This colorful Tuscan artichoke tomato salad is fresh and easy to make! With juicy tomatoes, tender artichokes, and a sprinkle of herbs, it’s a feast for the eyes and the tummy.
I love serving this salad as a side dish or a light lunch. It’s like a sunny day on a plate! You can whip it up in no time, leaving more space for your favorite toppings—like extra cheese!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Artichoke Hearts: Canned artichoke hearts are easy and convenient. If fresh artichokes are available, you can use them, but they require more prep. Frozen artichokes are another good option.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes are perfect for this salad. You can replace them with grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
Chickpeas: I love using chickpeas for added protein. If you’re avoiding beans, try using diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch instead.
Red Onion: The bite of red onion is delightful here. If you find it too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes. Yellow or green onions are fine replacements as well.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and basil bring so much flavor! If you don’t have them, dried herbs can work, though fresh is always better. Dill or cilantro can also add a nice twist!
What’s the Best Way to Combine Flavors in a Salad?
To really let your salad shine, it’s important to combine the ingredients and let them sit. This allows the flavors to meld. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine all the solid ingredients in one bowl first.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl until they’re well mixed.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly.
- Let it rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature before serving. This enhances the taste!
Following this method will ensure every bite is delicious and flavorful. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Easy Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tbsp capers, drained
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or green onions
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prep! Just gather your ingredients, mix them up, and let the flavors party together for at least 10 minutes. Easy and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, start by adding the quartered artichoke hearts, halved cherry tomatoes, drained and rinsed chickpeas, sliced red onion, and capers. Mix these together gently with a spoon to combine.
2. Add Fresh Herbs:
Next, sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley and basil (or green onions). These herbs will add so much flavor and freshness to your salad!
3. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This dressing is what ties everything together!
4. Pour & Toss:
Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything gently until it’s well-coated in the dressing.
5. Let it Rest:
Now, let your salad sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes. This allows all the wonderful flavors to mingle and make each bite extra delicious.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish with your meals or as a light main course. Feel free to garnish with additional parsley or basil on top for that extra pop! Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of this Tuscan-inspired artichoke and tomato salad!
Can I Use Frozen Artichokes Instead?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen artichokes before adding them to your salad. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a bowl of warm water for quicker results.
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?
No problem at all! You can substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar. Each will give a slightly different tang, but they’ll still taste great in the salad!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the tomatoes may release some moisture, so you may want to enjoy it sooner for the best texture!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add ingredients like cucumber, bell peppers, or even avocado for extra creaminess. Just make sure to adjust the amount of dressing to ensure everything is well-coated!
