Squids Salad

Squid Salad Recipe from Latvia with Carrots, Onions, Potatoes, and Green Peas

Region / culture: Latvia | Servings: 4

Introduction

Squids Salad is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for a summer meal or as a side dish. The combination of tender squids, crunchy vegetables, and creamy mayonnaise dressing makes this salad a crowd-pleaser.

History

Squids Salad has been a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. The use of fresh squids, vegetables, and mayonnaise dressing creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

5 squids
2 pickles
1 carrot
1 onion
3 potatoes
100 g green peas
mayonnaise for dressing
salt to taste
pepper to taste
greens to taste

How to prepare

Peel the boiled potatoes and carrot. Then cube the vegetables, julienne the boiled squids, and dice the onion. Combine all the ingredients and dress with seasonings and oil. Serve in a glass bowl, sprinkled with greens.

Variations

Add olives or capers for a briny flavor.
Use different herbs like dill or parsley for added freshness.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the squids just until they are tender, as overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.

- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or tomatoes to customize the salad to your liking.

- For a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette dressing instead of mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

Squids Salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled fish or chicken. It pairs well with crusty bread or a light soup.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the squids quickly over high heat to prevent them from becoming tough.

- Boil the potatoes and carrots until they are tender but still firm to the touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use shrimp or crab meat instead of squids.

- Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used in place of mayonnaise.

Make Ahead Tips

Squids Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the dressing right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Squids Salad in a glass bowl or on a bed of lettuce for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

Squids Salad pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer. It also goes well with a side of garlic bread or grilled vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Squids Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply let the salad come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Squids Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Squids Salad is a low-carb dish, with most of the carbohydrates coming from the vegetables and mayonnaise dressing. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in Squids Salad come primarily from the mayonnaise dressing. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Squids are a good source of protein, with each serving of Squids Salad containing approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Squids Salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron. The vegetables in the salad provide a variety of essential nutrients that are important for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains mayonnaise, which may contain eggs. Please be cautious if you have an egg allergy.

Summary

Squids Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein. It is a great option for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

Squids Salad is a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its fresh ingredients and creamy dressing, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this light and flavorful salad as a main dish or as a side at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her small coastal village. We had spent the morning wandering through the bustling fish market, admiring the fresh catch of the day. As we made our way back to Maria's quaint little cottage, she suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned to me with a mischievous grin.

"Have you ever tried Squid Salad, my dear?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I shook my head, intrigued by the unfamiliar dish. Maria clapped her hands together and led me into her cozy kitchen, where she began rummaging through her well-worn recipe book. She finally pulled out a weathered piece of paper and handed it to me with a flourish.

"This, my dear, is the secret recipe for the most delicious Squid Salad you will ever taste," she declared proudly.

I eagerly scanned the ingredients list and instructions, feeling a rush of excitement at the thought of trying something new and exotic. Maria watched me with a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.

"Would you like to give it a try, my dear?" she asked, her voice filled with encouragement.

I nodded eagerly, and we set to work preparing the ingredients. Maria guided me through each step with patience and expertise, sharing stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother many years ago. As we worked side by side in the warm kitchen, the savory aroma of the cooking squid filled the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

Finally, the salad was ready, and we sat down at Maria's rustic wooden table to savor our creation. The first bite was heavenly - tender pieces of squid mingling with crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing that danced on my taste buds. I closed my eyes in bliss, savoring each delicious mouthful as Maria looked on with pride.

From that moment on, Squid Salad became a staple in my own culinary repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from friends and loved ones. Over the years, I experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding my own twist here and there to make it uniquely my own.

As I honed my skills in the kitchen, I found myself drawn to other seafood dishes, expanding my culinary horizons with each new recipe I tried. I sought out cooking classes, read countless cookbooks, and even traveled to far-flung destinations in search of authentic flavors and techniques. Along the way, I collected a treasure trove of recipes from various places and people, each one holding a special place in my heart.

One summer, I found myself back in Maria's village, standing once again in her cozy kitchen as we prepared a feast for a gathering of friends and family. As we worked side by side, laughter and chatter filling the air, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the bond we shared and the culinary traditions we had passed down through the generations.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the sea, we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor - platters of fresh seafood dishes, including the beloved Squid Salad that had brought us together so many years ago. As we raised our glasses in a toast to friendship and good food, I knew that I would always treasure the memories we had created in that humble kitchen.

And so, dear reader, I urge you to seek out new recipes, to savor the flavors of the world, and to create your own culinary traditions with those you hold dear. For in the simple act of sharing a meal, we forge connections that transcend time and space, weaving a tapestry of love and memories that will last a lifetime. So go forth, my dear, and cook with joy in your heart, knowing that each dish you create is a gift to be shared with those you love. Bon appétit!