Squid and Bacon Salad

Method

• Step-by-step method for Squid and Bacon Salad
• Slice the bacon into small strips
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add bacon strips
• Cook bacon until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel to drain
• Wipe excess bacon fat from skillet, leaving a thin coating
• Rinse squid under cold running water and pat dry with paper towel
• Slice squid into rings (tubes) and score lightly if using whole body pieces
• Drizzle a small amount of olive oil onto the squid, toss with a pinch of salt and pepper
• Heat skillet to high, add squid and sear for 1-2 minutes until opaque and just cooked, then transfer squid to a plate
• Peel and finely slice red onion into thin rings
• Wash cherry tomatoes and halve them
• Rinse cucumber and slice into thin half-moons
• Chop parsley leaves finely
• In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste for the dressing
• In a large mixing bowl, combine squid rings, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion
• Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine
• Sprinkle chopped parsley evenly over the salad
• Crumble feta cheese over the top as a finishing touch
• Plate the salad on a chilled platter or individual plates for best texture
• Optional: garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges for serving