Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that combines the earthy flavor of artichokes with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, all dressed in a zesty olive oil-based dressing. Inspired by the flavors of Tuscany, this salad is perfect as a side dish or a light main course. It’s full of Mediterranean ingredients that are both healthy and delicious, making it an excellent choice for any meal.

Ingredients

• Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

artichoke hearts (fresh or jarred)
cherry tomatoes
cucumber
red onion
fresh basil
extra virgin olive oil
red wine vinegar
garlic
lemon juice
salt and pepper

Directions

1. Start by draining and rinsing the artichoke hearts if using jarred ones. Cut them into quarters.
2. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and thinly slice the cucumber and red onion.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the artichokes, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh basil.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
6. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add some crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
• Incorporate olives for a briny touch.
• Use roasted red peppers for additional sweetness and color.
• If you prefer a more filling salad, add grilled chicken or shrimp.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept for a short time in the fridge. Avoid reheating as it may affect the texture of the vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use frozen artichokes instead of jarred or fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen artichokes, just make sure to thaw them and remove excess moisture.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While you can prep the ingredients in advance, it’s best to dress the salad right before serving to maintain the freshness of the vegetables.

Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?
Yes, balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar would work well as substitutes.

Conclusion

Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make dish that captures the essence of Italian flavors. Its combination of fresh ingredients and tangy dressing makes it the perfect addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to be a hit!

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