Chicken Free Scallop Ceviche with Lime and Jalapeño
Bright, citrusy, and just the right amount of spicy, this scallop ceviche is the kind of dish that feels like a restaurant appetizer but comes together entirely in your own kitchen. Bay scallops are cured in fresh lime juice until they turn opaque and firm — no heat required — then tossed with jalapeño, red onion, cucumber, and cilantro for a bowl that's as fresh as it gets. A drizzle of olive oil ties everything together, and the optional diced avocado adds a creamy, cooling contrast to all that bright acidity. Every single ingredient here is straightforward and poultry-free by nature, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or swap anything out. This is a genuinely elegant dish that works beautifully as a starter, a light lunch, or a crowd-pleasing party bite served in small glasses. The hardest part is waiting the 20-odd minutes for the scallops to cure — and trust us, they're worth it.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 lb bay scallops, side muscle removed, patted dry
- ½ cup fresh lime juice (from about 4–5 limes)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 1 persian cucumber, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the scallops in a large mixing bowl. Pour the lime juice over them, making sure all scallops are submerged or nearly so. Cover and refrigerate for 20–25 minutes, until the scallops are opaque throughout with no translucent center remaining — they will feel slightly firm when pressed.
- 2
While the scallops cure, combine the jalapeño, red onion, and cucumber in a separate bowl.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!