Grilled Squid Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing

Grilled Squid Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing

Grilled Squid Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish that showcases the tender, smoky taste of grilled squid paired with the zesty heat of chili-lime dressing.

This salad is a perfect balance of textures and tastes: the slightly chewy squid, fresh crisp vegetables, and the tangy, spicy dressing come together to create an irresistible combination. It’s light yet satisfying and ideal for summer gatherings, a light lunch, or as an appetizer.

The dressing, with its punch of chili and citrus, brings a refreshing heat that elevates the grilled squid to another level of deliciousness.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

1 lb fresh squid, cleaned and cut into rings (or left whole for grilling)

2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce)

1 cucumber, julienned

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

1 small carrot, julienned

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Chili-Lime Dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon lime juice (about 1 lime)

1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)

1 small red chili, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes)

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make:

Prepare the Squid:

Clean the squid, removing the tentacles, innards, and the tough cartilage. Slice the squid into rings if you are using whole squid. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season the squid rings with salt and pepper.

Grill the Squid:

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the squid with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the squid on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and have grill marks. Be careful not to overcook, as squid can become rubbery if grilled for too long. Once cooked, remove from the grill and set aside.

Prepare the Salad Vegetables:

While the squid is grilling, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cucumber into thin julienne strips, thinly slice the red onion and bell pepper, and julienne the carrot. Place all the vegetables in a large salad bowl.

Make the Chili-Lime Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fish sauce, lime juice, honey (if using), chopped chili, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more lime juice or chili for extra acidity and heat.

Assemble the Salad:

Add the grilled squid to the salad bowl with the vegetables. Pour the chili-lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, making sure the squid and vegetables are well-coated with the dressing.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish the salad with fresh chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor. Serve the Grilled Squid Salad immediately, either as a main dish or as a side to complement a larger meal.

Chef’s Note:

Grilled squid can be tricky to cook perfectly, so be sure to watch the timing closely. The squid should be tender yet slightly crispy on the outside. If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can add a touch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the dressing. For a vegetarian alternative, try grilling vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms and replacing the squid with them.

This salad can be customized with additional toppings such as toasted sesame seeds, avocado slices, or a handful of crunchy nuts like cashews or peanuts. For added crunch, you can also incorporate some crispy fried onions or shallots.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Calories: 220

Protein: 20g

Carbohydrates: 10g

Fat: 14g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 500mg

Grilled Squid Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing is a refreshing, flavorful dish that brings the best of the sea and vibrant vegetables together in a perfectly balanced meal. The spicy, tangy dressing enhances the smoky grilled squid, creating an unforgettable dish that is both light and satisfying. This salad is an excellent option for those seeking a healthy, protein-packed meal with bold flavors and plenty of crunch.