Tender strips of marinated calamari and crisp, seasoned seaweed come together in this refreshing salad, balancing ocean-inspired saltiness with the bright snap of fresh garden vegetables. Sliced cucumbers and halved cherry tomatoes add a necessary crunch, while a sharp dressing of lemon juice and olive oil pulls the components together for a light, clean finish.
The sharpness of thinly sliced purple onions cuts through the richness of the seafood, making this a balanced side dish that pairs well with grilled proteins or heavier backyard barbecue fare. Adding a few torn mint leaves at the end introduces a subtle, cool herbal note that rounds out the acidity of the lemon.
Because it requires nothing more than mixing chilled ingredients in a single bowl, this is a straightforward assembly for warm-weather gatherings. It holds its texture well and provides a cooling contrast to smoky, charred main courses, functioning as an effortless way to brighten up a lunch or dinner spread.
Read Full StoryIf you enjoy the bright, refreshing profiles of ocean-inspired appetizers, you will likely appreciate expanding your repertoire with more vibrant vegetable-forward dishes. While the brininess of seaweed pairs perfectly with tender calamari, sometimes you want a different kind of zest, like the one found in a tangy Mexican-inspired caprese, which offers a surprising interplay of textures. For those who prefer a more peppery bite to contrast with delicate seafood, incorporating a simple bowl of fresh watercress brings a crisp, peppery finish that cleanses the palate after every savory bite.
Key Ingredients
- Seaweed salad: Provides the primary savory, oceanic base for the salad.
- Calamari salad: Adds a tender, chewy texture that complements the seaweed.
- Cucumbers: Offers a crisp, refreshing crunch to balance the softer seafood components.
- Cherry tomatoes: Adds bursts of acidity and sweetness to the salad mixture.
- Lemon juice: Provides a bright, citrusy acidity that ties the salad ingredients together.
- Purple onions: Contributes a sharp, pungent bite to contrast the fresh vegetables.
- Olive oil: Acts as the base for the light dressing that coats the salad.
Elevate Your Salad Game
- Ottolenghi’s spring green salad uses bold herbs and crunch to match the complexity of this calamari dish.
- Adding a protein-packed tofu salad is a great way to build a heartier spread when hosting a seafood-themed lunch.
- A robust quinoa and kale salad provides the earthy base needed to balance out the delicate flavors of fresh seaweed.
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