Skip to main content

White Wine–Poached Scallop and Herb Salad

The scallops and vegetables can be poached and refrigerated up to 1 day ahead. Avoid using an oaky Chardonnay, which may add bitterness.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups dry white wine
Coarse salt
1 bay leaf
1 to 2 celery stalks, cut into 1/4-inch half-moons (about 1 1/2 cups), plus 1/4 cup pale green leaves, very coarsely chopped
1 small fennel bulb, halved lengthwise, core removed, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch half-moons (about 1 1/2 cups), plus 1/4 cup fronds, very coarsely chopped
20 large sea scallops (about 1 pound), tough muscles removed
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus wedges for garnish
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, very coarsely chopped
1/3 cup fresh chives, cut into 3/4-inch pieces

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring the wine, a pinch of salt, and the bay leaf, celery, and fennel to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce to a simmer; cook until the vegetables are just tender, about 8 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a medium bowl; discard the bay leaf. Set aside. Add the scallops to the pan; simmer until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer the scallops to the bowl of vegetables; refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup poaching liquid. Refrigerate until cold, about 20 minutes.

    Step 2

    Stir the lemon juice into the poaching liquid. Add the oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until emulsified. Slice the scallops in half horizontally; toss with the dressing and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Toss the herbs, celery leaves, and fennel fronds in a small bowl, then divide among 4 serving plates. Top each with scallops and vegetables, dividing evenly. Drizzle with oil and dressing from the bowl. Garnish each salad with a lemon wedge.

The cookbook cover with a blue background and fine typeface.
Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group. Buy the full book from Amazon.
Read More
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.