Kalamari Salad 🦑🥗
Cook Time: 1 minute
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes (+3 hours chilling time)
Servings: 8
Description:
A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring tender squid, tossed with a medley of crisp vegetables and a zesty herb dressing. This Kalamari Salad offers a delightful twist on enjoying calamari, perfect for a quick meal or as part of a Greek-inspired feast. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 pounds squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 333.9
- Total Fat: 22.8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.4g
- Cholesterol: 264.7mg
- Sodium: 125.7mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugar: 5.5g
- Protein: 18.6g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, basil, oregano, parsley, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Gradually add in the olive oil, whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified. Set aside. |
| 2 | Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the squid rings and cook for precisely 45 seconds. The water may not return to a boil, which is normal. |
| 3 | Quickly remove the squid from the boiling water and transfer to a colander. Rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain the squid’s tender texture. |
| 4 | In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched squid, julienned carrot, sliced red and green bell peppers, thinly sliced red onion, and pitted kalamata olives. |
| 5 | Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. |
| 6 | Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. For optimal taste, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. |
| 7 | When ready to serve, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. |
| 8 | Serve the Kalamari Salad chilled, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma. Enjoy the refreshing flavors of the Mediterranean! |
Tips:
- For a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- This salad is even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Serve alongside crusty bread or pita to soak up the delicious dressing.
- Enjoy as a light lunch or dinner, or as part of a mezze platter for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
With this simple recipe, you can create a vibrant and flavorful Kalamari Salad that celebrates the best of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a taste of the sea, this dish is sure to impress with its freshness and delicious flavors. Bon appétit! 🍽️✨
