Italian Calamari Salad Recipe

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Are you looking for a tasty and cool starter? Check out this Italian Calamari Salad recipe! It mixes soft calamari with crunchy celery, green olives, red onion, and roasted red peppers. Every bite bursts with flavor.

This dish shines with its true Italian vibe. The lemon and olive oil dressing matches the fresh seafood perfectly. It adds a nice tang and richness. And, it’s simple to whip up for any event.

Planning a family get-together or a fancy Christmas Eve dinner? This Italian Calamari Salad will wow your guests. It’s yummy and brings elegance to your meal.

Stay here to learn how to create this amazing salad. You’ll also find top tips to boost your cooking game.

How to Make Italian Calamari Salad

Do you want a tasty and refreshing seafood salad? This Italian calamari salad recipe is easy to follow. It is full of flavor and perfect for a light lunch or a tasty appetizer. Just follow these steps to make a dish everyone will love.

Gather Your Ingredients

First, get all your ingredients together. Here’s what you need for the calamari salad:

• 1 pound of calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
• 2 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of red roasted peppers, chopped
• 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of celery, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

Prepare and Mix the Ingredients

Begin by softening the calamari. Mix water, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Soak the calamari rings for 30 minutes to tenderize. Then, chop the peppers, onion, celery, and parsley. In another bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper flakes.

After soaking, drain and rinse the calamari. Cook it in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until it’s opaque. Quickly move the calamari to ice water to cool. Make sure to drain the calamari well afterward.

Put the calamari, peppers, onion, celery, and parsley in a big bowl. Add the olive oil and lemon mix. Toss it all together until coated. Add salt as you like.

Chill and Serve

Put the salad in the fridge for at least 2 hours to blend the flavors. When ready, stir the salad and serve it chilled. Enjoy the fresh taste of your Italian calamari salad.

This recipe will wow your guests. It’s great for summer parties or whenever you want a light and tasty seafood meal.

Tips for Making the Best Calamari Salad

If you want to improve your calamari salad, here are some tips. They will help you make a delicious dish. Follow these expert tips for the best calamari salad:

1. Choose the Right Squid

It’s important to pick the right squid for your salad. Aim for smaller squid, about 20-30 tubes per pound and 4-6″ long. Smaller squid are more tender in your salad.

2. Tenderize with Baking Soda

For extra tender calamari, use the baking soda bath method. Soak the squid in a water and baking soda mix for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well before adding to your salad.

3. Shock in an Ice Bath

Avoid overcooking calamari by shocking it in an ice bath after boiling. This stops the cooking instantly and keeps it tender.

4. Use High-Quality Ingredients

High-quality ingredients boost your salad’s flavor. Use fresh parsley, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to try out different herbs and spices for more taste.

5. Explore Variations

Be creative with your calamari salad! Mix in other seafood like shrimp or scallops. Add cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, or hot cherry peppers for flavor. Check out these Italian calamari salad, chilled calamari salad with lemon, and classic calamari salad recipes for inspiration.

By using these tips, your calamari salad will be full of flavor. It’s perfect for special events or a light meal. Your guests will love it.

Conclusion

Italian calamari salad is both versatile and delicious. You can enjoy it as a light lunch, an appetizer, or a part of a seafood feast. It’s made with tender calamari, crisp vegetables, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing taste.

One great thing about calamari salad is you can make it ahead of time. Just prepare it and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This lets you focus on other parts of your meal, while still serving a tasty dish.

Calamari salad is rich in protein and has a variety of textures. It mixes protein-rich calamari with crunchy vegetables. If you like things spicy, adding chili gives the salad an extra kick.

Italian calamari salad is perfect for any gathering or just a light, refreshing dish. It brings the flavors of the sea to your table. The mix of seafood and vegetables keeps it interesting. Serve with crusty bread, grilled veggies, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal. This recipe will bring the flavors of Italy to your guests.

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