Seafood lovers will want to try Scungilli Salad. Uniquely Italian-American, the salad is made with delicate conch meat, which is typically now served alongside fresh vegetables and a zingy dressing. But like so many dishes, the real magic is in the small tweaks that will enhance the flavor. So today, we’re looking deeper into Scungilli and how four easy additions will make it great.
Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or serving it at a party, these add-ons will add layers of texture, flavor and visual appeal to your Scungilli Salad. Join us as we explore the impact that few simple ingreidents can have!

Table of Contents
What is Scungilli Salad?
Spungilli salad, a favorite dish in Italian-American cuisine, especially on the coasts. It’s made using scungilli — the Italian name for meat taken from the shell of conch — which is prized for its firm texture and light, sweet taste. Conch is most often boiled, sliced and mixed with tomatoes, celery and onions. And a zesty dressing, typically made from olive oil, lemon juice and vinegar, is drizzled on top to marry all the flavors.
The salad is light yet flavorful, with a slightly chewy texture from the conch meat, making it perfect for a summer meal, a side dish, or as part of a seafood spread.
Why You’ll Love This Scungilli
If you’ve never made Scungilli, you’re in for a treat. This dish is the epitome of light and flavorful, with a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Let’s talk about why Scungilli Salad deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:
- The main highlight: The star of this dish is, of course, the scungilli (conch). When prepared correctly, it’s tender, mildly sweet, and perfectly paired with fresh veggies. The tangy dressing, usually made from olive oil, lemon, and vinegar, brings everything together into a harmonious bite.
- Cost-saving: Making Scungilli Salad at home is much more affordable than ordering it at a restaurant. You can buy fresh conch (or use canned if you’re in a pinch) and throw in some simple ingredients like tomatoes, celery, and red onions. The best part? It’s a healthier option than store-bought salads!
- Flavorful add-ons: The toppings are where you can get really creative. From fresh herbs and citrus to spicy jalapeños and creamy avocado, adding just a few key ingredients will elevate your Scungilli into a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Now that you know why this salad is a winner, why not try making it at home? It’s easy, it’s fresh, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family.
How to Make Scungilli
Quick Overview
The best part about making Scungilli Salad is how simple and satisfying it is. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, and the result is a fresh, light dish that’s bursting with flavor. You’ll have it on your table in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Key Ingredients for Scungilli Salad


Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make your Scungilli. Trust me, these ingredients come together perfectly!
gredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Fresh or canned scungilli (conch) | 1 pound |
Medium tomatoes, diced | 2 |
Celery stalk, thinly sliced | 1 |
Small red onion, thinly sliced | 1 |
Black olives (optional) | 1/4 cup |
Fresh lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
Red wine vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
Salt and pepper to taste | To taste |
Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or cilantro) | For garnish |
This table lists all the key ingredients you need to make Scungilli. You can easily adapt this format to your blog post by adding it as a table element for clarity and visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have the ingredients ready, here’s how to put it all together!
- Prepare the scungilli: If you’re using fresh conch, boil it until tender (about 20 minutes). Once it’s cooled, slice it thinly. If you’re using canned scungilli, simply drain and rinse it under cold water to remove any brine.
- Chop the veggies: Dice the tomatoes, slice the celery and onion thinly, and cut the olives into rings. The fresh veggies will add a nice crunch to the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper until emulsified. Taste, and season if necessary.
- Toss the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the scungilli, vegetables, and dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve: Finish the salad with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro. Serve immediately or chill it for an hour to let the flavors meld.


What to Serve Scungilli With
Looking to turn Scungilli recipe Salad into a complete meal? Here are a few ideas for dishes that pair perfectly with it:
- Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of rustic bread is perfect for mopping up any extra dressing from the salad.
- Grilled Vegetables: Add some grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers on the side for a delicious, smoky contrast.
- White Wine or Sparkling Water: For a refreshing drink, pair your Scungilli recipe Salad with a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a twist of lemon.
Top Tips for Perfecting Scungilli Salad
- Use fresh conch if possible: While canned scungilli works just fine, fresh conch will bring an unbeatable level of tenderness and flavor to the salad.
- Adjust the dressing to your liking: If you like it tangier, add more lemon juice or vinegar. For a milder dressing, reduce the vinegar slightly.
- Add a kick of spice: If you love spice, throw in some thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes. This will give your Scungilli Salad an exciting kick!
- Serve it fresh: Make sure to serve the salad fresh, because the flavors will be at their freshest. If you’re planning ahead, store the dressing apart from the salad until you’re ready to serve.

Storing and Reheating Tips
Scungilli Salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
Reheating: If you prefer to serve it warm, gently toss the salad in a pan over low heat for a minute or two. However, this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for no longer than 2 days. The scungilli might lose a little of its firmness as it sits, but it will still be tasty.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for Scungilli Salad, as the texture of the conch can become rubbery when thawed.
Scungilli Salad From DelishDish!
Scungilli Salad: 4 Delicious Add-Ons to Elevate Your Dish
Course: SaladsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes20
minutes220
kcalLooking to add more flavor to your Scungilli Salad? Try 4 simple ingredients that will elevate your dish and impress everyone. Discover the details!
Ingredients
1 pound of fresh or canned scungilli (conch)
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup black olives (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or cilantro) for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the scungilli: If you’re using fresh conch, boil it until tender (about 20 minutes). Once it’s cooled, slice it thinly. If you’re using canned scungilli, simply drain and rinse it under cold water to remove any brine.
- Chop the veggies: Dice the tomatoes, slice the celery and onion thinly, and cut the olives into rings. The fresh veggies will add a nice crunch to the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Toss the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the scungilli, vegetables, and dressing. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve: Finish the salad with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro. Serve immediately or chill it for an hour to let the flavors meld
Notes
- Light and refreshing — great for warm weather
High in protein and low in carbohydrates
Quick to prepare with canned scungilli
Customizable with extra toppings like avocado or capers
Conclusion
Your Scungilli Salad just took a bonus upgrade! Elevation: With a blast of citrus, a pinch of spice, creamy avocado, fresh herbs, you can transform this classic seafood salad from delicious to extraordinary. These four simple add-ons enhance the flavor, not to mention add texture, color and a little excitement to the dish.
Next time you’re preparing Scungilli Salad, try these add-ons to wow your guests or enjoy a more exciting meal with your family. Experiment with these ingredients to discover your favorite combinations, and don’t be afraid to make the dish your own.
Try these add-ons today and elevate your next meal! What’s your favorite way to customize your Scungilli Salad? Share your ideas with us in the comments below!
FAQs :
Frequently Asked Questions
Scungilli Salad is a traditional Italian-American seafood salad made with sliced conch, fresh vegetables, and a lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for summer meals.
Yes! Scungilli Salad can be made using canned scungilli. Just rinse it well to remove the brine before mixing it with the rest of the ingredients.
Scungilli Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best served fresh, but chilling it for a few hours helps the flavors blend.
Scungilli Salad pairs well with crusty Italian bread, grilled vegetables, or light pasta dishes. It also goes great with a chilled glass of white wine.
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