Grilled calamari with salad

Grilled calamari with salad supports gentle digestion and plant diversity.

High Protein Easy Recipe Protein Rich
82%

General Gut Health Match

This score is based on all ingredients included in the food recipe and provides a match score for the general population which is not personalized to your personal profile or gut microbiome test.

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Recipe description

Bright and light, this grilled calamari dish pairs lean protein with a crunchy, fiber-rich salad. The mix of vegetables provides diverse plant-based prebiotic fibers and polyphenols that support everyday gut-friendly eating habits. Tender calamari balances with greens and colorful components to help you enjoy a balanced meal without heaviness. This recipe fits into a varied, plant-forward week, helping you build routine fiber intake and savor microbiome-friendly ingredients. Simple, quick, and tasty, it's a practical option for mindful meals that support digestion and wholesome nourishment.

July 21, 2026
Grilled calamari with salad
Prep 15 min Cook 6 min Medium

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Why this recipe fits you

  • Balanced mix of lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables.
  • Includes colorful plant foods that support dietary diversity.
  • Healthy fats from olive oil and herbs support gut-friendly eating.

Gut Health Score

🌿 Fiber diversity
65
🍇 Polyphenol density
70
🧬 Diversity support
75
🛡️ Inflammation support
78
🫧 Fermentation support
10
⚖️ Blood sugar stability
72

Ingredients

Calamari
200 gram
Calamari
Lettuce
1 bowl
Lettuce
Cucumber
1 piece
Cucumber
Tomato
2 piece
Tomato
Onion, red
0.5 piece
Onion, red
Oil, olive
2 tablespoon
Oil, olive
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Lemon juice
Salt
0.5 teaspoon
Salt
Black pepper
0.25 teaspoon
Black pepper
Parsley
2 tablespoon
Parsley

Instructions

1

Clean and prepare the calamari by removing any cartilage and cutting into rings or leaving whole if preferred.

2

Prepare the salad by washing and chopping the lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion.

3

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

4

Toss the salad ingredients with half of the dressing and arrange on serving plates.

5

Heat a grill pan or barbecue over medium-high heat. Brush the calamari with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

6

Grill the calamari for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.

7

Arrange the grilled calamari on top of the salad.

8

Drizzle with the remaining dressing and garnish with fresh parsley.

9

Serve immediately while the calamari is still warm.

Nutrition

244 kcal Calories
15 g Protein
12 g Carbohydrates
3 g Fiber
4 g Sugar
14 g Fat
2 g Saturated fat
0.8 g Salt

FAQ

Is calamari a good source of protein?
Yes. Calamari is a lean protein, with about 15 g per 100 g. A 200 g portion provides roughly 30 g of protein, depending on cut and cooking.
How many servings does this recipe make?
2 servings.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prep components ahead (wash and chop vegetables, make the dressing). Calamari is best cooked fresh. Cooked calamari and the salad can be stored separately in the fridge for 1–2 days and reheated gently.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-fat diet?
It’s relatively lean, but the dressing uses olive oil. To reduce fat, use 1 tablespoon of olive oil or a lighter vinaigrette.
What substitutions work for dietary restrictions?
The recipe is gluten-free by default. If you don’t eat seafood, substitute with firm tofu or chickpeas. For vegetarian/vegan, remove the calamari and add plant-based protein. Check labels for hidden gluten.
How do I know when the calamari is cooked?
It should be white and opaque and tender, not rubbery. Grill 2–3 minutes per side; avoid overcooking.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe as written is not spicy. To add heat, sprinkle chili flakes or add hot sauce to the dressing, or finish with a pinch of red pepper.
What are the prebiotic benefits of the salad ingredients?
The salad includes fiber-rich veggies (lettuce, cucumber, tomato, red onion) and parsley. Red onion contains prebiotic compounds; fiber supports gut bacteria; polyphenols in vegetables may support gut health.
Can I cook this without a grill?
Yes. Use a grill pan on the stove or broil in the oven. Brush the calamari with oil and cook until opaque.

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