Well, you know if you see "Ultimate" in my title, that it's time for another episode of Tyler Florence Fridays. But if you are a fan of Tylers (or, gulp, Tyler himself), you might be saying to yourself..."hey, wait a minute Tyler doesn't have an Ultimate Greek Salad with Grilled Scallops!" I know. But he does have an Ultimate Greek Salad with Grilled Calamari, and unfortunately what I don't have is calamari. I have nothing against calamari, some of my finest memories include calamari.
No they don't. But they could.
Sorry. I just can't get calamari around here. I can't even get good scallops, all I can get are those tiny things frozen in a bag. So, I subbed, tiny little scallops for calamari. Think of it as calamari with the hole filled in.
This, of course, was wonderful. I've had Greek salads with grilled chicken, but never grilled scallops. They added a sweet and smokey flavor that was very enjoyable. Another winner from Tyler! This came from Tyler's Ultimate: Brilliant Simple Food to Make Any Time
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The Ultimate Greek Salad with Grilled Scallops
Serves 4
1 pound of scallops
vinaigrette
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grilling
¼ cup red wine vinegar
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon fresh oregano
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 lemon, juiced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 tomatoes, seeded and cut into chunks
1 medium red onion, sliced thin (I cut into chunks)
1 medium cucumber, sliced thin (I cut into chunks)
½ pound feta cheese, crumbled
½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite size pieces
Lemon wedges, for garnish
Fresh oregano leaves, for garnish
To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the oil, vinegar, garlic, dried and fresh oregano, thyme and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Pour ½ of the vinaigrette over the scallops; set the other ½ aside while you make the salad.
In a large bowl, add the tomatoes, onion, cucumber, cheese, olives, and romaine. Pour the remaining vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine. Let marinate while you grill the scallops.
Heat the grill or a grill pan and oil it lightly. Grill the scallops for 2 minutes on each side, no longer or they will be tough (I just kind of tossed them around in a grill basket). To serve, put the salad onto a large platter and top it with the grilled scallops. Garnish with fresh oregano leaves and lemon wedges.
Jenny says
I love scallops, and those look good. Calamari is good but scallops are better, so good choice.
Debinhawaii says
I love a good Greek salad--this looks amazing, I am sure the scallops were a great addition. 😉
Megan says
I love scallops - but haven't had them in years. This, however, could change all that!
Kim says
I love that you said "think of it as calamari with the hole filled in". Thanks for making me laugh out loud. The salad looks beautiful and I bet it would be tasty. I love a great greek salad.
ARLENE says
Necessity is the mother of invention. Very creative substitution.
Grace says
scallops should always be grilled, and for the record, now I’ll forever think of the little pucks as calamari holes. lovely salad, pam!
outdoorgriller says
That salad looks good I like scallops and I even have a recipe for them and it comes out tasting great. If you would like to see it or the collection of tips and recipes I have for grilling you can visit http://www.cookingandgrillinoutdoors.com
Sara says
Sounds like a delicious salad, the scallops are a great substitute!
Donna-FFW says
This Greek salad sounds absolutely wonderful. Not a calamari fan, but with the yumminess of this salad who cares. Gorgeous photos.
Joanne says
I love greek salad but don't like scallops OR calamari. Although many of my happiest memories DO involve calamari because most of my family and friends love them and order them whenever we go out.
Katherine Aucoin says
Oh Pam I feel your pain with the availability of decent seafood in these here parts. Your salad looks amazing! Definitely eye candy!
Natashya says
Great idea to do scallops. We live nowhere near an ocean and generally have to settle for the frozen bags of shrimp, scallops, etc. They are handy to have around. Pastas and salads are the perfect vehicle for the little guys. Yum.
Andrea says
What perfect timing! Today is my wedding anniversary and I was thinking of making scallops for dinner since my husband loves them so much. Then I click on over here and you have this recipe posted. Looks delicious!
raidergirl3 says
Scallops are my most favorite food.
girlichef says
My eyes are eating this up! Sounds delicious 😀
Paula says
Ha! I love it ... calamari with the hole filled in! Man, you are so clever! I would love this salad. I really enjoy salads that function as the main dish. YUM!
Marjie says
If you can't substitute in a recipe, then what good is the recipe? I love those tiny scallops, so I'm sure this would be a great meal!
the ungourmet says
I don't normally like scallops but this just looks so awesome I would love to try it!
noble pig says
What a great sub becuase those little scallops are so, so sweet.
Kat says
My mouth is watering. I love scallops. Great photo too.
shabby girl says
Calamari holes! I love it!