This delightful Chilled Calamari Salad comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup so you can whip it up anytime for a quick and easy dinner that your family will love! Switch up the vegetables and condiments based on what you have in the fridge, making this a perfect way to use up those odds and ends. Seriously, you’re going to want to make this as a staple for busy weeknights or even for entertaining!
Ingredient Breakdown
Calamari
Calamari is the star of the show here, adding a tender, slightly sweet flavor that’s so satisfying. I normally use fresh calamari, but if you can’t find it, frozen fish works well too, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use shrimp instead if calamari isn’t your thing!
Olive Oil
Olive oil is going to give you the best flavor and texture for this recipe. I prefer extra virgin olive oil because of its rich taste, which really enhances the salad’s overall depth. You can also substitute it with avocado oil if you want a more neutral flavor or even a light sesame oil for a twist.
Garlic
I mean, who doesn’t love garlic? It adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish. I typically use fresh garlic; however, if you don’t have any on hand, garlic powder will work too! Just remember, a little goes a long way.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is pivotal for brightening up the salad. I usually squeeze the juice from about one medium lemon, but you can adjust this based on your taste. Bottled lemon juice is a decent substitute, but fresh adds that zing you just can’t replicate!
Scallions
Green onions really add a nice crunch! I like to use them for their mild onion flavor. If you’ve got red onions instead, they work too but keep in mind they can be a bit stronger, so use a little less.
Olives
Olives provide a briny kick that balances the flavors beautifully. I love Kalamata olives, but green olives are just as tasty! You could even leave them out if olives aren’t your jam.
Capers
Capers add a punch of flavor that complements the calamari perfectly. If you don’t have capers, a splash of pickle juice might give a similar salty pop! But don’t skip this ingredient if you can help it; it’s key to the overall flavor!
Salt and Pepper
A couple of pinches of salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making each bite sensational. I always recommend starting with a little, tasting as you go is key!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Steps to Make the Chilled Calamari Salad
Prepare the Calamari (5 minutes)
- Start by cleaning the calamari. Remove any skin, membranes, and be sure to clean the insides well. Once that’s done, slice it into rings, this is where the magic happens!
Cook the Calamari (3-5 minutes)
- In a pot, bring a good amount of salted water to a boil. Add the calamari and cook just until it turns opaque and tender, usually about 2-3 minutes. You don’t want to overcook it, as it can become tough.
Make the Dressing (5 minutes)
- While the calamari is cooking, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the garlic-infused olive oil and fresh lemon juice until well combined. That smell? Divine!
Mix in the Extras (5 minutes)
- Add the chopped scallions, olives, and capers to the bowl with the dressing, mixing until everything is well coated and incorporated. Give it a little taste, add more lemon or a pinch of salt if needed!
Cool the Calamari (5 minutes)
- Drain the calamari and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, let it cool completely. This will ensure your salad is refreshingly chilled.
Combine Everything (2 minutes)
- Toss the cooled calamari into the bowl with the dressing and vegetables. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Serve & Enjoy (5 minutes)
- Now for the best part! Chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to allow those flavors to meld together. If you’re in a hurry, you can eat it right away, just know it gets better as it sits!
This Chilled Calamari Salad is so refreshing and delicious, loaded with tons of flavors! Your taste buds will thank you.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick yet satisfying. I’m a real sucker for seafood, and this calamari salad is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The best part is how versatile it is! You can throw in whatever vegetables or dressing ingredients you have on hand, making it a wonderful masterpiece each time. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping or serving at a fun dinner gathering with friends!
If you loved this chilled calamari salad, be sure to check out my Mango Shrimp Salsa, my Easy Tuna Melt Wrap, or my Southern Potato Salad!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
Comes together in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and satisfying.
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients found in most kitchens means you don’t need to break the bank. Plus, you can switch ingredients based on what you have.
Customizable
You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand! Got an extra bell pepper lying around? Slice it up and add it in! Feel free to get creative with substitutions.
Comfort Food
This salad is both light and satisfying, loaded with tons of flavor. It’s perfect for summer picnics or even on a cozy night in.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Make a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for lunch throughout the week! The flavors actually get better as they marinate in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this Chilled Calamari Salad on its own or jazz it up with some grilled bread! It’s also fantastic alongside a light white wine or a refreshing sparkling water. If you want to get all fancy, a light sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate the dish even further!
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: This salad keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Trust me, this salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just grab it from the fridge and dig in!
- Freezer-Friendly: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the calamari’s texture may change once thawed.
And there you have it, folks! A Chilled Calamari Salad that’s not only quick and easy to prepare, but also loaded with flavors that will impress your entire family! Give it a whirl and let me know what you think!
Perfect for the Weekend Get-Together or Meal Prep for a Busy Week Ahead!
This recipe really hits home for many occasions. Whether it’s a Saturday family gathering or a hectic Monday evening when time is limited, you can whip this salad up in no time. Plus, the fresh flavors redefine comfort food, you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!
So there you are, dive into the flavorful world of Chilled Calamari Salad, and remember, food is all about bringing joy and connection. Enjoy every bite! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration
Chilled Calamari Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Start by cleaning the calamari. Remove any skin and membranes, and clean the insides well. Slice it into rings.
- In a pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add calamari and cook until it turns opaque and tender, about 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together garlic-infused olive oil and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
- Add chopped scallions, olives, and capers to the dressing and mix until everything is well coated.
- Drain the calamari and rinse under cold water. Let it cool completely.
- Toss cooled calamari into the bowl with the dressing and vegetables. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. It can also be served immediately, but flavor improves with time.