Hey y’all! If you’re craving a refreshing salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, my Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad is exactly what you need. Packed with juicy tomatoes, marinated artichokes, and crisp veggies tossed in a vibrant Italian vinaigrette, this dish will transport you straight to a sunny Tuscan terrace. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a show-stopping side at summer barbecues, or a make-ahead option for busy weeknights. Grab your favorite mixing bowl—let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad
- Colorful, fresh ingredients make every bite pop with summertime flavor.
- Ready in just 15 minutes—an unbeatable combo of fast and fabulous!
- Requires no cooking, keeping your kitchen cool and cleanup effortless.
- A crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or a crusty bread.
- Packed with fiber, vitamins, and heart-healthy olive oil for a nutritious boost.
Ingredients for Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad
- 1 (14 oz/400g) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 2 cups ripe cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ English cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- ¼ cup oil-cured black olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions: Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the cucumber. Drain the artichoke hearts and quarter them for bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Zesty Tuscan Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, gently toss together the tomatoes, artichoke hearts, red onion, cucumber, olives, and fresh basil. Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss again to coat beautifully. Top with crumbled feta if desired.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes for Perfect Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor; learn more about choosing the right olive oil here.
- Short on time? Skip the feta for a dairy-free version—equally delicious and vegan-friendly.
- Let the salad sit for up to 30 minutes before serving for even deeper flavor development.
Variations for Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad
- Protein Power: Add grilled chicken or canned tuna to transform it into a heartier main dish.
- Grain Bowl: Fold in 1 cup of cooked farro or quinoa for extra texture and nutrition.
- Vegan Delight: Omit feta and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for a lovely crunch.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl and whisk (for dressing)
Storage Instructions for Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the tomatoes and cucumbers may lose their crispness. Avoid freezing as the vegetables will become mushy when thawed.
Serving Ideas & Pairings for Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad
- Serve with warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up the tangy dressing.
- Pair alongside grilled steak, chicken, or fish for a balanced Mediterranean meal.
- Try it with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon.
Pro Tips for the Best Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad
- For extra flavor, marinate your red onion slices in a splash of vinegar for 5 minutes before adding to the salad.
- Use sun-ripened tomatoes for maximum sweetness—here’s how to pick the best tomatoes at your local market: Epicurious Guide.
- Double the vinaigrette to store in your fridge for other salads or roasted veggies; learn more about homemade dressings here.
FAQ: Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad
- Can I make Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare the components and vinaigrette in advance, then toss everything together just before serving for the freshest texture.
- What type of artichoke hearts are best?
- Marinated artichoke hearts add extra tangy flavor, but canned or jarred in water work well, too—just drain thoroughly.
- How can I make this salad kid-friendly?
- Dice the vegetables smaller, omit the onions if desired, and skip strong olives for picky eaters.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
1In a large salad bowl, combine the artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and basil.
-
2In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
-
3Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients evenly.
-
4Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice, if desired.
-
5Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!