Save This Chilli-Lime Squid Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring tender squid tossed in a zesty chilli-lime dressing. Garnished with fresh herbs and crispy shallots, it offers a delightful crunch and a perfect balance of Asian-inspired flavors, making it an ideal choice for a light yet satisfying meal.
Save This easy-to-make Asian Fusion salad is packed with 24g of protein per serving and only 210 calories. The combination of fresh mint and coriander with a punchy dressing made of fish sauce and lime juice creates a flavor profile that is both sophisticated and incredibly simple to achieve in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 500 g cleaned squid tubes, sliced into rings
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp palm sugar or light brown sugar
- 2 red chillies, finely sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 100 g mixed salad leaves (e.g., rocket, baby spinach, coriander)
- 1 small cucumber, seeded and sliced into half-moons
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup fresh coriander leaves
- ¼ cup crispy fried shallots (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Step 1
- Pat the squid dry with paper towels. Toss with vegetable oil and a pinch of salt.
- Step 2
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over high heat. Sear the squid in batches for 1–2 minutes until just opaque and lightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 3
- In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, palm sugar, chillies, and garlic until the sugar is dissolved.
- Step 4
- In a large bowl, combine salad leaves, cucumber, carrot, red onion, mint, and coriander. Add the squid and drizzle with the dressing. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 5
- Divide the salad among serving plates. Top with crispy fried shallots and serve with lime wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the squid sears properly rather than steaming, make sure the pan is very hot and the squid is completely dry before cooking. Using a sharp knife for julienning the carrots and slicing the onion will help achieve a professional presentation.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra heat, add more chillies or a dash of chilli oil to the dressing. If you prefer a different protein, you can easily substitute the squid with prawns or grilled chicken. Be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this vibrant salad immediately while the squid is still warm for the best contrast. It pairs beautifully with a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the zesty lime and spicy chilli notes perfectly.
Save Whether you are serving this for a special dinner or as a quick weeknight refresh, this Chilli-Lime Squid Salad brings a burst of bright, clean energy to the table. Enjoy the perfect harmony of fresh herbs and zesty seafood!
Recipe Questions
- → How do you cook squid for this salad?
Slice cleaned squid into rings and sear quickly in a hot pan or grill for 1–2 minutes until just opaque and lightly charred, ensuring a tender texture.
- → What ingredients contribute to the dressing's flavor?
The dressing combines fish sauce, fresh lime juice, light soy sauce, palm sugar, red chillies, and garlic for a balanced mix of salty, tangy, sweet, and spicy notes.
- → Can I substitute the squid with other proteins?
Yes, prawns or grilled chicken can be used as alternatives to squid for similar texture and flavor balance.
- → What is the purpose of the crispy fried shallots?
Crispy fried shallots add a delightful crunch and a subtle sweet-onion flavor, enhancing the salad’s texture contrast.
- → Which herbs are included for freshness?
Fresh mint and coriander leaves are used alongside mixed salad leaves to bring aromatic and fresh herbal notes.