Have you ever looked down at a beautifully arranged plate and wondered how it was made? We recently prepared an overhead-style dish at home featuring squid ink spaghetti paired with a fresh radicchio lettuce salad.

The dark, glossy pasta contrasts beautifully with the vibrant purple and green salad. Squid ink spaghetti offers a rich, savory flavor, while radicchio adds crispness and a slightly bitter note. Together, they create a visually stunning and balanced dish perfect for home dining.

Ingredients for Squid Ink Spaghetti

We used the following ingredients for the pasta (serves 2–3 people):

- 90g squid ink spaghetti

- 1 medium squid, cleaned and cut into rings

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- Half an onion, diced

- 1 tablespoon cooking oil

- 100ml Italian tomato sauce (half a small jar)

- 4g squid ink

- 50ml white grape juice (to enhance the flavor)

- Salt to taste

- Black pepper to taste

For the radicchio salad:

- 1 small head of radicchio lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- Optional: a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or Parmesan flakes

Step 1: Marinate the Squid

1. Clean the squid and slice it into 1–2 cm rings.

2. In a small bowl, combine the squid rings with 50ml white grape juice and 4g squid ink.

3. Mix gently and let it marinate for 10 minutes. This step infuses the squid with flavor and helps it stay tender during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil a saucepan of water and add a pinch of salt.

2. Cook 90g squid ink spaghetti according to the package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes) until al dente.

3. Drain the pasta and set aside. Drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

3. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and slightly golden.

4. Pour in 100ml Italian tomato sauce and stir gently to combine.

5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Cook the Squid in Sauce

1. Add the marinated squid along with the remaining squid ink mixture into the sauce.

2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 5 minutes until the squid is cooked through.

3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked squid ink spaghetti to the pan.

2. Toss gently so that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and squid.

3. Let it cook together for 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Prepare the Radicchio Salad

1. Tear the radicchio lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a salad bowl.

2. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar.

3. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then toss to combine.

4. Optional: sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or Parmesan flakes for extra flavor and texture.

Step 7: Plate the Dish

1. Place the squid ink spaghetti in the center of a plate.

2. Arrange the radicchio salad on the side.

3. Garnish the pasta with a few parsley leaves for a pop of green.

4. Make sure the overhead view shows a contrast between the black pasta and the colorful salad for a visually appealing presentation.

Enjoying the Meal

Sitting down to eat, we found the squid ink pasta tender and rich, with a perfect umami flavor. The radicchio salad added freshness and a slightly bitter crunch that balanced the dish beautifully. It’s nutritious, visually stunning, and surprisingly easy to make at home—perfect for impressing friends or treating ourselves to a gourmet meal.

Try It Yourself!

Lykkers, we highly recommend trying this recipe at home. With just a few simple ingredients and careful steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes incredible. The combination of dark, glossy pasta with crisp, colorful salad makes every bite a delight for both the eyes and the palate.