Seychellois Octopus Salad
A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring tender, pre-cooked octopus tossed with crisp vegetables and a zesty lemon-based dressing. This dish highlights the freshness of Seychellois ingredients and is a perfect light meal or appetizer.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Octopus(cleaned)
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
- 2 cloves Garlic(crushed)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 small Red onion(thinly sliced)
- 1 Red bell pepper(diced)
- 1 Cucumber(diced)
- 10 Cherry tomatoes(halved)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 Lemon(juiced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the cleaned octopus in a large pot with water, bay leaf, peppercorns, and crushed garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- 2
Remove the octopus from the water and let it cool completely. Once cooled, cut into bite-sized pieces.
💡 Tip: Cooling the octopus thoroughly makes it easier to handle and cut. - 3
In a large bowl, combine the octopus pieces with thinly sliced red onion, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh parsley.
- 4
In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 5
Pour the dressing over the octopus and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- 6
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
💡 Tip: Serve chilled for a refreshing experience.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using papaya in the cooking water can help tenderize the octopus.
- ✓For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped small green chili.
- ✓This salad can be made ahead of time; add the dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add some finely diced green papaya for a traditional tenderizing element.
- Include a small amount of finely chopped fresh mint for added freshness.