Print this Recipe

Elegant yet simple, these golden-seared scallops are paired with a refreshing citrus and avocado salad that bursts with brightness. It’s a dish that’s light, luxurious, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for date nights or dinner parties.

🍴 Ingredients

For the Scallops:

• 1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Salad:

• 1 large orange, segmented
• 1 grapefruit, segmented
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 2 cups arugula or mixed greens
• 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

🔥 Instructions

Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, gently toss the orange and grapefruit segments, avocado slices, arugula, and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Sear the Scallops:
Season scallops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering hot, add the scallops and sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and add butter. Cook for 1–2 minutes more, basting with the melted butter.

Plate and Serve:
Divide the salad among plates and top with seared scallops. Spoon any pan butter over the scallops and serve immediately.

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Make the Best Seared Scallops with Citrus Salad

• 🍳 Nonstick Skillet for Seafood – Perfectly sears scallops with no sticking or tearing.
• 🦐 Sea Scallops (Flash-Frozen) – Premium quality and convenient to keep on hand.
• 🍊 Citrus Zester & Segmenting Knife – Makes prepping oranges and grapefruit a breeze.
• 🥑 Avocado Slicer – Slices avocados safely and evenly for your salad.
• 🥗 Salad Spinner – Crisp greens make all the difference in a fresh salad.
• 🥄 Basting Spoon – Helps evenly coat scallops in melted butter while cooking.
• 🌡️ Instant-Read Thermometer – Scallops are best at 120°F—this tool keeps them just right.

💡 Helpful Tip: Make sure scallops are completely dry before searing—pat them with paper towels for the best golden crust.