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)