Best 5 Crunchy Calamari Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary adventure with our tantalizing calamari salad, a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your palate. This delectable dish features tender calamari, perfectly cooked to retain its delicate chewiness, complemented by a medley of crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty dressing that elevates every bite.

Our collection of calamari salad recipes offers a diverse range of culinary experiences. From the classic Italian-inspired salad with tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette to the vibrant Asian-style salad infused with ginger and sesame, each recipe brings a unique twist to this seafood delicacy.

Whether you prefer a quick and easy weekday meal or an impressive appetizer for your next gathering, our recipes cater to every occasion. Discover the zesty kick of the spicy calamari salad or the refreshing simplicity of the Mediterranean-inspired salad with feta and olives.

For those with dietary preferences, we have gluten-free and vegetarian options available. The grilled calamari salad with balsamic glaze is a flavorful choice for those seeking a healthier alternative, while the crispy calamari salad with sweet chili sauce caters to those who enjoy a touch of heat.

Immerse yourself in the culinary journey of calamari salad and explore the diverse flavors and textures it has to offer. From the classic to the contemporary, our recipes provide an array of culinary delights that will satisfy any seafood enthusiast.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CRUNCHY CALAMARI SALAD



Crunchy Calamari Salad image

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     dinner, lunch, salads and dressings, appetizer, main course

Time 30m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 pounds cleaned squid
Juice of 2 lemons
Salt to taste
2 cups crustless country bread torn in small pieces
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 large cloves garlic, minced
6 ripe plum tomatoes, chopped
1 medium red onion, sliced thin 2 tablespoons finely minced
Italian parsley
Hot red pepper flakes to taste

Steps:

  • Slice the squid into thin rings and coarsely chop the tentacles. Preheat an oven or toaster oven to 400 degrees. Bring two quarts of water to a boil.
  • When the water is boiling, add the juice of half a lemon and season it with a teaspoon of salt. Add the squid and stir and when the water returns to a boil, drain the squid and allow it to cool to room temperature.
  • Spread the bread on a baking sheet, place in the oven and bake until the bread has dried out and turned lightly golden.
  • Heat the oil in a heavy skillet, stir in the garlic, remove from the heat immediately, pour the oil and garlic over toasted bread, stirring well.
  • Place the squid in a serving bowl and toss with the remaining lemon juice. Fold in the tomatoes, onion, parsley and hot red pepper to taste. Just before serving, fold in the toasted bread along with any oil and garlic in the pan. Season to taste with salt and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 228, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 14 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 20 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 491 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

CALAMARI SALAD



Calamari Salad image

Categories     Salad     Olive     Onion     Tomato     Christmas     Quick & Easy     Seafood     Squid     Spring     Healthy     Christmas Eve     Gourmet

Yield Makes 4 main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 lb cleaned squid
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 small red onion, halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced crosswise (1 cup)
1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved lengthwise
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (3/4 lb), halved or quartered if large
2 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Steps:

  • Rinse squid under cold running water, then lightly pat dry between paper towels. Halve tentacles lengthwise and cut bodies (including flaps, if attached) crosswise into 1/3-inch-wide rings.
  • Cook squid in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered, until just opaque, 40 to 60 seconds. Drain in a colander and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. When squid is cool, drain and pat dry.
  • Whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then stir in onion and let stand 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine squid, olives, tomatoes, celery, and parsley in a large bowl. Toss with dressing and season with salt and pepper. Let stand at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

CALAMARI SALAD



Calamari Salad image

This is one of the seven fish dishes we serve at Christmas time. It is easy to make and quite delicious! I enjoy it served both warm and cold. Either way, it has become one of our traditional dishes each year. The recipe has been passed down to me through my grandparents, who were excellent cooks. -Paul Rinaldi, Easton, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

2-1/2 pounds cleaned fresh or frozen calamari (squid), thawed
1/2 cup olive oil
3 anchovy fillets, minced, optional
2 teaspoons minced fresh Italian parsley
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine or dry vermouth
1 can (8 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained, optional
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup pitted Italian olives, sliced
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Chop calamari tentacles; cut body into 1/2-in. rings., In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add anchovies if desired; stir in parsley and garlic. Cook 1 minute. Add wine; stir in mushrooms, if desired, and seasonings. Add calamari; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until calamari is tender, 2-3 minutes. Remove pan from heat; cool slightly., In a serving bowl, toss celery, olives, lemon juice and calamari mixture. May be served warm, or refrigerated and served cold.

Nutrition Facts :

GRAMMY'S CALAMARI SALAD



Grammy's Calamari Salad image

My Grandma has been making this calamari salad for all the years I can remember at our traditional Christmas Eve dinner.

Provided by CLAIRES

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 lemons, juiced
6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 sprig fresh parsley, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
3 pounds squid, cleaned and sliced into rounds
1 (2.25 ounce) can pitted black olives
4 stalks celery, chopped

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, mix lemon juice, garlic, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Stir in squid, and cook about 3 minutes, or until tender; drain.
  • Toss squid, olives, and celery with the lemon juice mixture. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 119.3 calories, Carbohydrate 6.8 g, Cholesterol 264.5 mg, Fat 2.2 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 18.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 108.5 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

CRISPY CALAMARI, LEMON AND MAITAKE SALAD OVER ARUGULA



Crispy Calamari, Lemon and Maitake Salad Over Arugula image

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     weekday, salads and dressings

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt, more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, more for seasoning
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 pound squid, rinsed and patted dry
1 lemon, plus additional wedges for garnish
1/4 cup fine cornmeal
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Olive oil, for frying
1/4 pound maitake mushrooms, cut into bite-size pieces
8 cups baby arugula
1 ounce Parmesan, shaved

Steps:

  • To make the dressing, in a small bowl whisk together the lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pinch of pepper until the salt dissolves. Whisk in the olive oil.
  • To prepare the squid and lemon, cut the squid tentacles in half and the bodies into 1/4-inch rings. Slice the lemon lengthwise into quarters and then thinly slice each quarter crosswise, discarding any seeds. In a wide shallow bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Dredge the squid and lemon slices in the cornmeal mixture.
  • Heat 1/2 inch oil to 350 degrees in a large, straight-sided skillet. Frying in batches to avoid crowding, cook the mushrooms until golden, about 1 minute per batch. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a paper-towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt. Repeat with the squid, followed by the lemon slices.
  • In a large bowl, toss the arugula, mushrooms, squid and lemon slices with the dressing. Add the Parmesan and toss gently once more. Serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 298, UnsaturatedFat 19 grams, Carbohydrate 12 grams, Fat 24 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 247 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram

Tips:

  • Fresh Calamari: For the best results, use fresh calamari. Fresh calamari should have a mild seafood smell and a slightly firm texture.
  • Proper Cleaning: Clean the calamari thoroughly before cooking. Remove the head, tentacles, and entrails. Score the calamari body in a crisscross pattern to help it cook evenly.
  • Tender Calamari: To ensure tender calamari, avoid overcooking it. Cook the calamari for a short time over high heat, or until it turns opaque and slightly pink in the center.
  • Crispy Calamari: For crispy calamari, coat it in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings before frying. Double-frying the calamari will result in an even crispier texture.
  • Flavorful Marinade: Marinating the calamari before cooking adds flavor and helps tenderize it. Use a marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and spices.
  • Refreshing Salad: Combine the calamari with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing to create a refreshing salad. Arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a lemon-based dressing are great options.

Conclusion:

With its crispy texture, tender interior, and refreshing flavors, this crunchy calamari salad is a delightful dish that combines the best of seafood and salad. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and impressive calamari salad that will be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy this culinary journey into the world of calamari salads and experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

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