Recipe: Greek Grilled Octopus Salad

Introduction

Greek cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. One dish that perfectly embodies these characteristics is the Greek Grilled Octopus Salad. This delicious and healthy salad combines tender grilled octopus with a medley of crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the octopus:

– 1 large octopus (about 2 pounds)

– 1 lemon, juiced

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the salad:

– 4 cups mixed salad greens

– 1 cucumber, sliced

– 1 red onion, thinly sliced

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted

– ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

For the dressing:

– ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the octopus

1. Start by cleaning the octopus. Remove the beak, eyes, and innards.

2. Rinse the octopus under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

3. In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Add the octopus to the bowl and toss to coat it evenly with the marinade.

5. Cover the bowl and let the octopus marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for better flavor.

Step 2: Grilling the octopus

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Remove the octopus from the marinade and shake off any excess.

3. Place the octopus on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it becomes tender and slightly charred.

4. Remove the octopus from the grill and let it cool for a few minutes.

5. Slice the octopus into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Assembling the salad

1. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber slices, red onion slices, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

2. Add the grilled octopus to the bowl and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Preparing the dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

2. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Serving

Once the Greek Grilled Octopus Salad is ready, divide it onto individual plates or serve it family-style. This salad can be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine.

Conclusion

The Greek Grilled Octopus Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece. With its tender octopus, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressing, this salad is a refreshing and healthy option for any occasion. So why not give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with a taste of the Mediterranean?