Imagine a delightful culinary journey that takes your taste buds to coastal Italy with our enticing recipe for Octopus Salad with Lemon Dressing. This robust and delicious salad is robust with flavor; a myriad of textures and the tangy zest of lemon pair perfectly with the tender, distinctive taste of octopus. This vitamin B12-rich recipe is not only mouthwateringly good, but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Ready to dive in?
Ingredients List
Here’s what you need to bring this oceanic masterpiece to life:
- 2 pounds of octopus, cleaned and prepared
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest and juice from 1 large lemon
- A handful of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 bunches of fresh arugula
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- Black olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
Instructions
Start the sea-to-table journey by boiling the octopus. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the octopus and let it simmer for about 40 minutes until it becomes tender. Try not to overcook it as it might become too chewy.
While the octopus is taking a hot bath, combine the garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, and juice in a bowl to create the lemon dressing. Season this with some salt and pepper. The balance between the sour lemon and the sharp garlic brings symmetry to the dish.
Once the octopus is perfectly cooked, drain and let it cool down before cutting it into bite-size pieces. Remember, presentation is key!
In a large bowl, toss the octopus pieces, cherry tomatoes, fresh arugula, sliced onion, celery, and olives together with the lemon dressing. This eclectic mix of flavors creates a symphony on your palate.
Cooking Time & Servings
This recipe takes around 60 minutes to prepare and cook, and it yields about four servings, making it the perfect choice for a family dinner or a small get-together.
Nutritional Information
With every forkful of the Octopus Salad with Lemon Dressing, you get a powerhouse of nutrition. Not only is octopus a great source of low-fat protein, but it’s also rich in vitamin B12, which plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s nerve and blood cells.
Nutritional Value Per Serving
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Vitamin B12: 3mcg
Tips and Tricks
Substitute the octopus with squid or a combination of seafood if you are feeling extra adventurous. If you’re not a fan of arugula, try using a different type of greens. Baby spinach or kale would work just as well.
To wrap it up
The flavors of this salad combine to create a dish that sings of the sea and sun-kissed citrus orchards. So, give it a whirl and create your very own Octopus Salad with Lemon Dressing at home. We’d love to hear your feedback and see pictures of your culinary creations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know when the octopus is cooked?
The octopus is cooked when it becomes tender. You can check it by poking it with a fork.
2. Can I use frozen octopus?
Yes, you can use frozen octopus, but make sure to completely thaw it before cooking.
3. What can I substitute for octopus?
You can substitute octopus with squid or use a combination of seafood.
4. I can’t find fresh arugula, what can I use instead?
If you can’t find fresh arugula, baby spinach or kale would work just as well.
5. How long does the salad keep for?
The Octopus Salad with Lemon Dressing is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
