This Italian Salad with Artichokes is loaded with Italian flavors and it's one of our family favorites! It's simple to put together and is served best chilled. Pair it with your favorite Italian pasta dish or soup, or add chicken and turn it into a healthy dinner salad that you'll want to make again and again.
Italian salad with artichokes is a tasty dish featuring a mix of fresh vegetables, marinated artichoke hearts, and a tangy dressing. This salad is a staple in Italian cuisine and is known for its flavor and health benefits. Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making this salad a great choice for a wholesome meal.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Fresh Ingredients: Crisp romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and marinated artichoke hearts make for a mouthwatering combination.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this salad is a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite veggies and toppings.
If you like this salad recipe, you may also love our Italian Chopped Salad Recipe or our Italian-Style Garden Fresh Salad.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Instructions
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Romaine Lettuce: The base of our salad, providing a crunchy and refreshing texture.
- Roasted Red Pepper: Adds a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts: The star of the salad, offering a tangy and savory taste.
- Cucumber: Adds a cool and crisp element to the salad.
- Red Onion: Provides a mild, slightly spicy flavor.
- Tomato: Adds juiciness and sweetness.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Pine Nuts: Toasted for extra crunch and a rich, buttery flavor.
- Croutons: Adds a satisfying crunch.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
Dressing
- Italian Vinaigrette: Adds so much flavor!
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Italian Salad with Artichokes:
STEP ONE: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop the romaine lettuce, slice the roasted red pepper, cucumber, and red onion, and chop the tomatoes.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Artichokes
Drain and chop the marinated artichoke hearts.
STEP THREE: Toast the Pine Nuts
In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add pine nuts and toast until golden brown, stirring frequently. Let cool.
STEP FOUR: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced vegetables, and artichoke hearts. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and croutons.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Artichoke Hearts: Substitute with hearts of palm or roasted asparagus.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use goat cheese for a creamy alternative.
- Pine Nuts: Swap with sliced almonds or crushed pistachios for a different nutty flavor.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Add Protein: Chicken or Italian meats like salami, etc. would be a great addition to this salad if you want something more filling.
- Flavor: Add olives or capers for a briny kick.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
How Should You Store This?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For best results, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
To keep the salad fresh, make sure to dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly after washing. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
For added flavor, let the salad sit for a few minutes after tossing to allow the flavors to blend together.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Extra pine nuts can also be used in this Easy and Healthy Spring Mix Salad.
- We've also added pine nuts to this Warm Bacon and Spinach Salad.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- This salad woud pair well with our Sunday Gravy with Short Ribs.
- In the mood for something different? Try it with our Pasta Alla Carbonara with Prosciutto and Peas.
- Want to impress your guest? Serve it with this eye-catching Spaghetti Nero di Seppia with Clams
More salad recipes you will love:
Frequently Asked Questions
Artichokes are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. They can aid digestion, support heart health, and boost liver function.
To roast red peppers, place them directly on a gas burner or under a broiler, turning occasionally until the skin is charred and blistered all over. Transfer them to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes to steam. Peel off the charred skin, remove the seeds, and slice as needed.
Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Toast for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the skillet immediately to prevent further cooking.
📖 Recipe
Italian Salad with Artichokes
Ingredients
- 1 head Romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 roasted red pepper sliced
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts chopped
- 1 cucumber sliced
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup croutons
- Salt or to taste
- Pepper or to taste
Dressing
- ½ cup Italian or balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash and chop the Romaine lettuce, then place it in a large salad bowl.
- Add the sliced roasted red pepper, chopped marinated artichoke hearts, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped tomatoes to the bowl.
- In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast until golden brown, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and croutons over the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Artichoke Hearts: Substitute with hearts of palm or roasted asparagus.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use goat cheese for a creamy alternative.
- Pine Nuts: Swap with sliced almonds or crushed pistachios for a different nutty flavor.
Nutrition
This Italian salad with artichokes is a delicious and healthy option for families and home cooks. Try it out and let us know how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to check out our other recipes and share your favorites with friends and family!
Important Food Safety Tips
Always wash your hands and vegetables thoroughly before preparing the salad. Store any leftovers promptly in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
