Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with our Italian Style Calamari Salad! This refreshing dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a tantalizing treat for your taste buds. Imagine tender calamari perfectly seared to perfection, mingling with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, and fragrant parsley, all brought together by a zesty lemon dressing. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to impress! Ready to impress your guests and tantalize your palate? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Calamari
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Parsley
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Clean the calamari thoroughly, removing the inner cartilage and outer membrane. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Slice the calamari into rings approximately 1/2 inch thick, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Prepare the vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes, thinly slicing the red onion, and chopping fresh parsley.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat. The pan should be very hot to quickly sear the calamari without overcooking.
- Quickly sear the calamari rings for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The calamari should turn opaque and slightly curled.
- Remove calamari from heat immediately and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped parsley to the cooled calamari.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to preference.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Calamari: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh calamari over frozen. If you can, buy it from a reputable seafood market.
- Don't Overcook: The key to tender calamari is quick cooking. Sear the rings for just 1-2 minutes; overcooking can lead to rubbery texture.
- Uniform Slices: Ensure that your calamari rings are cut evenly to promote consistent cooking. This helps achieve that perfect tender bite.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes after tossing helps the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients. If you love a bit more acidity, add extra lemon juice, or if you prefer a richer flavor, drizzle in a touch more olive oil.
- Serve Chilled: This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 234kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 233mg
