Juicy plump pan seared scallops served with a fruity and fresh orange and mango quinoa salsa! This is a perfect summers day salad or appetizer!
Usually I would always assume that scallops had to be served piping hot with some kind of savory sauce on the side. Although that sounds perfect, it doesn't always have to be like that. These pan seared scallops can be served warm with this cold orange and mango quinoa salsa and it'll change your mind forever. This is definitely a summers day recipe, serve with a tall glass of Chardonnay for the perfect appetizer or even as a main course. The flavors go so well together.
Ingredients you'll need for your pan seared scallops
- Scallops, check out my all about scallops post where I explain everything you need to know for that perfect pan seared scallop.
- Quinoa, regular white quinoa is just fine and can even be made a day or two ahead of time and kept in the fridge.
- Mango, make are it's ripe but not too mushy.
- Garlic, I prefer minced over whole cloves. It save so much time and mess.
- Cilantro, fresh is always better.
- Tomato, your choice.
- Red chili, optional but I like the spicy kick.
- Oranges, navel works perfectly.
How to make your orange mango salsa
- Segmenting an orange: This is sort of a salad but with no salad dressing, just the juice from the orange and some extra virgin olive oil. The flavor comes from all of the other ingredients, so that's why I called it a salsa. The oranges are segmented which is a fancy way for having orange segments without the skin. It's a tiny bit more work but worth it.
FAQ's about pan seared scallops
Can I use frozen scallops? Definitely! In fact they are probably easier to source than fresh and just as good. Check out my how to sear scallops post which will explain all about scallops.
What is the best oil to use for searing my scallops? You'll need a high heat oil like canola or even avocado oil because to get that perfect sear, it takes an extremely hot pan.
What is the difference between bay scallops and regular scallops? Bay scallops are tiny and could be used but the large scallops are much tastier.
Do I need to wash my scallops? A quick cold water rinse should be enough, and then lay them on a paper towel and gently pat them dry.
