Calamari Salad with Lemon, Olive Oil & Fresh Herbs
Tender poached calamari tossed with celery, olives, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. A classic Mediterranean seafood salad that's light yet satisfying.
Ingredients
Shellfish
Base
Flavor
Vegetables
Herbs
Aromatics
Spices
Seasoning
Instructions
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Prep the calamari. Cut cleaned calamari bodies into 1/2-inch rings. Leave tentacles whole or halve if large. Pat completely dry.
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Poach quickly. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add calamari all at once. Cook for exactly 45-60 seconds until just opaque. Drain immediately.
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Ice bath. Transfer calamari to an ice bath to stop cooking. Let cool 2 minutes, then drain very well and pat dry.
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Make the dressing. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt.
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Assemble. In a large bowl, toss calamari with celery, olives, and most of the parsley. Add dressing and toss gently.
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Serve. Let marinate 10 minutes at room temperature (or up to 2 hours refrigerated). Garnish with remaining parsley before serving.
Storage & Meal Prep
Calamari salad keeps for up to 1 day in the refrigerator. The lemon juice continues to gently cure the squid, so it's actually better after 1-2 hours of marinating. Don't make it more than a day ahead as the texture becomes too soft.
Variations
- Calamari Salad with Fennel: Add thinly shaved fennel for an anise note that pairs beautifully with the lemon and squid.
- Warm Calamari Salad: Skip the ice bath and toss the just-poached calamari with the dressing while still warm for a different texture experience.
- Calamari Salad with Chickpeas: Add 1 cup canned chickpeas for extra protein and substance, turning this appetizer into a light meal.
FAQ
How do you make calamari tender?
The key is cooking time: either very quick (under 2 minutes) or very slow (45+ minutes braising). Anything in between makes squid rubbery. For salad, poach for just 45-60 seconds until opaque, then immediately transfer to an ice bath.
Can you eat calamari cold?
Yes—cold calamari salad is a classic Mediterranean appetizer. The lemon juice continues to gently 'cook' the squid as it marinates, creating a silky, tender texture. It's served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
What is the difference between calamari and squid?
Calamari is simply the Italian word for squid. In restaurants, 'calamari' typically refers to squid prepared for eating, while 'squid' is the general term. They're the same animal.
Nutrition Facts
Customize Ingredients
Per Serving
The Story Behind This Dish
The secret to tender calamari is counterintuitive: cook it either very quickly (under 2 minutes) or very slowly (45 minutes or more). Anything in between turns rubbery.
For this salad, we go the quick route. The residual heat and the acid from the lemon juice continue to gently “cook” the calamari as it marinates, creating a silky texture.
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