The octopus salad with celery is a very light and truly delicious dish.
A great recipe to serve both as an appetizer and as a main course. A tasty dish, typical of our cuisine, to be enjoyed in all seasons, not just in summer.
The only precaution for a successful outcome of this famous recipe lies in the cooking of the octopus, which must be tender yet chewy. Indeed, the key to a perfect octopus salad lies in the cooking of the octopus itself.
To this, add the freshness and quality of the ingredients, which are essential for achieving an excellent result. We use only the freshest octopus, purchasing from our trusted seller.
This dish is not only good but also very versatile. You can serve it as an elegant appetizer at a formal dinner or as a main dish at an informal lunch with friends. Its simplicity makes it suitable for any season: fresh and light in summer, comforting and satisfying in winter.
Octopus can be prepared in many versions, all very appetizing. Try these other delicious recipes as well:

- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Medium
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 84.79 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 1.25 (g) of which sugars 0.63 (g)
- Proteins 0.32 (g)
- Fat 9.17 (g) of which saturated 1.32 (g)of which unsaturated 0.04 (g)
- Fibers 0.60 (g)
- Sodium 30.10 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 200 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Octopus Salad with Celery
- 3.3 lbs octopus
- 3 stalks celery
- 1 lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Preparation of Octopus Salad with Celery
Immerse the octopus in a large pot with plenty of water and boil it for 40-45 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, let it cool in its own water so that it becomes tender.
Drain the octopus well and clean it. First, remove the eyes and extract the beak. Then peel it by pulling the skin outward, and cut it into rings or pieces.
Place the chopped octopus in a salad bowl and let it cool completely.
Then, dress the octopus with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and finely chopped celery (remove the outer strings from the stalks with a vegetable peeler). Mix the ingredients well and let it soak up the flavors.
When serving the octopus salad, you can add more lemon juice to taste.
Tips for Octopus Salad
– Choose a fresh and high-quality octopus to get the best results.
– Before cooking the octopus, it is advisable to massage it to make it more tender.
– Carefully check the cooking time to prevent it from becoming rubbery. The ideal cooking time varies from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the octopus.
Conserving Octopus Salad with Celery
Octopus salad can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
Related Recipes
Small Pasta with Octopus and Potatoes
Garganelli with Octopus and Arugula Pesto
Bucatini with Octopus, Olives, and Capers
Couscous with Octopus, Zucchini, and Cherry Tomatoes
FAQ
Can I use frozen octopus for this recipe?
Yes. It’s important to buy it from a trusted seller. Of course, it is advisable to use fresh octopus for the best taste and texture.
Can I replace celery with another type of vegetable?
You can replace celery with parsley, fennel, or carrots sliced into strips.
Can I prepare the Octopus Salad with Celery in advance?
Certainly. You can prepare the octopus in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve, dressed with a drizzle of olive oil and a bit of lemon juice. Add the dressing as per the recipe when serving.