Calamari Salad Recipe

Submitted by lilingenue

Makes 2 servings

From Gourmet magazine, better when chilled for 8 hours then brought to room temperature for serving.

Ingredients

370	g squid
1	tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2	tbsp red wine vinegar
3	tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2	garlic cloves, minced
1/4	teaspoon salt
1	fresh ground black pepper
1/2	small red onion, thinly sliced
15	g pitted kalamata olive, halved lengthwise
1	cup cherry tomatoes
1	celery stalk, sliced (cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices)
1/4	cup fresh flat leaf parsley
1	tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Directions

Rinse all the squid under running water and pat dry.
Cut the tentacle bunches in half, and cut the bodies into 1/4 to 1/3-inch wide rings; cut the wings from the bodies.
Fill a 5 or 6 quart pot full of water, add a couple teaspoons of salt, and bring it to a boil.
Prepare a bowl of ice water.
Cook all the prepared squid pieces in the boiling water until just opaque, a brief 40 to 60 seconds, then remove from pot and immediately plunge into the ice water to halt the cooking.
When squid has cooled, transfer to a colander, let drain, and pat dry; set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, oil, garlic, salt, and pepper; add in onion, stir, and let the dressing stand for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked squid, olives, tomatoes, celery, parsley, basil, and feta (if using), then toss with the dressing.
Let salad stand, tossing occasionally, for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Note: although good eaten right after preparation, it’s even better if you chill it for 8 hours – tossing occasionally - then bring it to room temperature before serving (about 1 hour); also, some people prefer the onion to be sautéed lightly before adding it to the salad.