Calamari & Summer Salad

Ingredients

• Fried Calamari:

  • Calamari rings – 1 cup (cleaned and sliced)
  • Flour – 1/2 cup
  • Cornstarch – 1/4 cup
  • Salt and Black Pepper – to taste
  • Paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Oil for frying – about 1-2 cups, depending on the pan size

• Salad:

  • Mixed Greens – 1 cup of arugula or lettuce
  • Cucumber – 1 small cucumber, sliced into rounds
  • Tomato – 1 large, sliced
  • Avocado – 1/2, sliced
  • Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon, for dressing
  • Salt and Black Pepper – to taste
  • Dried Herbs (optional) – parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare and Fry the Calamari 

(Disclaimer ** I actually purchased the calamari from a restaurant and added it into my salad ** but here's a recipe anyway)  

• In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
• Pat the calamari rings dry with a paper towel, then toss them in the flour mixture until well-coated.
• Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the calamari rings in the oil, frying in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
• Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

2. Prepare the Salad Base

• Arrange the mixed greens on a large plate or bowl as the base.
• Add cucumber slices, tomato slices, and avocado on top of the greens.
• Season the vegetables with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and optional dried herbs.

3. Assemble the Salad

• Place the fried calamari on the salad for a crunchy topping.
• Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the salad for a simple dressing. For added flavor, you can squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the calamari and vegetables.

Serving Suggestion

Serve this salad immediately to enjoy the contrast between the hot, crispy calamari and the cool, fresh vegetables. This salad is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be paired with a light vinaigrette or served with crusty bread.

Enjoy your fresh and flavorful fried calamari salad!