Name: Seared Calamari with Basil
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups packed basil leaves; 1/2 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste; 1 pound cleaned calamari (squid); 1 (15- to 16-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1/2 pound tomatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 celery rib, chopped; 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 1 (3 1/2 - to 5-ounce) package baby greens such as arugula or mâche; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; a large (2-burner) griddle (preferably cast-iron)

From the delicate calamari to the crunchy celery and crisp greens, this salad is a mélange of wonderful textures. Make sure to use the freshest calamari you can find, and cook it quickly over the hot griddle to keep it as tender as possible.

Serve with:

acini di pepe pasta with garlic and olives ; fresh bread

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Sheet-Pan Chicken Souvlaki

Tender, juicy chicken skewers are possible in the oven—especially when roasted alongside spiced chickpeas and finished with fresh tomatoes and salty feta.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crispy Salmon With Avocado Sauce

You’ll want to put this creamy (but dairy-free) green sauce on everything and it’s particularly sublime under crispy-skinned salmon.