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Scallops are a summer delicacy that never fails to impress, offering a rich, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh, light ingredients.
From pan-seared perfection to refreshing seafood salads, these 24+ summer scallop recipes will take your taste buds on a vibrant, coastal journey.
Whether you’re looking for something light, elegant, or a little indulgent, scallops offer a versatility that can elevate any summer meal.
Their natural sweetness, paired with the freshness of seasonal ingredients, creates an unforgettable dining experience.
These recipes are perfect for those who want to celebrate the summer season with delicious, seafood-inspired dishes that are sure to wow your guests or become your go-to weeknight meal.
24+ Delicious Summer Scallop Recipes for Any Occasion
Whether you’re grilling, searing, or even enjoying scallops raw, these 24+ summer scallop recipes offer endless possibilities to showcase this tender, delicate seafood.
From light salads to indulgent risottos, scallops will always be a versatile, crowd-pleasing option for your summer meals.
With the right balance of flavors, each dish can bring out the natural sweetness of the scallops while embracing the freshness of summer ingredients.
These recipes are sure to inspire you to make the most of this season’s bounty, and with so many options to explore, there’s always something new to try.
Grilled Scallops with Lemon Butter
Smoky and succulent, these grilled scallops are kissed by open flames and drizzled with a zesty lemon butter sauce.
The natural sweetness of the scallops pairs perfectly with the rich, tangy glaze, creating a balance of brightness and depth.
Crisp on the outside and tender in the center, they offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s ideal for outdoor dining.
Serve them on skewers, over a summer salad, or alongside grilled vegetables for a light yet luxurious meal.
Scallop Ceviche
Cool and citrusy, this scallop ceviche captures the essence of summer with its refreshing lime marinade and vibrant mix of fresh herbs.
Thinly sliced scallops “cook” in the acidic juices, resulting in a silky texture and bright, clean flavor.
Tossed with red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro, each bite bursts with zest and heat.
Serve it as an appetizer, on tostadas, or spooned over avocado for a refreshing seafood twist.
Seared Scallops with Corn Purée
Golden-brown and buttery, these pan-seared scallops sit atop a velvety corn purée infused with a hint of thyme.
The caramelized crust delivers a delicate crunch, while the purée adds a subtle sweetness and silky finish.
This elegant dish is perfect for dinner parties or romantic evenings, offering refined flavor with minimal effort.
Its creamy base and crispy-seared top make it both comforting and luxurious.
Scallop and Mango Salad
Light and tropical, this scallop and mango salad delivers a burst of juicy sweetness and ocean-fresh flavor in every bite.
Tender, sautéed scallops are paired with ripe mango, crisp greens, and a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
The bright colors and fruity aroma make this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Enjoy it as a standalone lunch or a vibrant starter for summer gatherings.
Pasta with Scallops and Tomatoes
Tender scallops mingle with sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil in this light yet satisfying pasta dish.
The tomatoes burst into a simple sauce, coating the al dente noodles with flavor while the scallops add richness and depth.
Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a touch of lemon, it’s perfect for warm evenings when you crave something comforting but not too heavy.
This dish transitions effortlessly from a casual weeknight dinner to a dinner-party centerpiece.
Scallop Tacos with Slaw
Zesty and crunchy, these scallop tacos are packed with flavor and texture, perfect for a summer taco night.
Pan-seared scallops are tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a bright cabbage slaw and creamy lime sauce.
The contrast of hot and cold, tender and crisp, makes each bite lively and refreshing.
Serve them with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a festive and fun meal.
Scallop Skewers
Simple yet impressive, these scallop skewers bring together char-grilled flavor and tender seafood sweetness in one perfect bite.
Marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, the scallops caramelize beautifully on the grill while staying juicy and plump.
The smoky aroma mingles with hints of citrus and sea, making them irresistible right off the skewer.
Serve as a main with rice or as an appetizer at summer cookouts for an easy showstopper.
Scallops with Garlic Sauce
Fragrant and silky, this dish features scallops bathed in a rich garlic sauce that’s both bold and buttery.
The sauce clings to each seared scallop, enhancing their natural sweetness with savory, golden undertones.
With its golden crust and delicate center, this dish is satisfying yet light.
Pair it with crusty bread, steamed greens, or a chilled glass of white wine for a complete summer meal.
Scallop and Avocado Salad
Creamy avocado meets sweet, pan-seared scallops in this refreshing salad topped with a tangy lime dressing.
The rich texture of avocado balances the delicate tenderness of the scallops, while fresh greens and herbs add a crisp finish.
Every bite is smooth, vibrant, and packed with summery flavors.
It’s perfect for a light lunch or an elegant starter that feels indulgent but stays fresh.
Lemon Scallop Risotto
Bright and comforting, this lemon scallop risotto combines the creaminess of slow-stirred rice with the citrusy zing of lemon and sea-kissed scallops.
Each spoonful offers a burst of lemony aroma and perfectly cooked scallops nestled in the velvety rice.
The richness of the risotto is lifted by the fresh, clean flavors of the sea.
Serve it warm on breezy summer nights when you want something elegant yet soul-soothing.
Scallop Crudo
Delicate and chilled, this scallop crudo is a minimalist dish that celebrates the purity of fresh seafood.
Thin slices of raw scallop are dressed with olive oil, citrus, and sea salt for a clean, briny taste with a silky texture.
The freshness is undeniable, with every bite tasting like an ocean breeze.
Enjoy it as a refined appetizer or part of a light summer dinner with chilled wine and crisp greens.
Scallops with Herbed Butter
These buttery scallops are pan-seared and finished with a generous spoonful of herbed compound butter that melts into a luxurious glaze.
The herbs add brightness while the butter enhances the scallops’ rich, sweet flavor with each golden bite.
Perfect on a bed of greens, pasta, or alone with a side of crusty bread.
t’s a fast, flavorful option for effortless elegance on any summer night.
Baked Scallops
Golden and tender, these baked scallops are coated in buttery breadcrumbs and roasted until perfectly crisp on top.
The rich aroma of garlic and parmesan fills the air as they cook, delivering a savory crunch with every bite.
Soft inside and slightly crispy outside, they’re a comforting yet elegant option for any summer dinner.
Serve them as a main dish with roasted veggies or as an appetizer with a fresh lemon wedge.
Scallop Scampi
Light, garlicky, and full of zesty flavor, scallop scampi is a summertime twist on the classic shrimp version.
Pan-seared scallops are tossed in a sauce of lemon juice, white wine, and fresh parsley for a bright, aromatic finish.
The scallops soak up the sauce beautifully, giving every bite a burst of citrus and herbs.
Pair with linguine or serve over sautéed spinach for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Scallops with Pea Purée
This vibrant dish features sweet, seared scallops atop a velvety green pea purée laced with mint and lemon.
Each bite offers a contrast of textures—crispy-edged scallops and creamy purée—balanced with fresh, garden-inspired flavor.
The color alone makes it a stunning summer plate, while the taste is both comforting and fresh.
It’s ideal for an upscale dinner or a light seasonal entrée.
Scallop Tostadas
Crispy tostada shells topped with lime-marinated scallops, fresh salsa, and creamy avocado bring a fiesta of flavors to your plate.
The scallops stay juicy and flavorful, while the toppings add crunch, spice, and a hint of citrus.
It’s a fun, customizable recipe perfect for parties, taco nights, or light summer lunches.
The bright colors and bold flavors make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Scallop Chowder
Creamy and comforting, this scallop chowder is lightened up for summer with fresh herbs, corn, and tender potatoes.
Each spoonful delivers a rich seafood flavor without feeling too heavy, perfect for cooler summer evenings.
The scallops add sweetness and depth, blending beautifully with the savory broth.
Serve with crusty bread and a garden salad for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Scallops with Watermelon Salsa
Sweet meets savory in this fresh dish, where pan-seared scallops are topped with a juicy watermelon salsa.
The salsa blends fruit, jalapeño, and lime for a spicy-sweet kick that enhances the scallops’ delicate flavor.
Every bite is light, bright, and full of summer energy.
Perfect for a refreshing dinner or a fun twist on seafood appetizers.
Scallop Stir Fry
Fast, colorful, and full of flavor, this scallop stir fry brings together crisp vegetables and tender scallops in a light, savory sauce.
The scallops sear quickly, locking in their sweetness while mingling with garlic, ginger, and soy.
Crunchy bell peppers and snap peas add texture and a pop of summer color.
Serve it over rice or noodles for a quick yet satisfying dinner.
Scallops with Bacon
Savory and indulgent, this classic pairing wraps sweet, tender scallops in smoky, crispy bacon for a bold contrast of textures.
Each bite is juicy and rich, with the bacon adding just the right amount of salt and crunch.
Perfect for backyard parties, this dish is delicious as an appetizer or plated alongside a summer salad.
The irresistible aroma alone will draw a crowd.
Scallop Risotto
Creamy and comforting, this scallop risotto features perfectly seared scallops on a bed of rich, slow-cooked rice.
Infused with white wine and Parmesan, the risotto has a velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the golden scallop crust.
Fresh herbs add brightness and balance to the dish.
It’s an elegant way to bring a restaurant-quality meal to your summer table.
Scallop Pizza
Unexpected and irresistible, scallop pizza combines tender seafood with melty cheese, garlic oil, and a crispy crust.
Topped with arugula or fresh herbs after baking, it’s both rich and refreshing.
The scallops bring a buttery flavor that complements the light crunch of the crust.
Serve it as a fun twist on pizza night or slice it small for an appetizer.
Coconut Scallops
Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these coconut scallops are coated in shredded coconut and pan-fried to golden perfection.
The tropical sweetness of coconut pairs wonderfully with the briny, tender scallops.
Finished with a squeeze of lime, they’re perfect for warm evenings or tiki-inspired dinners.
Serve with a sweet chili dipping sauce or atop a bed of jasmine rice.
Scallops with Tomato Basil
Simple and summery, this dish features pan-seared scallops over a bed of sautéed cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
The juicy tomatoes burst into a light sauce, giving the dish a garden-fresh flavor that’s full of sunshine.
Each scallop adds richness and contrast to the sweet and herbal tomato base.
Serve with grilled bread or pasta for a meal that’s bright, quick, and satisfying.
Conclusion
Scallops are the perfect choice for summer meals, offering a combination of elegance, simplicity, and flavor that can transform any dish into something special.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or just looking to treat yourself to something delightful, these 24+ summer scallop recipes will add variety and excitement to your table.
The best part is that scallops cook quickly, making them ideal for busy summer days when you want a light yet satisfying dish.
So, let these recipes inspire your next culinary adventure and enjoy the sweet, succulent flavors of scallops all season long!
