Description
This Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and quick Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring artichoke hearts, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Perfect as a light appetizer or side salad, it offers a delightful balance of tangy, savory, and herby flavors, finished with optional creamy feta or Parmesan for added richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan
Instructions
- Combine the Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the drained and quartered artichoke hearts, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh basil. This creates the fresh base of the salad.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified into a smooth vinaigrette.
- Toss Salad with Vinaigrette: Pour the vinaigrette over the mixed vegetables in the large bowl and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Rest the Salad: Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld and intensify.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, optionally sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan for a creamy, savory finish.
Notes
- For a vegan option, omit the cheese garnish or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; toss again before serving.
- Add a dash of lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Perfect as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light vegetarian meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
