octopus salad
Octopus salad: a light, Mediterranean classic with fresh veggies, citrus, and olive oil. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the bay leaf. Once boiling, submerge the cleaned octopus.
- Cook the octopus over medium-low heat for 40-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from water and let it cool.
- Cut the cooled octopus into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and sea salt directly to the octopus. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Mix in the red onion, celery, parsley, cherry tomatoes, and olives. Toss until all ingredients are combined.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper and adjust salt to taste if necessary.
- Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the flavors have time to blend.
- Serve chilled, garnished with extra parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Notes
Octopus salad stands out as a beloved classic throughout Mediterranean cuisine, cherished for its delicious combination of flavors, colors, and fresh ingredients. This recipe’s versatility makes it perfect both as a vibrant starter or as a refreshing light meal on warm days, easily adaptable to any gathering or daily meal.
Practical Tips for Perfect Octopus Salad
- Tenderness matters: One of the most important aspects is ensuring the octopus is tender. If you’re worried about toughness, freeze the octopus a day before cooking, even if it’s already bought fresh—this process helps break down fibers. Cooking it gently in simmering water (never a rolling boil) prevents the octopus from becoming rubbery.
- Flavor infusions: You can add aromatics like garlic cloves, bay leaves, or a splash of white wine to the cooking water for a more complex flavor.
- Quick chilling: After boiling, immediately plunging the octopus in an ice bath halts the cooking process and results in firmer slices, making for a prettier salad.
Customizations & Serving Suggestions
- Personalize your salad: Swap cherry tomatoes for roasted red peppers, or try adding diced cucumber for extra crunch. Kalamata olives enhance the Mediterranean spirit, but green olives also work wonderfully.
- Citrus boost: Try a mix of lemon and orange juice for a subtle sweetness.
- Herb twist: Fresh dill or mint can replace parsley for an aromatic change.
