What To Serve With Calamari: 10 Tasty Choices
Searching for the tastiest, most delectable side dishes and accompaniments for what to serve with calamari?
I’ve got plenty of ideas for you right here!
Calamari, or fried squid, is a real treat of a dish that always reminds me of summer holidays and long, lazy lunches enjoyed al fresco in the sunshine.
These deep fried morsels are often firm and chewy, but should never be rubbery, and the mild, slightly sweet flavour means that they can be enjoyed by even those who aren’t the greatest lovers of seafood.
To make the most of calamari though, you need to carefully select your sides. Here are ten of the best choices for what to serve with calamari…
(By the way, make sure you also take a look at my guide to the best sauces for calamari!)
1. Creamy potato salad
The creaminess of a good potato salad works really well with calamari, making it a really strong contender for a side dish.
It’s also the kind of side that you can prepare in advance, and you can tailor a recipe based on your own personal preferences.
Trying to keep things light?
Substitute half of your mayonnaise dressing for low fat natural yoghurt.
Love Indian inspired flavours?
Stir through a spoonful of curry paste.
Like your meals with a little bit of a kick?
Add a dollop of horseradish.
I also like to add some chopped red onion and chives to add crunch and a dash of colour.
2. Tomato and onion salad
Serving your calamari with a simple tomato and onion salad will give you serious Mediterranean and Greek vibes!
It’s a delicious light choice for a summery supper, and really couldn’t be quicker to put together.
Slice up your tomatoes and onions, and make a dressing using olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a handful of your favourite herbs.
Garnish with a little greenery, and you’re good to go.
3. Steamed rice
Rice is nutritious, filling, and you can tailor it depending on what you’re in the mood for, making it a fantastic side dish for calamari.
I like to chop up some fresh coriander and stir it through steamed rice, and then squeeze over some fresh lime juice.
You might want to add cubed crunchy veggies, or some chopped red chillis if you’re a spice lover.
(If you love seafood, you’ll also enjoy what to serve with grilled octopus!)
4. Nutty noodle salad
This nutty noodle salad is one of my favourite choices for when I want to impress dinner guests but I don’t have a load of time available to dedicate in the kitchen. It can be prepped in advance and served cold, so you could make it before work and simply take it out the fridge once it’s time to enjoy your evening meal.
The spicy nutty sauce does require a handful of ingredients, such as peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha, but it’s well worth the effort.
5. Creamy risotto
A creamy risotto is a lovely side dish when you’re cooking your calamari on a colder day or on a dark evening when you need a little bit of comfort.
Here are a few worthy contenders…
6. Tartar sauce
Tartar sauce is an absolute must when you’re going to the effort of cooking calamari!
If you’ve never made your own before, give it a try. It has so much more flavour than its supermarket counterpart, and it takes hardly any time at all.
Simply chop up capers, pickles, and your choice of herbs such as dill and tarragon. Mix everything together and add lemon juice to taste.
7. Homemade rainbow coleslaw
I love preparing vibrant and colourful food! We eat with our eyes before anything else, and it’s always a pleasure to offer up a dish that’s such a visual feast.
Making rainbow coleslaw is just a case of shredding your favourite veggies, and it’s a good way to use up any leftovers that might be lurking at the back of your fridge.
Carrots, cabbage, red onion, and peppers are always good choices.
Combine everything together in a bowl, and add some creamy mayonnaise, natural yoghurt, and lemon juice to create a quick and tasty dressing. Finally, add some freshly squeezed lemon juice and a sprinkle of your favourite herbs.
8. Hawaiian salad
Add a tropical twist to your calamari by making your own Hawaiian salad!
I really love this Hawaiian salad with goats cheese. It includes nutritious greens, roasted beets, juicy pineapple, and of course crumbly and delicious fresh goat cheese.
Goat cheese can be a bit of an acquired taste, so if you’re feeling uncertain, you’re not alone. It can be substituted for a milder feta if you prefer.
9. Marmite roast potatoes
Roast potatoes are a great side dish when you’re in the mood for comfort food and you want to ensure that everyone enjoys a hearty and satisfying meal that will keep them fuller for longer.
Try making my Marmite roast potatoes recipe.
You can make these in the oven or an air fryer, if you have one, and they’re perfectly crispy and golden every single time.
10. Lemon wedges
Lemon wedges aren’t just optional when you’re making calamari. They’re absolutely essential!
The zesty juice from a lemon is the perfect partner for seafood, and brings such a welcome element of flavour and freshness.
What do you like to serve with calamari?
From light salads, to wholesome, creamy risottos, there’s an accompaniment for calamari that’s suitable for every occasion, and that will suit even the fussy eaters in your family!
Is there a side dish that you love that isn’t covered here?
Leave a comment below and share your culinary secrets for what to serve with calamari.
