Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Squid Salad

For something quick, fresh, and packed with flavor, this Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Squid Salad is a seafood lover’s dream. With smoky crispy bacon, tender squid, and crunchy chicory all served on garlicky toasted baguette slices, it’s a dish that punches well above its weight in taste. I was surprised how fast this came together—and how elegant it looked on the plate. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

Main Ingredients:

• 2 rashers smoked streaky bacon
• 2 cloves garlic
• 300g whole squid, cleaned and gutted
• ½ small rustic baguette (100g)
• 2 heads of green chicory

For Cooking & Dressing:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and black pepper

How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Squid Salad

1. Start with the Bacon and Garlic: Finely slice your smoked bacon and peel and slice the garlic. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add the bacon and let it sizzle for a minute or two, then add the garlic and toss everything together. The garlic infuses the oil, while the bacon gets deliciously crispy—just what you want.
2. Cook the Squid: Drop the cleaned squid into the pan with a pinch of black pepper. Sear for about 2 minutes, or until just cooked through and tender. Overcooking will make it rubbery, so keep an eye on it. Remove it from the pan, slice into ½ cm rings, roughly chop the tentacles, and then toss everything back in the pan just to warm through.
3. Toast the Bread: While your squid mixture is resting on one side of the pan, slice your baguette at an angle and place it into the garlicy bacon oil. Let it toast on both sides until crisp and golden. This step adds so much flavour to the bread—it’s almost like a crouton-meets-bruschetta base for the salad.
4. Prepare the Chicory Salad: Trim and separate the chicory leaves. Toss them in a bowl with a tablespoon each of extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The chicory gives a slightly bitter, crunchy contrast to the rich squid and bacon.
5. Assemble the Salad: Layer the chicory onto your serving plates. Top with generous spoonfuls of the squid and bacon mixture. Arrange the golden baguette slices on the side or underneath to catch the juices. Serve immediately while everything’s warm and full of texture.

Why I Love This Recipe

This one surprised me—in a good way! I made it for a quick midweek dinner and it felt so fancy without being fussy. The combo of salty bacon, tender squid, and that peppery chicory crunch is absolute genius. It’s one of those “less is more” dishes that makes you look like a much fancier cook than you actually are!

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the squid: It only needs about 2 minutes. Any longer and it can turn rubbery.
• Chop evenly: Slicing the squid into uniform rings ensures they cook at the same rate.
• Crisp that bacon: Let it render out fully for maximum flavour and crunch.
• Dress the chicory last minute: This keeps it crisp and vibrant.
• Toast the bread in the pan: Soaking up those garlic and bacon juices = instant flavour boost.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Squid Salad

• Refrigeration: Store leftover squid and bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep separate from the chicory to avoid sogginess.
• Reheating : Reheat squid and bacon in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it can make squid chewy.
• Bread Storage : The toasted baguette is best eaten fresh. If needed, wrap in foil and reheat in a hot oven to crisp it back up.
• Reassembling: Bring everything to room temperature and reassemble just before serving. You may want to add a little fresh lemon juice or vinegar to brighten it up.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What kind of squid should I use?
  Fresh or frozen is fine—just make sure it’s cleaned and gutted.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  You can prep the squid and bacon, but cook just before serving for the best texture.
• What’s a good sub for chicory?
  Try rocket (arugula) or endive for a similar peppery crunch.
• Can I skip the bread?
  Sure, but it really soaks up the flavours. You could also use crostini or crackers.
• Is this dish spicy?
  Not at all! But you could add a pinch of chili flakes if you like some heat.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 414 kcal
• Fat: 18.8g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Protein: 30.6g
• Carbohydrates: 31.9g
• Sugars: 2.3g
• Salt: 1.2g
• Fibre: 1.4g

Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Fattoush Salad
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Fig Salad
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Charred Brussels
• Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Watermelon Salad