Mediterranean Squid and Baby Octopus Salad
Inspired by the vibrant seafood markets of Boston's waterfront, this Mediterranean Squid and Baby Octopus Salad captures the essence of fresh, coastal flavors. Accessible directly from the fishing docks, the ingredients shine through their simplicity and quality. With squid often underestimated as mere bait, we recognized its true culinary potential. Baby octopus, a rare find in traditional grocery stores, adds a delightful twist. This dish marries tender seafood with a zesty, herbaceous dressing, making it perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing main course served with crusty artisan bread. Allow the salad to sit overnight—this step enhances the melding of flavors, resulting in an even more exquisite taste experience. The garlic's pungency softens, giving way to a harmonious blend of lemon, olive oil, and vibrant parsley. Serve it chilled with a generous puddle of the dressing for maximum enjoyment.
N/A
Servings
92
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cleaned squid
1 lb (preferably tubes and tentacles)
cleaned baby octopus
1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
olive oil
1/2 cup (extra virgin)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
parsley
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (larger, finely chopped)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the cleaned squid thoroughly in cold water. Cut the tubes into 3/8-inch rings and cut the tentacles into halves or thirds, depending on their size.
2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the squid in the boiling water until the rings begin to firm up—about 1 minute for smaller squid and 1.5 minutes for larger ones. Immediately drain the squid in a strainer and cool it under cold running water to halt the cooking process.
3
Once the squid is cool, pat it dry gently with paper towels and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
4
For the baby octopus, similarly rinse it under cold water and cut it into uniform bite-sized pieces. Place the octopus in a strainer and submerge it in boiling water for approximately 45 seconds. Check for doneness—it's ready when just firm. If not firm enough, dip the octopus back into the boiling water very briefly, being cautious not to overcook.
5
Cool the octopus in cold running water, then pat dry and add it to the bowl with the squid.
6
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, coarsely chopped parsley, finely chopped garlic, and salt to create the dressing.
7
Pour the dressing over the squid and octopus and toss everything gently to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight to enhance the flavors.
8
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the salad in individual bowls with a spoon, accompanied by crusty artisan bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
2g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Squid and Baby Octopus Salad?
It is a fresh, coastal-inspired seafood dish featuring tender squid and baby octopus tossed in a zesty, herbaceous dressing of lemon, olive oil, and parsley.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by the vibrant seafood markets of Boston's waterfront and the availability of fresh ingredients directly from fishing docks.
How should I prepare the squid for the salad?
Rinse the cleaned squid in cold water, cut the tubes into 3/8-inch rings, and cut the tentacles into halves or thirds.
How long should I boil the squid?
Boil the squid for about 1 minute for smaller squid and 1.5 minutes for larger ones until the rings begin to firm up.
How do I stop the squid from overcooking?
Immediately drain the squid in a strainer and cool it under cold running water to halt the cooking process.
How should the baby octopus be prepared?
Rinse it under cold water and cut it into uniform, bite-sized pieces before cooking.
How long does baby octopus take to cook?
Submerge the octopus in boiling water for approximately 45 seconds until it is just firm.
What are the main ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, coarsely chopped parsley, finely chopped garlic, and salt.
Why is it recommended to refrigerate the salad overnight?
Allowing the salad to sit overnight enhances the melding of flavors and softens the pungency of the garlic for a more harmonious taste.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
Serve it chilled in individual bowls with a spoon, accompanied by a generous puddle of the dressing and crusty artisan bread.
How many calories are in a serving?
The salad contains approximately 92 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides 12g of protein.
Is this salad low in fat?
The salad contains 6g of fat per serving, primarily from the olive oil used in the dressing.
How many carbohydrates are in the salad?
This dish is very low in carbs, containing only 2g per serving.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe recommends 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
What type of parsley is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped fresh parsley.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 2 larger garlic cloves, finely chopped.
Where can I find baby octopus?
While rare in traditional grocery stores, baby octopus can often be found at seafood markets or specialty docks.
How much seafood do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 lb of cleaned squid and 1 lb of cleaned baby octopus.
Do I use the squid tentacles?
Yes, the recipe utilizes both the squid tubes and the tentacles.
Is salt included in the dressing?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is used, or you can adjust to your personal taste.
What is the texture of the seafood after cooking?
When cooked correctly, the seafood should be just firm and tender, avoiding the rubbery texture caused by overcooking.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
This salad should be served chilled.
Is this dish considered a main course or a side?
It is versatile enough to be served as a light lunch or a refreshing main course.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 7 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this a traditional Italian recipe?
While it has Mediterranean and Italian influences, it is a custom creation inspired by fresh American coastal seafood.
How do I know if the octopus is done?
It is ready when it is just firm. If it's not firm enough after 45 seconds, dip it back into the boiling water very briefly.
Can I prepare the seafood ahead of time?
Yes, the seafood is cooked, cooled, and then marinated overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.
Why is the seafood patted dry?
Patting the seafood dry with paper towels ensures the dressing isn't watered down and can coat the squid and octopus properly.