Mediterranean salad with squid

Mediterranean Salad with Calamari – An Explosion of Flavors and Textures

If you're looking for a quick and healthy recipe, perfect for warm days or as a delicious appetizer, you've come to the right place! Today, I will share with you the recipe for a Mediterranean salad with calamari, which is not only full of flavors but also an excellent way to bring seafood to your table. This salad is not just a delight for the taste buds but also a nutritious option, rich in protein and nutrients.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Your basic ingredients:
- 1 suitable green salad (a romaine lettuce is ideal)
- 150 g cherry tomatoes of 3 types (yellow, elongated, and round)
- 100 g pitted black olives
- 50 g tuna (in oil, drained)
- 70 g calamari (canned, drained)
- 1 roasted bell pepper
- 150 g cow's cheese (or feta, if you prefer)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon

Preparing the Salad:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing the green salad thoroughly, leaf by leaf. Then, use a kitchen towel or a salad spinner to dry it well. Wet salad can dilute the dressing flavors and make the salad less appetizing.

2. Cutting the vegetables:
Tear the salad into suitable pieces and add it to a large bowl. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half, then add them to the bowl. The calamari, drained of the oil from the can, may need to be cut into smaller pieces, depending on your preferences. The drained tuna is broken into pieces with a fork.

3. The bell pepper and cheese:
Cut the roasted bell pepper into long, thin strips, adding it to the other ingredients. The cow's cheese is cut into suitable cubes, bringing a creamy note to the salad.

4. Adding the olives:
Pitted black olives are an excellent choice to add a salty flavor and a pleasant contrast of textures. Add them to the bowl and gently mix all the ingredients.

5. Preparing the dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well until all ingredients are homogenized. The dressing will add freshness and a vibrant taste to the salad.

6. Finalizing the salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad. Use a spatula or a large spoon to gently mix, being careful not to crush the delicate ingredients.

Serving:
Serve the salad immediately, either as a main dish for lunch or as a savory appetizer. You can accompany it with a slice of toasted bread with olive oil and garlic for a complete culinary experience.

Nutritional Benefits:
This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. Seafood, such as calamari and tuna, are excellent sources of protein, rich in omega-3, essential for heart health. Olives provide healthy fats, while fresh vegetables offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Tips and Variations:
- If you want to customize your salad, you can add other ingredients like avocado, cucumber, or even arugula for a more pronounced taste.
- Substitute calamari with shrimp or white fish, depending on your preferences.
- You can use various types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, to vary the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use fresh calamari instead of canned?
Yes, fresh calamari is an excellent choice, but make sure to cook it well to achieve a pleasant texture.

2. What is the best way to store the salad?
The salad is best consumed immediately, but if you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container without dressing in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

3. What other recipes can this salad be combined with?
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled dishes, such as fish or chicken, but also with homemade bread or bruschetta with tomatoes.

This Mediterranean salad with calamari is not only a delicious meal but also an opportunity to explore new flavors and create pleasant moments with family. So, don’t hesitate to experiment and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!