Spring Octopus Salad with Goat Cheese and Citrus 

In the world of gastronomy, the perfect balance between flavors, textures, and presentation is constantly sought. This salad is a great example of that. The octopus provides the texture and the marine flavor, while the goat cheese adds creaminess and the perfect counterpoint with its smooth and slightly acidic flavor. The citrus adds a note of freshness, and the mâche lettuce, with its crunchy texture, gives the final touch to this dish.

Preparation

1. Start with the fresh and crunchy mâche lettuce, providing a mild and slightly spicy flavor that creates an ideal base for our salad. After washing it carefully, let it drain well so it retains its texture and does not get soggy.
2. Continue with the octopus, our star in this dish. Cooked to perfection and then cut into medium-sized slices, the octopus will bring a deep marine flavor and a meaty texture that will beautifully contrast with the rest of the ingredients.
3. Next, we have the goat cheese. Cut the cheese into thick slices and mark it on a hot pan without oil until it is golden on both sides. The caramelization on the surface will give it an irresistible texture, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, as well as a sweet and slightly smoky flavor that will complement perfectly with the salty flavors of the octopus and the citrus from the oranges or tangerines.
4. Speaking of citrus, these delicious fruits are what will bring the necessary spark to our salad. Peeling the oranges or tangerines and cutting them into segments will provide a touch of freshness and acidity that will enhance and balance the flavors of the dish.
5. Now, simply mix all the ingredients in a large and flat plate, distributing all the elements well so that each bite is a delight for the palate. Remember, the presentation of a dish is as important as its taste, so make sure the salad is as visually appealing as it is tastefully.

Dressing Ideas:

Now, let’s talk about dressings. The choice of dressing can vary depending on the preferences of the diners or even the season. This allows us to turn the same dish into another completely different one with hardly any effort. Here are three options that go very well with this salad, for you to choose the one that best fits your business:

• Classic Dressing: this dressing is a safe and traditional choice that never fails. It combines the smooth and aromatic extra virgin olive oil, recognized for its antioxidant properties and health benefits, with the white wine vinegar, which adds a balanced note of acidity and enhances the flavors of the salad. Salt, preferably flaked, and freshly ground pepper are essential to enhance all flavors and give the final touch to this option.
• Citrus Dressing: ideal for those seeking an extra touch of freshness in their salads. This dressing uses lemon juice, which not only provides its acidic and refreshing flavor but is also a source of vitamin C. Combine it with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to get a dressing that will provide a perfect counterpoint to the marine flavor of the octopus and the smoothness of the goat cheese.
• Sweet Dressing: for those who prefer a dressing with a sweeter flavor profile, this option is the best. It consists of a reduction of balsamic vinegar that brings a sweet and complex acidity, balanced with a touch of honey for a smooth and delicious finish. This dressing is particularly good with the octopus salad, as the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar and honey deliciously contrasts with the octopus and goat cheese, while it perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the oranges.
  Each of these dressings brings a different dimension to the salad and can easily be adapted to the preferences of your diners.

Tips and/or Tricks

• If you want to add an extra touch of texture, you can add some walnuts or almonds.
• You can mark the goat cheese on a non-stick pan without oil, this way it will get golden without sticking.
• You can present the dressings separately so that each diner adds it to their liking.
  If you want to prepare another delicious recipe with octopus, we advise you to take a look at our recipe for crispy oven-baked octopus with beer.

This salad is not only a delight, but it is also an excellent option to include in your menus. It is a nutritious and easy-to-prepare dish that can help you stand out from your competition. And most importantly, it is a very versatile option that you can adapt to the preferences of your diners.

Take a look also at our famous gourmet salad with arugula and feta-cheese, this octopus and avocado salad or try the octopus carpaccio recipe.

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