Welcome to our culinary delight! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our irresistible Crispy Calamari Salad recipe. If you're a seafood enthusiast or a salad lover, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Picture this: perfectly crispy calamari rings, coated in a delectable crust, paired with an array of fresh greens, vibrant veggies, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together.
It's a harmonious combination of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're planning a delightful lunch or a show-stopping appetizer, this Crispy Calamari Salad is a must-try recipe that will take your culinary skills to the next level. So, let's dive into the details and learn how to create this culinary masterpiece that will impress your friends and family. Get ready for a seafood adventure that will leave you craving for seconds!
Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures
This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of crispy calamari rings and refreshing salad components. The calamari rings are expertly cooked to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender and succulent interior. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures, with the calamari providing a satisfying crunch and the salad adding a fresh and vibrant contrast. The combination of tangy dressing, crisp greens, and the subtle seafood essence of the calamari creates a harmonious symphony on your palate. Whether you're a seafood lover, a salad enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, our Crispy Calamari Salad is sure to leave you with a lasting impression. Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure that will have you coming back for more!
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.
Prep time: 2.5 hours
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings : 4
Jump to:
- Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures
- Ingredients needed to make Crispy Calamari Salad
- How to make Crispy Calamari Salad
- Variations on the Crispy Calamari Salad recipe
- Equipment used in making Crispy Calamari Salad
- Storage for the Crispy Calamari Salad
- Top tips to know of when making the Crispy Calamari Salad
- Related
- Pairing
- How to Make a Crispy Calamari Salad
Ingredients needed to make Crispy Calamari Salad
Ingredients;
- ½ C. Sparkling water
- ½ Lg. Lemon, juiced
- ¼ t. Baking soda
- ½ t. Sugar
- ⅛ t. Salt
- 15 oz. Fresh or Frozen Calamari, thawed
Salad Dressing/Dipping Sauce:
- 1-½ C. Panko Bread Crumbs or homemade crumbs made from day old bread
- ½ C. Almonds
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- ½ Lg. Lemon, juiced
- 2-½ T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 6 T. Plain Greek Yogurt
- 3 T. Mayonnaise
- Salt, to taste
- Fry Coating:
- 1 C. All-purpose Flour
- 2 T. Yellow Cornmeal
- ½ t. Salt
- 2-½ C. Vegetable Oil
Salad:
- 4-5 c. Mixed Salad Greens of choice
- 1 Med. Shallot, sliced
- 1 C. Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 English Cucumber, sliced
How to make Crispy Calamari Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sparkling water, lemon juice, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Add calamari. Place in refrigerator to chill for 2 hours.
- To a food processor bowl add day-old bread crumbs and pulse if making your own crumbs. Add in almonds and pulse them to crumble.
- Next add panko if using, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, and mayonnaise. Mix until incorporated. Season with salt, to taste. Place in a covered bowl or jar in the refrigerator.
- After 2 hours, take the calamari out of the refrigerator and drain well in a colander but do not rinse nor dry, just give the colander a good shake to remove excess moisture.
- Divide salad greens between 4 plates or bowls. Top with shallots, tomatoes and cucumbers and set aside.
- Combine flour, cornmeal, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 340˚.
- Place a double layer of paper towel on a plate to drain excess oil as Calamari is finished cooking.
- Add calamari rings, a few at a time to the flour mixture. Toss gently to coat. Shake off excess coating and test oil temperature by placing a corner of one ring into the oil. If it sizzles, it is hot enough and you can add a few rings at a time to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the oil or it will cool down too much and make your calamari greasy instead of crispy. Cook for 1 – 3 minutes or until just lightly golden. Do not overcook.
- Remove the cooked piece to paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all calamari has been cooked.
- Add dressing to salads and top with cooked calamari.
- Season with salt and fresh cracked paper to taste. Enjoy
Variations on the Crispy Calamari Salad recipe
Experiment with these variations to create your own unique twist on the classic Crispy Calamari Salad. Let your taste buds guide you and enjoy the endless possibilities of flavors and ingredients!
- Spicy Calamari Salad: Give your Crispy Calamari Salad a kick by adding some heat. Toss the calamari rings in a spicy seasoning blend before frying, and serve them on a bed of mixed greens with sliced jalapeños and a spicy dressing.
- Mediterranean-Inspired Calamari Salad: Take your taste buds on a Mediterranean journey by adding Mediterranean flavors to your Crispy Calamari Salad. Incorporate ingredients like cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-herb dressing for a refreshing and tangy twist.
- Asian-Inspired Calamari Salad: Infuse your Crispy Calamari Salad with Asian flavors. Marinate the calamari rings in a soy-ginger sauce, fry until crispy, and serve on a bed of crunchy cabbage, carrots, and sliced scallions. Drizzle with a sesame-ginger dressing for an Asian-inspired delight.
- Citrus Calamari Salad: Add a burst of citrusy goodness to your Crispy Calamari Salad. Toss the calamari rings in a citrus marinade before frying and serve them over a bed of mixed greens, segmented oranges, and grapefruit. Finish with a citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing and tangy flavor profile.
- Greek-Inspired Calamari Salad: Give your Crispy Calamari Salad a Mediterranean twist with Greek-inspired ingredients. Serve the calamari rings over a bed of romaine lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a lemon-oregano dressing for a taste of Greece.
- Avocado and Mango Calamari Salad: Add a tropical twist to your Crispy Calamari Salad. Combine the calamari rings with diced avocado and mango, mixed greens, and a lime-cilantro dressing. The combination of sweet and creamy fruits with the crispy calamari creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
- Tex-Mex Calamari Salad: Give your Crispy Calamari Salad a Tex-Mex flair. Serve the calamari rings on a bed of lettuce with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a zesty chipotle-lime dressing. Top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
Equipment used in making Crispy Calamari Salad
Mixing Bowl
Food Processor
Paper Towel
Storage for the Crispy Calamari Salad
Crispy Calamari Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when properly stored in an airtight container. However, it's important to note that the longer the salad sits, the texture of the calamari may become less crispy. To maintain the best quality, it is recommended to consume the salad as soon as possible after preparation. If you anticipate having leftovers, it's advisable to separate the components of the salad, such as the crispy calamari and the salad greens, and store them separately. When ready to enjoy again, simply reassemble the salad components and add fresh dressing for a satisfying meal.
Top tips to know of when making the Crispy Calamari Salad
By following these top tips, you'll be able to create a delicious and satisfying Crispy Calamari Salad that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the crispy goodness of the calamari paired with a refreshing salad for a delightful dining experience.
- Choose Fresh Calamari: Opt for fresh calamari when making Crispy Calamari Salad for the best texture and flavor. Look for firm, translucent calamari with a mild scent of the sea. If fresh calamari is not available, frozen calamari rings can be a suitable alternative.
- Properly Clean and Prepare the Calamari: Thoroughly clean the calamari by rinsing it under cold water and removing any innards and beaks. Cut the calamari into rings or strips and pat them dry with a paper towel. Properly cleaning and preparing the calamari ensures a clean and delicious salad.
- Achieve Crispy Texture: To achieve a crispy exterior, make sure to properly coat the calamari in a light breading or flour mixture before frying. Avoid overcrowding the frying pan to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Fry the calamari in small batches for the best results.
- Serve Immediately: Crispy Calamari Salad is at its best when served immediately after frying. The longer it sits, the crispiness may diminish. Prepare the salad components ahead of time but assemble the dish just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the calamari.
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: Enhance the flavor of the Crispy Calamari Salad by serving it with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic options include marinara sauce, tartar sauce, or aioli. You can also get creative and try spicy mayo, citrus-infused sauces, or even a tangy yogurt-based dressing.
- Balancing Flavors: When creating the salad dressing, make sure to balance the flavors. The dressing should complement the crispiness of the calamari while providing a contrast in taste. Consider using ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, herbs, and spices to add brightness and depth to the dressing.
- Customize the Salad: Make the Crispy Calamari Salad your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Consider incorporating fresh herbs, sliced vegetables, or even fruit to add texture, color, and flavor to the dish. Personalize the salad to suit your preferences and create a unique culinary experience.
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Pairing
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How to Make a Crispy Calamari Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Welcome to our culinary delight! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our irresistible Crispy Calamari Salad recipe. If you're a seafood enthusiast or a salad lover, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Picture this: perfectly crispy calamari rings, coated in a delectable crust, paired with an array of fresh greens, vibrant veggies, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together.
Ingredients
Ingredients;
½ C. Sparkling water
½ Lg. Lemon, juiced
¼ t. Baking soda
½ t. Sugar
⅛ t. Salt
15 oz. Fresh or Frozen Calamari, thawed
Salad Dressing/Dipping Sauce:
1-½ C. Panko Bread Crumbs or homemade crumbs made from day old bread
½ C. Almonds
1 Clove Garlic, minced
½ Lg. Lemon, juiced
2-½ T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
6 T. Plain Greek Yogurt
3 T. Mayonnaise
Salt, to taste
Fry Coating:
1 C. All-purpose Flour
2 T. Yellow Cornmeal
½ t. Salt
2-½ C. Vegetable Oil
Salad:
4-5 c. Mixed Salad Greens of choice
1 Med. Shallot, sliced
1 C. Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half
1 English Cucumber, sliced
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine sparkling water, lemon juice, baking soda, sugar and salt. Add calamari. Place in refrigerator to chill for 2 hours.
-
To a food processor bowl add day old bread crumbs and pulse if making your own crumbs. Add in almonds and pulse them to crumble.
-
Next add panko if using, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, and mayonnaise. Mix ntil incorporated. Season with salt, to taste. Place in a covered bowl or jar in refrigerator.
-
After 2 hours, take the calamari out of refrigerator and drain well in a colander but do not rinse nor dry, just give the colander a good shake to remove excess moisture.
-
Divide salad greens between 4 plates or bowls. Top with shallots, tomatoes and cucumbers and set aside.
-
Combine flour, cornmeal, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 340˚.
-
Place a double layer of paper towel on a plate to drain excess oil as Calamari is finished cooking.
-
Add calamari rings, a few at a time to the flour mixture. Toss gently to coat. Shake off excess coating and test oil temperature by placing a corner of one ring into oil. If it sizzles, it is hot enough and you can add a few rings at a time to the hot oil. Do not over crowd oil or it will cool down too much and make your calamari greasy instead of crispy. Cook 1 – 3 minutes or until just lightly golden. Do not over cook.
-
Remove cooked piece to paper towel lined plate. Repeat until all calamari has been cooked.
-
Add dressing to salads and top with cooked calamari.
-
Season with salt and fresh cracked paper to taste. Enjoy
- Prep Time: 2.5 Hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
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