Seared Scallop Watermelon Salad W Sparkling Mint Vinaigrette Recipes

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH WATERMELON THREE WAYS, CASTELFRANCO RADICCHIO, DANDELION GREENS AND RED ONIONS

Steps:

• To pickle the watermelon rind, combine the champagne vinegar, water, sugar and 1 tablespoon salt in a large bowl. Carefully remove the rind from the watermelon. Using a mandoline or sharp vegetable peeler, shave the rind into ribbons about 1/8-inch thick. Add the watermelon rind ribbons to the bowl and let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Drain and reserve the pickling liquid.
• Dice the watermelon flesh into 1/2-inch chunks and add to a large bowl. Add the Castelfranco, dandelion greens, red onions, pickled watermelon rinds and watermelon radish to the watermelon chunks and toss to combine. Add 2 tablespoons of the pickling liquid and a nice drizzle of oil into the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt.
• Heat a large nonstick pan with some oil over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Pat the scallops nice and dry and sprinkle with salt. Sear on each side until golden brown, about 2 minutes. The scallops will be done when they are no longer translucent, but it's important not to overcook them. Remove them from the pan and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
• To serve, slice the scallops in half lengthwise and nestle alongside the three-watermelon salad.

SEA SCALLOP SALAD WITH CELERY AND SPICY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Cut the sea scallops in thin slices and arrange them on a small piece of foil in a rosette pattern.
• Steam the celery root briefly and let it cool before you mix the mayonnaise and the mustard to it. Mix the olive oil and the lemon juice together, add the cayenne pepper. Lightly brush the scallops with the vinaigrette and put them under the broiler until cooked.
• On a plate place the mache leaves around like the petals of a flower. Place the celery root salad in the middle and slide the scallops off the foil on top of the celery. Sprinkle a little more spicy dressing on top and serve

SEARED SCALLOP WATERMELON SALAD W/ SPARKLING MINT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Using a 2- 3 inch cookie cutter, cut the watermelon into 8 rounds. Slice the radishes thin and set aside.
• Pat the scallops dry and remove the "foot." Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.
• Heat a large skillet to high. Drizzle a scant amount of oil in the skillet and carefully rub it around with a paper towel. When the skillet is smoking; place the scallops top down. Sear for 1 1/2 minutes until you can see carmelization around the edges.
• Using tongs or a metal spatula, flip the scallops. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and cook 1-2 more minutes.
• Puree the mint, vinegar, grape seed oil, agave, salt and pepper in the blender. To assemble: Place a handful of arugula on a plate. Add one watermelon round on the arugula, followed by a scallop. Arrange the radishes around and drizzle with mint vinaigrette.
• Makes 8 first-course servings, or 2-4 dinner servings.

SEA SCALLOP SALAD WITH MEYER LEMON AND POMEGRANATE

Steps:

• Make the vinaigrette: Put lemon and shallot in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, add vinegar, and stir to dissolve salt. Stir in 3 tablespoons olive oil. Taste and correct for salt and vinegar. Set aside at room temperature.
• Season sea scallops on both sides with salt and pepper. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons olive oil.
• Place a wide cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, and swirl to coat bottom of pan. When oil looks wavy, place scallops carefully in pan without crowding. Adjust heat to allow scallops to sizzle briskly. Do not move scallops for at least 2 minutes so that a crisp skin can form.
• After 2 minutes, check to see how scallops are browning. Adjust heat if necessary (if heat is too high, scallops will blacken instead). It should take 4 to 5 minutes to get a well-browned surface. Turn scallops over with tongs or a small metal spatula, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, until firm and cooked through. Remove to a plate lined with a paper towel, keeping scallops browned-side up.
• Divide radicchio, endive and arugula among 4 large salad plates. Place 2 warm scallops in the center of each plate. Stir vinaigrette vigorously and spoon about a teaspoon on each scallop. Drizzle remaining vinaigrette evenly over each salad. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, and serve immediately.

LEMON-MINT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk lemon juice, mustard, sugar and garlic in a small bowl until blended.
• Drizzle in oil, whisking until blended.
• Stir in mint, salt and pepper.
• Note: Can be kept in refridgerator for up to 2 days.