As a passionate food enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique and healthy recipes that can add a burst of flavor to my meals. One day, I stumbled upon this delightful Air Fried Artichoke Salad, and I knew I had to give it a try. I’ve always loved the taste of artichokes, and the thought of combining them with the convenience of air frying was intriguing. The result? A scrumptious, guilt-free dish that has become a favorite among my friends and family.
What is this Air Fried Artichoke Salad?
Air Fried Artichoke Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that features tender, crispy artichokes as its star ingredient. The artichokes are tossed in a simple blend of olive oil, salt, and black pepper before being air fried to golden perfection. This recipe has its roots in Mediterranean cuisine, where artichokes are a popular and versatile ingredient. The air frying method ensures that the dish remains light and nutritious, while still boasting a satisfying crunch.
Why Should you try this recipe?
There are several reasons to give this Air Fried Artichoke Salad a try:
- Health benefits: Artichokes are packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re known to support digestion, liver health, and heart health. Additionally, air frying uses less oil than traditional frying methods, resulting in a lower-fat dish.
- Unique flavor: The combination of tender artichoke hearts and a crispy exterior adds an exciting contrast of textures and flavors to your meal.
- Versatility: This recipe can be enjoyed as a stand-alone dish or incorporated into a salad, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
- Easy to prepare: With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this Air Fried Artichoke Salad is a convenient option for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
- Conversation starter: The dish’s unique combination of ingredients and cooking method is sure to impress your guests and spark engaging conversations around the dinner table.
Ingredients for Air Fried Artichoke Salad :
For the air-fried artichokes:
- 2 cans of artichoke hearts, drained and patted dry
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the dressing:
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the salad:
- 6 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
- 4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Ingredient Notes
In my personal experience, using high-quality ingredients can make a significant difference in the taste and nutritional value of this Air Fried Artichoke Salad. Here are some tips and recommendations based on my own trials:
- Artichoke hearts: Opt for canned artichoke hearts packed in water, as they tend to have fewer added ingredients and are lower in calories than those packed in oil. If you prefer, you can also use fresh or frozen artichoke hearts, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for both the air frying and the dressing. This will enhance the flavor and provide additional health benefits.
- Dijon mustard: A smooth, tangy Dijon mustard works best for the dressing. However, you can also experiment with whole-grain or honey Dijon mustard for a different flavor profile.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give you the best taste and texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative.
- Brussels sprouts: Choose fresh, bright green Brussels sprouts with compact leaves. To save time, look for pre-shaved Brussels sprouts in the produce section of your grocery store.
- White beans: Use canned cannellini or Great Northern beans for their creamy texture and mild flavor. Be sure to rinse and drain them well before adding them to the salad.
- Fresh parsley: Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley has a more robust flavor than curly parsley, making it an excellent choice for this recipe. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs, like basil or cilantro, for a different taste.
How to Make Air Fried Artichoke Salad?
1. Prepare the artichokes:
- Drain and pat dry the canned artichoke hearts.
- Toss them in a bowl with 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of black pepper.
2. Air fry the artichokes:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the seasoned artichoke hearts in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Cook for 15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the artichokes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before cutting them in half.
3. Prepare the dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped shallot, Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup of olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and whisk until thoroughly mixed and emulsified.
4. Assemble the salad:
- In a large salad bowl, layer the shaved Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced celery, drained white beans, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Add the air-fried artichokes on top.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly coated.
How to Serve:
Serve the Air Fried Artichoke Salad immediately after tossing with the dressing for optimal flavor and texture. Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish to complement grilled meats, fish, or other protein sources. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the salad with additional grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Storage and Freezing Instructions:
Storage: Store any leftover Air Fried Artichoke Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture of the air-fried artichokes may soften over time.
Freezing: Due to the nature of the ingredients, this salad is not suitable for freezing. The artichokes, Brussels sprouts, and celery may become mushy upon thawing, and the dressing may separate or lose its emulsion. It’s best to enjoy the salad fresh or within the recommended storage period.
Pro Tips:
- Pat the artichoke hearts dry thoroughly before air frying to ensure a crispy texture. Excess moisture may cause the artichokes to steam rather than crisp up.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking the artichokes, as this may result in uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
- When making the dressing, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may prefer a more tangy or salty flavor, so don’t hesitate to customize the dressing to your liking.
- To save time, consider using pre-shaved Brussels sprouts and pre-sliced celery available in the produce section of your grocery store.
- Be gentle when tossing the salad to prevent the artichokes and other ingredients from breaking apart.
- If you’d like to add a protein source to make the salad more substantial, try incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Alternative Recipes:
- Roasted Artichoke and Quinoa Salad: Replace the air-fried artichokes with roasted ones and add cooked quinoa for a hearty, protein-packed salad.
- Mediterranean Artichoke Salad: Skip the air frying step and combine marinated artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese for a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired salad.
- Grilled Artichoke and Kale Salad: Grill the artichokes instead of air frying, and toss them with chopped kale, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds for a nutrient-dense salad option.
- Artichoke and Avocado Salad: For a creamy twist, mix air-fried or marinated artichoke hearts with sliced avocado, red onion, and mixed greens, and drizzle with a light lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted Beets With Goat Cheese Salad
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Kidney Bean Salad
- Healthy Broccoli Salad
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can use fresh artichokes, but you’ll need to clean, trim, and cook them before air frying. Boil or steam the fresh artichokes until tender, then proceed with the air frying steps in the recipe.
To make this salad vegan, replace the Parmesan cheese in the dressing with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative. Ensure the Dijon mustard is vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain honey or other non-vegan ingredients.
Yes, you can roast the artichokes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until crispy, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
Absolutely! You can replace the shaved Brussels sprouts with your choice of greens, such as baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix, depending on your taste preferences.
You can replace white beans with chickpeas, black beans, or even cooked lentils for a different flavor and texture.
Air Fried Artichoke Salad
Ingredients
For the air-fried artichokes:
- 2 cans artichoke hearts, drained and patted dry
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the dressing:
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp lemon Juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the salad:
- 6 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
- 4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make?
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Drain, pat dry, and season artichoke hearts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry artichokes for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Prepare dressing by whisking together shallot, Dijon mustard, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Layer salad ingredients in a large bowl: shaved Brussels sprouts, celery, white beans, parsley, and air-fried artichokes.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
