Does Ensaladilla de Marisco contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the ingredients provided, it does not contain dairy. It is also gluten-free, but the label warns of potential traces due to manufacturing processes.

Is Ensaladilla de Marisco good for weight loss?

No, it is high in calories and fat (30% mayonnaise) and contains added sugar, making it less ideal for strict calorie restriction.

Where can I buy Ensaladilla de Marisco?

It is a common refrigerated product in Spanish supermarkets (like Mercadona or Carrefour) and can often be found on Amazon or specialty food importers.

Is Ensaladilla de Marisco safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for kids, but be aware of the high sodium content and the presence of sulfites in the shrimp, which some children are sensitive to.

Is Ensaladilla de Marisco Vegan?

No, Ensaladilla de Marisco is not vegan. While it is a seafood salad, the primary non-vegan culprit isn't just the fish—it's the creamy binder holding it all together. The standard recipe relies heavily on mayonnaise, which is strictly off-limits for those following a plant-based diet.

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this dish fails the vegan test, we need to look at the two main components: the sauce and the seafood mix. The first and most obvious offender is the Mayonesa (Mayonnaise). Accounting for 30% of the product, standard mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil and water, but it requires yema de huevo (egg yolk) to stabilize the mixture and provide that rich, creamy texture. Unless the label specifically states 'vegan mayonnaise' (which uses soy or aquafaba), you can assume it contains eggs.

Next, we look at the protein sources. The ingredients list boca de mar (imitation crab), langostino (shrimp), and merluza (hake). In a strict vegan diet, all animal flesh—whether from crustaceans or fish—is excluded. The 'boca de mar' is particularly deceptive; while it looks like white fish meat, it is actually made from surimi, which is processed fish meat (usually Pollock) restructured with starch and egg whites.

Finally, there are minor animal-derived additives. The huevo hilado (spun egg) garnish is explicitly egg. Furthermore, the claras de huevo en polvo (egg white powder) are used as a binding agent in the imitation crab. Even the E631 (Disodium Inosinate) flavor enhancer listed in the boca de mar is often derived from animal sources, though it can be vegan if synthesized. However, combined with the eggs and seafood, the dish is definitively non-vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Ensaladilla de Marisco is a calorie-dense dish primarily due to the 30% mayonnaise content. You are looking at a high intake of fats—specifically refined sunflower oil—and a moderate amount of sugar added to both the mayo and the surimi. While it provides protein from the fish and eggs, it is often high in sodium due to the salt, sulfitos (preservatives in the shrimp), and various stabilizers like E450 and E451.

If you are monitoring your calorie intake, this dish should be eaten in moderation. It fits better into a high-protein diet than a low-fat one. However, it is generally free from gluten (though cross-contamination is possible) and dairy, making it suitable for those with those specific allergies.