Spicy Grilled Squid and Watercress Salad is a bold and refreshing dish that brings together the tender texture of grilled seafood with the peppery bite of fresh greens. It’s perfect for warm days or whenever you’re craving something light yet full of flavor.
The squid is the highlight here. Cleaned and scored lightly to create those signature grill marks and curly edges, it’s marinated briefly in a mixture of garlic, chili flakes, lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar. This combination adds a balanced heat and tang that soaks into the squid without overwhelming its natural taste. Grilling it quickly over high heat ensures it stays tender, not rubbery, and develops a slight char that adds depth.
Watercress makes an ideal base for this salad because of its crisp texture and sharp, peppery flavor, which cuts through the richness of the squid and adds freshness to each bite. You can add thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, or radishes for crunch and color, along with fresh herbs like mint or Thai basil to lift the whole dish with a burst of aroma.
The dressing is light but zesty. A simple mix of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili creates a classic Southeast Asian-style vinaigrette that ties all the elements together. Drizzle it over the warm squid and greens just before serving to keep everything vibrant and crisp.
To finish, top the salad with toasted peanuts or cashews for texture, and maybe a few slices of fresh chili if you want to dial up the heat. If you’re serving it as a main dish, consider pairing it with jasmine rice or chilled rice noodles.
This salad is not only beautiful to look at, with its mix of greens and grilled squid, but also satisfying and layered in flavor. It’s spicy, tangy, and fresh, making it a standout choice when you want something different from the usual salad lineup.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs squid cleaned and scored
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 Lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups watercress
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds toasted
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped fresh
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add cleaned and scored squid to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
- Grill squid for 2-3 minutes per side, or until opaque and lightly charred. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine watercress, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, toasted sliced almonds, and chopped cilantro.
- Slice grilled squid into rings and add to the bowl with the salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve the spicy grilled squid and watercress salad immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
