SEARED SCALLOPS WITH WATERCRESS AND WARM ORANGE DRESSING

Seared Scallops with Watercress and Warm Orange Dressing

This is a nice combination of peppery leafy greens, sweet pineapple, seared tender sea scallops with a warm orange vinaigrette. Can be served as a small plate or appetizer or as a main course with three large scallops per person. If made with ordinary oranges in place of blood oranges, the dressing will be a golden orange instead of red.
From Raising the Salad Bar, Catherine Walthers, Lake Isle Press, NY, 2007, p 115.
Total Time1 hour
Course: 45 - 60 Minutes to Table, Appetizers, Gluten Free, Main Course - Seafood, Salads - Main Course, Side Dishes - Salads
Servings: 2
Author: Catherine Christiano

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 large bunch watercress 1 - 1 1/2 cups per person, arugula can be substituted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon light vinegar Champagne, rice, Moscatel
  • 1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple 1/2 - 3/4" diced
  • 2 radishes trimmed and very thinly sliced

Scallops

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 pound sea scallops 3 large scallops per person, membranes removed, rinsed and patted dry
  • 2 lemon wedges

Warm Orange Dressing

  • 1/2 cup blood orange, tangerine, or orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon light vinegar Champagne, rice, Moscatel
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or pinch of sugar

Instructions

Salad

  • Remove any thick stems from watercress and roughly chop. Place in medium bowl, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of vinegar. Place on serving platter or individual plates. Top with pineapple and radishes.

Scallops

  • Add enough olive oil to thinly coat heavy skillet large enough to cook scallops in single layer. Place over medium-high heat. When hot place scallops in skillet. Sear 2 - 3 minutes on each side to brown but not overcook. Arrange scallops on salad. 

Warm Orange Dressing

  • Remove excess oil from skillet. Add juice, remaining tablespoon of vinegar, and maple syrup. Set on high and bring to boil; cook 3 - 4 minutes until slightly reduced.
  • Grind some fresh pepper and squeeze some lemon juice over the salad. Drizzle warm orange dressing over and around scallops. Serve while scallops are still hot.

Notes

Other salad greens, especially arugula, can be substituted for watercress. 
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