Teresa's Recipes
Mediterranean Artichoke Salad
Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing artichoke salad. Combining tender, freshly cooked artichokes with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite. Drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing and garnished with kalamata olives and fresh parsley, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next gathering. The artichoke, a vegetable prized since ancient times, has a rich history dating back to the Mediterranean civilizations, often considered a delicacy.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Fresh artichokes
- 2 large, diced Tomatoes
- 1 large, diced Cucumbers
- 1 small, thinly sliced Red onion
- 1/2 cup, pitted and halved Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup, crumbled Feta cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed Lemon juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 14g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Sugar: 3g
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- While waiting for the water to boil, prepare your artichokes by trimming the tough outer leaves and cutting off the top 1 inch.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully place the artichokes in the pot and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the outer leaves pull away easily and the heart is tender.
- Remove the artichokes from the boiling water and let them cool until manageable.
- Once cooled, gently remove the outer leaves and cut the artichokes into quarters, discarding the hairy choke in the center.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked artichokes, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, sliced red onion, halved kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Tips
- For a unique twist, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- You can substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
- Experiment with adding herbs like mint or dill for additional freshness.