Smoked squid salad

Delicious Smoked Squid Salad: A Surprising and Tasty Choice

Who doesn’t love a fresh salad, full of flavors and textures? Today, I invite you to discover a recipe that perfectly combines the tastes of the sea with the freshness of seasonal vegetables – a smoked squid salad. This recipe is simple yet adds a touch of sophistication to any meal. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this salad is sure to impress!

Total preparation time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients
- 1 can of smoked squid in oil (approx. 200g)
- 1 red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 hot pepper (optional, for a touch of spice)
- 2 cucumbers
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt (optional, to taste)

A Brief History
Smoked squid salad is a dish that reflects the desire to experiment with less common ingredients, bringing together culinary traditions from various corners of the world. Smoked squid has gained popularity due to its unique texture and intense flavors, making it a perfect choice for salads, pasta, or even appetizers. This recipe is easy to adapt and can quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Preparing the Salad

1. Preparing the Vegetables
Start by peeling and washing the vegetables. The vegetable slices can be cut into shapes you like – you can opt for rounds, cubes, or thin strips. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Red onion: slice it into thin rounds or dice it, depending on your preference.
- Bell peppers: remove the seeds and cut them into strips or cubes.
- Cucumbers: slice them thinly or dice them.
- Hot pepper: if you like a bit of heat, chop it finely.

2. Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add all the chopped vegetables. Now it’s time to add the wet ingredients:
- Grate the lemon zest (make sure to use only the yellow part, not the white part, as it can be bitter).
- Squeeze the lemon juice and add it to the bowl.
- Add the soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. Gently mix with a spatula to combine the flavors.

3. Adding the Smoked Squid
Open the can of smoked squid. There’s no need to add extra oil, as the squid is already preserved in oil. Add the squid to the bowl and gently mix to avoid breaking the squid slices. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt if necessary – usually, smoked squid is already salty, so be careful not to overdo it.

4. Finalizing the Salad
Chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the salad for an extra touch of freshness and an attractive look. You can serve immediately or let the salad sit in the fridge for about 15 minutes for the flavors to meld even better.

Serving Suggestions
This smoked squid salad is perfect as an appetizer or as a main dish, served alongside a slice of toasted bread or a crunchy baguette. You can pair it with a glass of dry white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the sea.

Possible Variations
If you want to add a personal touch to the recipe, here are a few suggestions:
- Replace the squid with smoked shrimp or canned tuna.
- Add avocado for a creamy texture.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or mint instead of parsley for a different flavor.
- Try adding some olives for a Mediterranean taste.

Nutritional Benefits
Squid is an excellent source of protein, being low in saturated fats. It is also rich in vitamins B12 and B6, which help maintain a healthy nervous system. The added vegetables contribute fiber and antioxidants, supporting a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh squid instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh squid, but make sure it is properly cooked before adding it to the salad.

2. What else can I add to this salad?
You can experiment with different types of vegetables, such as grated carrots or fresh spinach.

3. How can I make the salad spicier?
Besides the hot pepper, you can add chili sauce or chili flakes for an extra kick.

Conclusion
Smoked squid salad is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will delight your taste buds. With a mix of fresh vegetables and smoked squid, each bite is an explosion of flavors. Experiment with the ingredients and adapt the recipe to your preferences. I assure you that you will add this salad to your list of favorite recipes! Enjoy!