Sophie’s Italian Pan-Fried Breaded Calamari And Baby Octopus Salad With Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette

A balanced light seafood salad with a beautiful Italian vinaigrette to keep with the dish’s cuisine.  Enjoy.

2/3 Ib Calamari, Washed And Sliced Into Rings

2/3 Ib Baby Octopus, Washed And Cut Into Bite-Size Pieces

All Purpose Flour

Salt and Pepper, to taste

Dried Oregano, to taste

Dried Parsley Flakes, to taste

Baby Spinach, Washed

Arugula, Washed

a few spoonfuls Diced Tomatoes, Drained

1 Tbsp Capers, Chopped

Olive Oil

Lemon Juice

Red Wine Vinegar

1 Tbsp Honey

1/2 Shallot, Peeled And Thinly Sliced

2 Garlic Cloves, Peeled And Grated

Dried Basil, to taste

For the pan-fried breaded calamari and baby octopus:

1. Pour all purpose flour onto a plate, and season with salt and pepper, dried oregano, and dried parsley flakes.

2. Dredge calamari and baby octopus in the flour mixture, and let the excess drip off.

3. Heat oil in a pan, and pan-fry the calamari and baby octopus until golden brown, making sure the insides are cooked through.

4. Remove from pan, and drain on a paper towel.

For the original salad:

1. In a medium bowl, combine spinach, arugula, diced tomatoes, and capers, and add pan-fried breaded calamari and baby octopus.

For the lemon-basil vinaigrette:

1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, thinly sliced shallot, and grated garlic, and season with dried basil.

For the finished salad:

1. Pour dressing over salad, and toss to coat. Pile some into a bowl, and enjoy.

Yields: 2 servings