Pan-Grilled Calamari Salads with Lemon-Rosemary Vinaigrette

Pan-grilling calamari adds a pleasant smoky flavor to the mild, slightly sweet flesh of the squid. I first marinated the rings in a savory, spicy rub to complement the smokiness, as well as to give the calamari a bit of a “blackened” look and taste after grilling.

The simple vinaigrette is highlighted with fragrant fresh rosemary, combined with fresh lemon juice for a bright, floral finish.

Lemon and Rosemary

Serves 2

Ingredients

For the Vinaigrette

• 1-1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2-1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad

• 1/4 tsp chile powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
• 1/8 tsp hot smoked paprika
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 lb cleaned calamari tubes, cut into 1/4-inch rings
• olive oil, for brushing
• sea salt
• 3 cups torn lettuce greens
• 1 roma tomato, chopped
• 1 small celery rib, chopped
• 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp dried cherries
• 1 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds
• naan (or other flatbread), warmed (optional)

Calamari Rings

Salad Ingredients

Preparation

For the Vinaigrette

1. Whisk the lemon juice, rosemary, and mustard in a small bowl. Add the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Let stand 30 minutes.

Lemon-Rosemary Vinaigrette

For the Salad

1. Combine the chile powder, cayenne, paprika, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Add the calamari rings and toss well to coat. Let stand 20 minutes.

Calamari with Spice Marinade

1. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with olive oil.
2. Season the calamari with salt and grill until tender and just cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side.

Calamari Beginning to Grill 

Grilled Calamari

1. Remove the calamari and let cool to room temperature.
2. Meanwhile, place the greens in a large bowl. Add the cooled calamari, tomato, and next 4 ingredients (through pumpkin seeds). Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss lightly to coat.

To serve, divide the salad between two plates with warm naan or other flatbread alongside, if desired.