Bright, zesty, and irresistibly refreshing, Calamares a La Vinagreta (Calamari in Vinaigrette) is a classic Spanish seafood dish thatβs perfect for warm-weather dining or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. This vibrant recipe combines tender, perfectly blanched calamari rings with a colorful medley of diced red and green bell peppers, juicy tomato, and red onion, all tossed in a tangy homemade vinaigrette infused with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and fresh parsley. The chilled preparation allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a light and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a crisp salad. Garnished with lemon wedges for an extra citrusy kick, this low-effort, high-reward recipe is ready in just 25 minutes and is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a healthy, Mediterranean-inspired treat.
Step 1: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the calamari rings and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Be careful not to overcook to avoid rubbery calamari.
Step 2: Drain the calamari and immediately transfer them to a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for 3-5 minutes, then drain again and place them in a mixing bowl.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the vinaigrette.
Step 4: Add the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, tomato, red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl with the calamari.
Step 5: Pour the vinaigrette over the calamari and vegetables. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the calamari and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 6: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the dish chilled or at room temperature.
Step 7: Garnish with lemon wedges before serving. Pair with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Calories |
1118 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.4 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.1 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1165 mg | 388% | |
| Sodium | 2612 mg | 114% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.8 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.2 g | ||
| Protein | 84.2 g | 168% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 222 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 5.0 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 2496 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.