Tender and Refreshing Octopus Salad
Easy and Delicious Octopus Salad Recipe: Mediterranean Seafood Salad with Olive Oil Dressing & Elegant Wine Pairing
Today, I’m sharing a recipe for a delightful octopus seafood salad that’s perfect as a Christmas appetizer or a sophisticated pairing for white wine. I found convenient pre-cut fresh octopus at the supermarket and decided to whip up this wonderfully chewy and zesty octopus salad. While spicy stir-fried octopus is delicious, this Mediterranean-style salad, tossed with cherry tomatoes, minced onion, and olives, offers a delightful crunch and refreshing taste that’s truly satisfying. The salad dressing is a simple blend of olive oil as the base, with minced garlic, salt, and lemon juice. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare: lightly blanch the octopus and toss it with the olive oil dressing. This dish is ideal for a healthy diet meal or as a simple wine snack. Its attractive presentation also makes it a recommended choice for home parties. Elevate your Christmas celebration with this flavorful dish, enjoyed alongside a glass of wine for a cheerful and festive mood.
Main Ingredients- Prepared Octopus 200g (using 200g out of approx. 300g)
- A little Flour (for cleaning)
- Cherry Tomatoes 10 pcs
- Onion 1/2 pc
- Olives 10 pcs
- Lemon Slices 2-3 pcs
Mediterranean Olive Oil Dressing- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 Tbsp White Balsamic Glaze (or balsamic vinegar, or omit if unavailable)
- Pinch of Salt (about two pinches)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 Tbsp White Balsamic Glaze (or balsamic vinegar, or omit if unavailable)
- Pinch of Salt (about two pinches)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Take 200g of the prepared pre-cut octopus (from about 300g total) for the salad. If you prefer a more generous portion, feel free to use all 300g. Place the octopus in a bowl, add a little flour, and gently knead it. This step helps remove slime and ensures a firm, pleasant texture.
Step 2
Rinse the flour-coated octopus under cold running water 2-3 times, rubbing gently. This ensures thorough cleaning and removes any remaining residue.
Step 3
After washing, drain the octopus well in a colander. Using pre-cut octopus makes the preparation process incredibly convenient, saving you valuable time.
Step 4
Fill a pot with plenty of water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the prepared octopus and blanch it for exactly 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as it can make the octopus tough.
Step 5
After 1 minute, quickly remove the blanched octopus with a slotted spoon. Immediately rinse it under cold running water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. This crucial step helps maintain the octopus’s tender and chewy texture.
Step 6
Drain the octopus thoroughly in a colander after cooling. Your perfectly blanched and tender octopus is now ready.
Step 7
Finely mince 1/2 onion. (You can use red onion for added flavor and color.) Halve the cherry tomatoes and olives into bite-sized pieces. Slice the lemon into rounds, suitable for juicing or as a garnish.
Step 8
Combine the prepared octopus and colorful vegetables (cherry tomatoes, onion, olives) in a large mixing bowl. For the Mediterranean dressing: add 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, and 1 Tbsp white balsamic glaze. (If you don’t have white balsamic glaze, you can use regular balsamic vinegar or simply omit it.) Season with about two pinches of salt and a pinch of black pepper for balanced flavor. Salt and pepper enhance the umami and overall taste of the salad.
Step 9
Using a spoon, gently toss all the ingredients with the dressing until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, which could break down the octopus. See how simple it is?
Step 10
Plate the finished octopus salad attractively. Garnish with the lemon slices and fresh parsley. You’ve now created a beautiful and elegant seafood dish! This visually appealing and delicious salad is perfect for making any occasion special, whether it’s a holiday meal or a simple gathering.
