Mar 15 2010
Calamari Salad with Red Potatoes (Insalata di Calamari)
It’s been 5 months since we’ve vacationed in Europe for the first time, and we’ve been meaning to replicate some of the fabulous meals we had. It’s great that we were inspired by some of the dishes in Italy because we’re so motivated to eat it again – without paying for the hefty airfare, of course! So based on our recollection and memory of a particular antipasti (appetizer) we had at a restaurant in Rome, we have attempted our own adaptation. The restaurant, La Taverna degli Amici, prepared this wonderful Octopus Salad with Potatoes and Olives and we made a similar version that we call Calamari Salad with Red Potatoes. We aren’t fond of the salty olives, so that’s why we omitted that ingredient. Since we didn’t have octopus, we used calamari instead, which is very similar in taste. Overall, we were pleased with the outcome because it was light and refreshing, just like we remembered. It obviously didn’t “wow” us as much because we weren’t sitting at a candlelit table in the patio of a Roman restaurant near the cobblestone roads. But hey, we can’t be too greedy!
We boiled 8 oz. of squid (tubes and tentacles) in salted water for a quick 2-3 minutes, then cooled it in an ice bath.
We combined the squid with 1 large red potato which we diced and also boiled until fork tender. In addition, we minced 3 garlic cloves and cooked it separately in some olive oil until aromatics are released.
Then we added 2 tbsp olive oil, 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp parsley, 1 tsp olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. We let this marinate overnight in the refrigerator and occasionally tossed it to fully incorporate flavors.
We had some of our best meals in Rome, and it is thanks to dishes like this! Just because you hear the word 'calamari' does not mean it has to be battered and fried! This simpler and lighter version really lets you enjoy the flavors of squid. And in case you didn't know, calamari is the Italian word for squid.
To view or print-out this recipe, click here: Calamari Salad with Red Potatoes (Insalata di Calamari)
Hi Krissy and Daniel,
That calamari looks absolutely soo good..I’m salivating now and been working all night, now gotta run to Asian place and get me a plate of squid and stuff. You know the Vietnamese wine, quan dau places…hehehe…good seeing you at the Health and Wellness Expo, see you in few days for brochure thing. Are you making any dishes that night? hahaha
Dillon
Hey Dillon. Sorry to make you hungry so late at night. This week should be fine to start the design project. And yes, of course we will make you something to eat.
I read the title too fast… At first, I thought it said “calamansi” salad with red potatos! LOL.
Perhaps because I’ve never had squid with potatoes before. How interesting! It looks so healthy and tasty.
Hey Krissy n Daniel,
Did u guys boil the squid n potatoes together? Sorry, I don’t think I’ve ever prepared any sort of calamari dish, and think it’s a texture thing for me, though willing to try this insalata!
BTW, La Taverna degli Amici is such a beautiful restaurant.
This looks like a fabulous refreshing calamari potato salad. I adore the combination of textures and fresh flavors.
Beautiful combination. I love it. Never thought of calamari with potatoes. I can have that for lunch.
This is quick and healthy meal!
Very creative! Never thought of combining calamari and potatoes. I would like to add some chilli in it
What a lovely dish, and what lovely photos. If you ever have the opportunity, a wonderfully mild green olive is the Caselvetrano. They are a bright green and the most delicate green olive I’ve ever had.
This salad look refreshing! love the east-west combo.
I adore calamari and your salad looks healthy and delicious!
Your dish looks so delicious and light with only a few ingredients. Have to get some calamari this weekend
Hi Sherrill – We didn’t cook the potatoes and calamari together because the potatoes take a lot longer to cook. It’s best to separate it. Did you also go to La Taverna degli Amici?? It was one of our favorite restaurants!
Oh, I surely like the look of this salad!
Hmmmmm, pure calamari love.
Lovely. Simple is always best when preparing Italian cuisine and you have achieved that quite nicely here.
This salad looks great. I love calimari salad but I’m still a bit nervous to work with squid. Kudos to you both! yum!
what a great and interesting salad..looks very flavorful
sweetlife
There’s really nothing better than fresh calamari, great recipe I can’t wait to try it out. Thanks for posting!
I used to eat something like that growing up in Korea. We used to eat it with some spicy red pepper sauce. Mmmmm
OK, sounds good. Yes! La Teverna degli Amici was a restaurant referral from one of the taxi drivers in Italy. It was one of our fancier nights out on the town, and it’s most def a restaurant to go to in Roma.
Did you also go to La Taverna degli Amici?? It was one of our favorite restaurants!
This salad looks awesome! Probably needs a little more spice though.