Salad will impress guests before they take their first bite!
• Storing Leftovers: If storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat. This prevents the salad from wilting and keeps everything fresh and crisp.
How to Store and Freeze Gala Prawn Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover Gala Prawn Salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the texture changes in the prawns and vegetables. Enjoy it fresh!
Reheating: As the salad is served cold, simply enjoy it straight from the fridge. No reheating required!
Prevent Browning: If you have leftover avocado, sprinkle it lightly with lemon juice to minimize browning before storing.
Make Ahead Options
Gala Prawn Salad is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy days! You can prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The prawns, cucumbers, and red onion can also be chopped and refrigerated for up to 24 hours ahead, ensuring they remain crisp. However, it’s best to slice the avocados just before serving to prevent browning. When you’re ready to enjoy, layer all the ingredients on a platter, drizzle with the dressing, and garnish with chives for an equally delightful presentation, just like freshly made!
What to Serve with Gala Prawn Salad?
Pair your delightful salad with these perfect accompaniments that will elevate your meal experience and create a symphony of flavors.
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Fresh Bread: Serve with warm, crusty baguette or artisan rolls to soak up the zesty dressing and add a satisfying chewiness.
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Crispy Potato Wedges: These seasoned, oven-baked wedges provide a crunchy contrast, complementing the creamy textures of the salad beautifully.
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Zucchini Noodles: Light and refreshing, spiralized zucchini offers an additional layer of crunch and a healthy alternative to traditional pasta.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc enhances the fresh flavors of the salad, making every bite more refreshing as you sip alongside.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, charred corn brings a summer festival vibe and pairs delightfully with the rich avocados and savoury prawns.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp: For a double shrimp delight, sauté garlic butter shrimp alongside the prawn salad for a more gourmet experience on your plate.
These pairing options will not only tantalize your taste buds but also make your meal unforgettable!
Gala Prawn Salad Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful dish with these fun and tasty ideas that will surprise your taste buds!
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Smoked Salmon: Substitute the prawns with smoked salmon for a luxurious twist that adds a rich, smoky flavor.
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Whole Wheat Wrap: Transform your salad into a wrap by placing the ingredients in a whole wheat tortilla for a portable lunch option. This adds a satisfying chew and a new dimension to the dish.
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Spicy Kick: Increase the sriracha in the dressing to turn up the heat, or add finely chopped jalapeños to the salad for an exciting fiery touch.
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Herb Variation: Try using different herbs like dill or cilantro instead of chives for an aromatic twist that enhances the freshness of the salad. Each herb brings its unique flavor profile, making your salad personal and vibrant.
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Creamy Avocado Dressing: Blend ripe avocados, Greek yogurt, and a splash of lemon juice for a creamy dressing alternative. This makes the entire salad even creamier, adding a luscious texture.
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Add Crunch: Incorporate toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sunflower seeds, for an extra crunch that provides nutrition and delightful texture variation.
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Vegetarian Delight: Leave out the prosciutto and add roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian version that’s just as flavorful and filling.
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Mixed Greens: Swap cos lettuce with a mix of arugula and spinach for a peppery taste that brightens the overall flavor profile of the salad. This simple swap invites even more nutritious greens to your plate!
Gala Prawn Salad Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting prawns?
Absolutely! Choose large, cooked prawns that smell fresh and are firm to the touch. Look for prawns that are bright pink or orange without any dark spots or signs of freezer burn. If purchasing raw prawns, ensure they’re translucent and have a mild ocean scent.
How should I store leftover Gala Prawn Salad?
For the best results, store any leftover Gala Prawn Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain the freshness of the salad, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the greens from wilting and ensures each bite is crisp and delicious.
Can I freeze Gala Prawn Salad?
Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The texture of the prawns and vegetables tends to change post-thawing, resulting in a less appetizing dish. It’s best enjoyed fresh! However, if you’d like to prep in advance, assemble the ingredients without dressing and store them in the fridge for up to a day.
How do I prevent the avocados from browning?
To keep avocados looking fresh and green, lightly sprinkle them with lemon juice right after slicing. The acidity in the juice helps slow down oxidation, preserving their lovely color and flavor in your Gala Prawn Salad.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes, always check for allergies! If you’re preparing this dish for guests, confirm that no one is allergic to seafood or any of the ingredients used in the salad, especially the egg mayonnaise and sriracha. For a lighter alternative, opt for a vegan mayonnaise to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
What’s the best way to serve Gala Prawn Salad?
Presentation is key! Arrange the ingredients beautifully on a large platter or board, layering the vegetables and prawns for a stunning effect. Serve with extra dressing on the side so everyone can customize their salads as they please! This not only enhances the visual appeal but makes for a more enjoyable dining experience.
Gala Prawn Salad: A Crunchy, Creamy Delight for Your Plate
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the egg mayonnaise, horseradish sauce, tomato sauce, and sriracha. Mix until smooth and season with sea salt to taste.
- Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over medium heat. Add the prosciutto slices and cook until golden and crisp, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- On a large platter or board, lay down the separated cos lettuce leaves as a fresh base.
- Layer the cooked prawns, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion over the lettuce. Nestle the creamy avocado slices amongst the other ingredients.
- Sprinkle the chopped chives on top for freshness. Drizzle some of the prepared dressing over the salad and serve the remaining dressing on the side.