Crispy Calamari Salad: Impress Guests With This Simple Recipe!

Dive into a dish that combines the sea's treasures with the earth's bounty: this crispy calamari salad. 

Perfectly golden and crunchy, the calamari is a delightful contrast to the fresh, crisp greens in this dish. Paired with a tantalizingly flavorful sauce, this salad is a refreshing twist on a classic Greek favorite. 

Whether you're looking to impress at a dinner party or simply indulge in a luxurious meal at home, this recipe promises a culinary journey that's both simple and sublime.

What Makes This Calamari Salad Recipe So Great

• Perfectly crispy: The secret to the irresistible crunch of our calamari lies in using bread flour for the coating and frying at the optimal temperature of 340˚F, ensuring each bite is satisfyingly crispy.
  
• Flavorful balance: The fresh salad greens and warm, savory calamari create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The homemade dressing, with a hint of lemon and yogurt, adds a creamy, tangy finish that complements the dish beautifully.
  
• Easy yet impressive: Despite its gourmet appeal, this salad is surprisingly easy to prepare. It takes just 2.5 hours to prepare, including marinating and a quick 10-minute cooking time, so you can serve an impressive meal without spending all day.

Calamari Salad Ingredients

Both nutritious and delicious, this dish is a flavorful combination of seafood and earthy greens. Here’s everything you need to create this dish at home:

For the calamari:

• ½ cup sparkling water
• ½ large lemon, juiced
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 15 ounces fresh or frozen calamari, thawed

For the salad dressing and dipping sauce:

• 1½ cup panko bread crumbs or homemade crumbs made from day-old bread
• ½ cup almonds 
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ large lemon, juiced
• 2½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• Salt, to taste    

For the fry coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2½ cup vegetable oil

For the salad:

• 4 to 5 cups mixed salad greens of your choice
• 1 medium shallot, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1 English cucumber, sliced                                                    

Step-by-Step Process for Crispy Calamari Salad

Creating this visually stunning dish is simpler than you think! Just follow the steps below to get started.

Step 1: Marinating the Calamari 

Begin by marinating the calamari in a mixture of sparkling water, lemon juice, baking soda, sugar, and salt, then chill it in the refrigerator for 2.5 hours.   

Step 2: Preparing the Dressing

While the calamari marinates, prepare the dressing by combining breadcrumbs, almonds, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, and mayonnaise in a food processor. 

Mix until incorporated. Place in a covered bowl and refrigerate.

Step 3: Draining the Calamari

After 2 hours, remove the calamari from the refrigerator and drain well in a colander. Do not rinse or dry. 

Step 4: Preparing the Coating

Combine flour, cornmeal, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 5: Coating the Calamari 

Add calamari rings one at a time to the flour mixture. Toss gently to coat and shake off excess. 

Step 6: Frying the Calamari 

Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 340˚. Test oil by dipping a corner of one ring into it. If it sizzles, it’s hot enough. Add a few rings at a time. 

Cook until lightly golden and place rings onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the grease.

Tip: Do not put too many at a time as the oil may cool down too much, making your calamari greasy instead of crispy. 

Step 7: Plating the Salad

Divide salad greens between 4 plates or bowls. Top with shallots, tomatoes, and cucumbers. 

Step 8: Serving

Add dressing to salads and top with cooked calamari. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve!

Expert Tips for Perfecting This Calamari Salad

• Always make sure your oil is hot enough.
  For that ideal crispy texture without the sogginess, make sure your oil is at a steady 340˚F before adding the calamari. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to keep the temperature consistent. 
  
  Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil's temperature and result in less crispy calamari.

• The key is the marinade.
  The sparkling water and lemon juice marinade are key to tenderizing the calamari. Allow it to chill and marinate for the full 2.5 hours for optimal flavor infusion and tenderness.
  
  The carbonation in the sparkling water helps to create a lighter, more delicate texture.
  
• Prepare the dressing ahead of time.
  This lets the flavors meld together, enhancing the taste of your salad. If you prefer a smoother dressing, thoroughly blend the almonds until they're finely ground before mixing with the other ingredients.
  
  For a chunkier texture, pulse the almonds briefly to retain some larger pieces.

• Balance is crucial in a salad.
  Use a mix of different greens for varied textures and flavors. Think crunchy romaine with soft butter lettuce or peppery arugula.
  
  When plating, layer the greens first, then add the sliced shallots, tomatoes, and cucumbers for even distribution. Top with the warm calamari to slightly wilt the greens for a pleasant contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Prepare the Calamari in Advance?

It's best to fry the calamari just before serving to maintain its crispy texture. However, you can marinate the calamari and prepare the salad dressing in advance to save time.

What's the Best Way To Slice the Calamari for This Salad?

For even cooking and perfect crispness, slice the calamari into uniform rings. If your calamari comes with tentacles, you can fry them whole or cut them into smaller pieces.

Is There a Gluten-Free Option for This Calamari Salad?

Yes, you can make this salad gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the coating and dressing.

How Can I tell if the Calamari is Cooked Properly?

Calamari cooks quickly; it's done when it turns opaque and has a slight golden color. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture, so keep an eye on it and cook for 1 to 3 minutes at most.

Related Recipes

• Mediterranean Pasta Salad
• Spinach Arugula Salad
• Southwest Salad Recipe With Balsamic Vinaigrette

Bite Into the Goodness of This Crispy Calamari Salad, a Mediterranean Delight

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Happy cooking!