We had to try the Ensaladilla de pulpo at Taberna Sol y Sombra in Seville because we love ensaladilla rusa and octopus, so this combination felt natural. Their dish did not disappoint!
Quick facts about Ensaladilla de pulpo
- Also known as: Potato and mayonnaise salad with octopus
- Definition: Ensaladilla de pulpo is a Spanish tapa made with potatoes, octopus, eggs, carrots and mayonnaise, usually boiled, served cold, and known for its creamy texture.
- Where we ate it: Taberna Sol y Sombra, Seville
- Context: While octopus is not a typical ingredient outside the North of Spain, the Ensaladilla de pulpo became popular in Seville after Restaurant Tomaré Tapas started offering it. According to the owner, Miguel Señas, he decided to put it on the menu after trying the Ensaladilla de pulpo in Galicia.
- Served: cold
- Texture: creamy
- Flavour: fresh and savoury
- Pronunciation: ehn-sah-lah-dee-yah deh pool-poh
- One-line verdict: a fresh and creamy tapa, perfect for those hot Andalusian days since it’s served cold.
Why it’s worth ordering
You should order the Ensaladilla de pulpo at Taberna Sol y Sombra in Seville to start your meal with a cold dish. Ensaladilla tapas are popular in Spain because they are refreshing, and this version is especially interesting to order in Andalusia because the octopus has more bite than other ingredients used in some other versions (tuna or shrimp).
Taste and texture
The Ensaladilla de pulpo at Taberna Sol y Sombra in Seville is creamy, fresh, and savoury. The octopus adds a bit of bite and seafood flavour. Their mayonnaise must be made by them because its texture is unlike other mayo we’ve tasted so far; it’s much creamier and thicker. We’d order it again because it’s refreshing and delicious.
How to order it
Once the waiter at Taberna Sol y Sombra in Seville comes to your table, you can order the Ensaladilla de pulpo just by saying “La ensaladilla, por favor”. They don’t have other versions of Ensaladilla, so you don’t need to mention the octopus part. Keep in mind that this isn’t a dish you can eat by yourself, because it’s too much food, so it’s better to share it.
Watch it
Quick decision guide
You’ll like it if: you like Potato and mayonnaise salad and octopus
If you want something similar: Ensaladilla Rusa, Pulpo á feira/ Pulpo a la Gallega
Frequently asked questions
Both are potato and mayonnaise salads, but Ensaladilla Rusa uses tuna, peas, and pickles as the typical mix-ins, while Ensaladilla de pulpo replaces those with octopus. The base is the same – boiled potatoes and mayonnaise – but the octopus version has a more distinctive seafood flavour and a firmer texture from the octopus pieces.
It is a sharing tapa rather than a main course – the portion is designed for two or more people to share as a starter alongside other dishes. Order it as the first cold dish before moving to warmer or heartier tapas.
Tapas Spinner
Discover more Spanish tapas
Tap once. Get 3 tapas ideas.
50+ tapas · 5 taps a day · Works offline
STAY IN SEVILLE
Planning a trip to Seville?
Find a place to stay and make your next food adventure one to remember.