What sauce is good with calamari?

Some of the best sauces for calamari include garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, tartar sauce, and marinara. Each offers a unique flavor—garlicky, spicy, creamy, or tangy—that enhances the mild, slightly sweet taste of calamari. Lighter sauces like lemon vinaigrette or tzatziki also pair beautifully with grilled or sautéed calamari.

What is calamari traditionally served with?

Traditionally, calamari is served with marinara sauce, lemon wedges, or garlic butter, often alongside crusty bread, salad, or fried potatoes. Mediterranean regions may also pair it with herb oil or tzatziki. The exact accompaniments vary by region and preparation style—fried or grilled.

What sauce does Olive Garden serve with calamari?

Olive Garden serves calamari with their signature warm marinara sauce and sometimes a parmesan peppercorn dipping sauce. The marinara is smooth, mildly sweet, and seasoned with herbs like basil and oregano, perfectly complementing the crispy calamari.

How to make garlic mayo for calamari?

To make garlic mayo: Combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 clove chopped garlic, 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend well, chill for 15 minutes, and serve. You can enhance it with roasted garlic or chipotle powder for a smoky twist.

Calamari Dipping Sauce – The Best 7 Sauces You Must Try Now

Name: Calamari Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or 2 tablespoons chipotle pepper in adobo sauce; 1 clove garlic coarsely chopped; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Pinch of salt

Calamari Dipping Sauce

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Discover the best calamari dipping sauces, from garlic aioli to chipotle mayo, and learn how to make them at home with easy recipes and pairing tips.

Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon chipotle powder or 2 tablespoons chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

1 clove garlic coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Add the mayonnaise, chipotle powder OR chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, garlic, lemon juice and pinch of salt to a bowl and blend until combined. If using chipotle pepper, blend it in a food processor or with a stick blender to incorporate.

Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can use either chipotle powder or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes