Dive into fresh and flavorful Octopus Salad With Baby Spinach! Tender octopus, vibrant spinach, and a zesty dressing come together for a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. Whether it’s a fancy appetizer or a refreshing main, this salad is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Vibrant: Tender octopus paired with vibrant spinach and a zesty dressing creates a refreshing, flavorful dish.
- Light Yet Satisfying: A perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s both light and filling.
- Versatile: Whether as a fancy appetizer or a refreshing main dish, this salad is sure to impress any guest!
Salad Ingredients
- Smoked Octopus: Brings a rich, savory flavor that elevates the salad with a unique seafood touch.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add a burst of freshness and color, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor of the dish.
- Salad Mix: Provides a crisp and refreshing base, perfect for supporting the other vibrant ingredients.
- Baby Spinach: Offers a boost of nutrients and a mild, earthy taste that complements the Octopus Salad.
- Red Onion: Contributes a sharp bite and a hint of sweetness, balancing the flavors.
- Olives: Introduce a briny, salty touch that adds depth and complexity to the Octopus Salad.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall flavors of the ingredients.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle hint of spice, giving the salad an extra layer of warmth.
- Cilantro: A fresh garnish that infuses the dish with a burst of herbal aroma.
Dressing Ingredients
- Dijon Mustard: Provides tanginess and depth, accentuating the Octopus Salad's flavor profile.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty, citrusy kick that brightens up the entire dish.
- Olive Oil: Ensures a smooth and cohesive dressing, tying all the elements together beautifully.
Variations
- Grain-Enhanced Salad: Toss in cooked quinoa or farro for a more filling, protein-packed option.
- Citrus-Inspired Salad: Incorporate orange or grapefruit segments and a splash of orange juice in the dressing for a refreshing twist.
- Asian-Style Octopus Salad: Use sesame oil and soy sauce in the dressing, and add shredded carrots and sliced radishes.
How To Make Octopus Salad
Step One: Place chopped salad mix and chopped baby spinach in a deep bowl. Cut octopus tentacles into thin slices and put them in a bowl.
Step Two: Add halved cherry tomatoes and chopped red onion to the salad mix.
Step Three: Prepare the dressing by mixing mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
Step Four: Pour half the dressing into the salad, and season with salt and spices.
Step Five: Toss everything thoroughly to combine.
Step Six: Transfer the salad to serving plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro and drizzle extra dressing if desired.
Top Tips To Make Octopus Salad Perfectly
- Marinate: Soak the octopus in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for a burst of flavor before slicing.
- Roast: Lightly roast the cherry tomatoes to bring out a sweet and smoky taste.
- Chill: Let the salad sit in the fridge for 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Spice: Sprinkle a touch of smoked paprika into the dressing for extra depth.
Storage Instructions for Octopus Salad
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent sogginess. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of fresh vegetables and octopus changes after thawing.
What To Serve With Octopus Salad
- Lemon Rice: Accompany the octopus salad with lemon-infused rice for a citrusy side.
- Grilled Lemon Herb Shrimp: Serve with grilled shrimp marinated in lemon and fresh herbs. The citrus and seafood flavors complement the octopus salad, enhancing the overall meal.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring a hearty yet light touch, their caramelized flavors enhancing the salad’s freshness.
- Fresh Pita Bread: Pair with soft, warm pita bread for a deliciously simple side. It’s perfect for scooping up the salad and adds a light, pillowy texture.
FAQ'S
While I am using smoked octopus, fresh or frozen octopus can be used if preferred. Fresh octopus should be cooked thoroughly before slicing, while frozen can be thawed and prepared similarly.
Smoked octopus works great in this recipe as it adds a rich, smoky flavor. If using fresh octopus, baby or small varieties are ideal for tender, bite-sized pieces.
Whether fresh or frozen, the key is to cook the octopus slowly and thoroughly. Smoked octopus, however, requires no additional cooking, making it easier for quick preparation.
Octopus Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- ⅔ lb. Smoked Octopus
- 10 Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 Cup Salad Mix
- ½ Cup Baby Spinach
- ½ Red Onion Cut into Strip
- 6 Olives
- ¼ tsp. Salt
- ¼ tsp. Paprika
- Cilantro For Serving
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp. Lemon Juice
- 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
Instructions
- Place chopped salad mix and chopped baby spinach in a deep bowl. Cut octopus tentacles into thin slices and put them in a bowl.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and chopped red onion to the salad mix.
- Prepare the dressing by mixing mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
- Pour half the dressing into the salad, and season with salt and spices.
- Toss everything thoroughly to combine.
- Transfer the salad to serving plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro and drizzle extra dressing if desired.