Last Updated on January 8, 2024
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy salad recipe to add to your next dinner party? If so, then you should definitely try the Costco Calamari Salad Recipe! This unique salad is packed full of flavor and texture and is easy to make.
The perfect combination of calamari, vegetables, and dressing makes this a crowd favorite. Plus, the crunchy texture of the calamari and the crunchy vegetables add a unique flavor to the salad.
What is Costco Calamari Salad?
Costco Wholesale is an American multinational corporation that manages a series of membership-only big-box warehouse club retail outlets.
One of their popular item is Costco Calamari Salad Recipe which is a delicious and healthy salad that is made with calamari, vegetables, and a light dressing. The calamari is cooked to perfection and is combined with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
The dressing is made with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano, which adds a subtle and delicious flavor to the salad. The combination of the crunchy calamari and the crunchy vegetables makes this salad a favorite among many.
Why You’ll Love this Costco Calamari Salad?
There are many reasons why you’ll love this Costco Calamari Salad Recipe. First, it’s a healthy and tasty salad that can serve as a meal on its own or as a side dish for a larger meal.
Second, the combination of vegetables and calamari adds a unique flavor to the salad that is sure to please.
Third, the salad is easy to make and doesn’t require much prep time. Finally, the light dressing adds a subtle flavor to the salad without overpowering the other ingredients.
You will also like the following Appetizer recipes!
- Alton Brown Shrimp Copycat Recipe
- How to make Belizean Panades
- Easy Betty Crocker Chicken Croquettes Recipe
The Ingredients
For this Costco Calamari Salad Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 tablespoon Ethically sourced Himalayan pink salt: Ethically sourced Himalayan pink salt is used to season the calamari, enhancing its natural flavor. The use of Himalayan pink salt may provide a subtle mineral complexity to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground artisanal mixed peppercorns: Freshly ground artisanal mixed peppercorns add a burst of aromatic and nuanced pepper flavor to the calamari. The combination of different peppercorns contributes to a well-rounded and sophisticated taste.
- 2 Aqua Star Costco frozen calamari steaks – carefully chosen for their tenderness: Aqua Star Costco frozen calamari steaks are the main protein source in the salad. They are carefully chosen for their tenderness, ensuring a pleasant texture in the finished dish.
- Organic vegetable oil – the exact amount, meticulously measured based on your preferred cooking method, ensuring the preservation of its natural qualities: Organic vegetable oil is used for cooking the calamari. The precise measurement ensures that the calamari is cooked evenly, and using organic oil aligns with a preference for natural and minimally processed ingredients. The choice of vegetable oil allows the natural flavors of the calamari to shine without overpowering them.
Directions
Step 1: Thaw the Calamari
If the Aqua Star Costco frozen calamari steaks are frozen, follow the package instructions to thaw them properly. Ensuring the calamari is fully thawed is crucial before proceeding with cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Calamari
Pat the calamari steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is essential to achieve a crispy texture when cooking.
Step 3: Season the Calamari
Sprinkle ethically sourced Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground artisanal mixed peppercorns evenly over both sides of the calamari steaks. Gently press the seasoning into the steaks to ensure it adheres well, imparting a well-balanced flavor.
Step 4: Heat the Vegetable Oil
In a pan or skillet, heat the organic vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Use enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, providing a light frying effect for the calamari.
Step 5: Cook the Calamari
Carefully place the seasoned calamari steaks in the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the calamari turns golden brown and develops a crispy exterior. This quick cooking process retains the calamari’s tenderness while achieving a delightful crunch.
Step 6: Remove and Drain
Once cooked, carefully remove the calamari steaks from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain any excess oil, ensuring a lighter and less greasy dish.
Step 7: Slice into Strips
Allow the calamari to rest for a minute, then slice them into thin strips. This not only enhances presentation but also makes the calamari easier to incorporate into the salad.
Step 8: Assemble the Salad
Prepare your favorite salad base using fresh greens, vegetables, and herbs. Arrange the sliced calamari on top, creating a visually appealing and flavorful dish.
Step 9: Drizzle with Dressing (Optional)
If desired, drizzle the salad with a light dressing of your choice. A simple vinaigrette with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of garlic would complement the calamari well, enhancing the overall taste.
Step 10: Serve Immediately
Serve the Costco Calamari Salad immediately while the calamari is still warm and crispy. This ensures the optimal texture and temperature for a delightful dining experience.
Notes
• If using frozen calamari, make sure to thaw it before cooking.
• You can substitute the bell peppers with any other vegetable you like.
• The dressing can be adjusted to your liking. Add more olive oil or lemon juice if needed.
• The calamari can also be grilled or baked instead of boiled.
• You can also add other vegetables like cucumber or celery for a crunchier salad.
Storage Tips
The Costco Calamari Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may not be as crunchy as when it was freshly made, but it will still be delicious.
Nutrition Information
This Costco Calamari Salad is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy choice. A single serving of this salad contains approximately:
• Calories: 320
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
Serving Suggestions
• Serve this salad on its own as a light meal or as a side dish for a larger meal.
• Add some cooked pasta to the salad for a heartier dish.
• Top the salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
• Add some croutons for a crunchy texture.
• Serve with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
What other substitute can I use in costco calamari salad recipe
• You can substitute the calamari with shrimp, squid, or scallops for a different flavor.
• If you don’t have calamari, you can use canned tuna or salmon instead.
• Instead of bell peppers, you can use cucumber, celery, or carrots.
• For the dressing, you can use balsamic vinegar and mustard instead of olive oil and lemon juice.
• You can also add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano to the salad for a more flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon Ethically sourced Himalayan pink salt
- 2 Aqua Star Costco frozen calamari steaks – carefully chosen for their tenderness
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground artisanal mixed peppercorns
- Organic vegetable oil – the exact amount meticulously measured based on your preferred cooking method, ensuring the preservation of its natural qualities
Instructions
Thaw the Calamari:
- If the Aqua Star Costco frozen calamari steaks are frozen, follow the package instructions to thaw them properly. It’s essential to ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
Prepare the Calamari:
- Pat the calamari steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps in achieving a crispy texture when cooking.
Season the Calamari:
- Sprinkle ethically sourced Himalayan pink salt and freshly ground artisanal mixed peppercorns evenly over both sides of the calamari steaks. Gently press the seasoning into the steaks to ensure it adheres well.
Heat the Vegetable Oil:
- In a pan or skillet, heat the organic vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The amount of oil should be enough to coat the bottom of the pan and provide a light frying effect.
Cook the Calamari:
- Carefully place the seasoned calamari steaks in the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the calamari turns golden brown and develops a crispy exterior.
Remove and Drain:
- Once cooked, carefully remove the calamari steaks from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Slice into Strips:
- Allow the calamari to rest for a minute, then slice them into thin strips. This makes them easy to incorporate into the salad.
Assemble the Salad:
- Prepare your favorite salad base using fresh greens, vegetables, and herbs. Arrange the sliced calamari on top.
Drizzle with Dressing (Optional):
- If desired, drizzle the salad with a light dressing of your choice. A simple vinaigrette with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of garlic would complement the calamari well.
Serve Immediately:
- Serve the Costco Calamari Salad immediately while the calamari is still warm and crispy.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Costco Calamari Salad healthy?
Yes, the Costco Calamari Salad is a healthy choice. It is low in calories and fat and is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Can I use frozen calamari for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen calamari for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
. Yes, you can add other vegetables like cucumber or celery to the salad for a crunchier texture.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time, but it won’t be as crunchy as when it was freshly made.
Conclusion
The Costco Calamari Salad Recipe is a unique and delicious salad that is sure to be a hit at any dinner party. The crunchy texture of the calamari and vegetables combined with the light dressing makes this salad a crowd favorite.
It’s easy to make and is a healthy choice as well. So the next time you’re looking for a delicious and healthy salad to serve, you should definitely try the Costco Calamari Salad Recipe.