Squid Salad(Insalata Di Calamira)
A flavorful Mediterranean squid salad featuring tender squid, briny olives, fresh herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or antipasto platters. Bright, savory, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the bodies of the squid crosswise into 1/2-inch circles and cut the tentacles into fourths.
- Add the squid pieces to boiling, salted water and boil for 1 to 2 minutes until they curl, then drain.
- Rinse the squid under cold water and drain again.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked squid, sliced onion, sliced black olives, chopped parsley, and minced garlic.
- In a shaker jar, combine wine vinegar, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Let marinate for at least 1 hour or more.
- To serve, line a bowl with lettuce leaves and mound the squid salad on top.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the squid before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more tender squid, avoid overcooking; just boil for 1 to 2 minutes. If fresh squid isn't available, frozen squid is a good substitute—just ensure it's fully thawed before cooking. To enhance flavor, consider adding a dash of chili flakes or using a bit of lemon zest in the dressing. This salad also pairs beautifully with Roasted Peppers(Peperoni Arrostiti) as a side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this squid salad on a bed of mixed greens or alongside crusty bread for a light meal. It also goes well with a refreshing Orange And Onion Salad for a vibrant lunch. For a complete Mediterranean meal, consider pairing it with Herbed Grill Vegetables as a side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, being cautious not to overcook the squid, which can become tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Squid Salad(Insalata Di Calamira) contains roughly 537 calories, with 22g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (289% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 81g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen squid for this recipe?
Yes, frozen squid works well for this dish. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Follow the same boiling instructions, ensuring you don't overcook it to maintain tenderness.
How long can I marinate the salad?
You can marinate the squid salad for at least 1 hour, but letting it sit for up to 4 hours will enhance the flavors even more. Just keep it refrigerated during the marination process.
What can I substitute for black olives?
If you're not a fan of black olives, green olives or capers can be used as substitutes. They will provide a similar briny flavor that complements the squid nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).