Ingredients
For the Salad
2 cups of fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can (14 oz) of artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
- Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Rinse the cherry tomatoes, cut them in half, and place them in a large salad bowl.
Drain and quarter the artichoke hearts, then add them to the salad bowl.
Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl.
Pit the Kalamata olives and slice them into rounds. Add them to the other ingredients.
Tear the fresh basil leaves and chop the parsley. Add these herbs to the salad.
3. Assemble the Salad
Gently toss all the salad ingredients together in the bowl. If you’re using feta cheese, sprinkle it on top at this stage.
4. Add the Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad. Start with about half of the dressing and then add more as needed. You can always serve extra dressing on the side for those who prefer more.
5. Season and Serve
Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together one more time to ensure the dressing distributes evenly.
6. Serve
Transfer the Artichoke Tomato Salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
7. Enjoy
Serve your Artichoke Tomato Salad as a refreshing side dish for lunch or dinner. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal.
Feel free to customize this salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein or swapping out ingredients to suit your preferences.
Rebekkah Nembhard | Staff Writer