Description
Tender grilled squid combined with crisp mixed greens, fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a bright lemon dressing create a light and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad. Perfect for warm-weather meals, this dish balances smoky grilled flavors with vibrant, fresh vegetables for an easy yet elegant seafood salad.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 pound cleaned squid
Salad Vegetables
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill by heating it to medium-high. This temperature is ideal for quickly cooking the squid to tender perfection without drying it out.
- Marinate the Squid: In a bowl, toss the cleaned squid with half of the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This marinade adds flavor and helps to keep the squid moist while grilling.
- Grill the Squid: Place the squid on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking, as squid becomes tough when cooked too long. Once done, remove from the grill.
- Prepare the Salad Base: On a serving platter, arrange the mixed salad greens, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. These fresh vegetables provide a crisp and colorful base for the squid.
- Slice and Add Squid: Slice the grilled squid into bite-sized pieces and layer them evenly over the salad vegetables.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the remaining olive oil and lemon juice over the entire salad to add bright, zesty flavor and a silky finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for an herbaceous note and serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh and smoky flavors at their peak.
Notes
- Do not overcook the squid, as it can become tough and chewy.
- Serve the salad with crusty bread to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
- Add Kalamata olives or green olives to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
