Description
Savory Tuscan artichoke salad brings Mediterranean flavors from Italy’s rolling countryside. Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a light yet satisfying dish you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) artichoke hearts (drained and quartered)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- ½ cup Kalamata or green olives (pitted and halved)
- ¼ red onion (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- ¼ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tbsps capers
- 2 tbsps fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
- 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dressing Fusion: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and integrated, allowing flavors to meld for robust taste.
- Artichoke Preparation: Drain marinated artichoke hearts, pat dry, and slice into uniform, elegant pieces that ensure balanced texture and visual appeal.
- Salad Assembly: Layer baby spinach or arugula as the verdant foundation, strategically distributing artichoke slices across the greens for even flavor dispersion.
- Final Touches: Gently drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, ensuring light coating without saturating ingredients. Enhance with optional garnishes like crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, or fresh herbs to elevate complexity and provide textural contrast.
- Serving Recommendation: Present immediately to maintain crisp texture and vibrant flavor profile, celebrating the harmonious Mediterranean-inspired composition.
Notes
- Optimize Dressing Intensity: Adjust the vinegar and lemon quantities to balance tanginess, tasting gradually to prevent overpowering the delicate artichoke flavor.
- Prevent Artichoke Browning: Pat artichoke hearts completely dry using paper towels to maintain their pristine appearance and prevent moisture-related discoloration.
- Enhance Salad Texture: Toast pine nuts briefly in a dry skillet to release their nutty essence and add a delightful crunch, elevating the overall sensory experience.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap feta with nutritional yeast for a vegan version or use dairy-free alternatives to accommodate various dietary preferences while maintaining the salad’s rich flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg