If you love trying unique salads, this Air-fried Artichoke salad is best for you. Being a professional chef, and food enthusiast, I love creating healthy recipes that can add a burst of flavor to my meals.
For this reason, today I’ve brought this delightful artichoke salad. And you know what, making artichoke salad in an air-fryer is really amazing and it will result in a scrumptious, guilt-free dish that can become a favorite among your friends and family.
What is Air Fried Artichoke Salad?
Air-fried Artichoke salad is a healthy salad that is made with crispy artichokes as its key ingredient. These artichokes are tossed in a blend of olive oil, salt, and black pepper before being air-fried to golden perfection. This salad has its origin in Mediterranean cuisine, where artichokes are used as a common ingredient. The air frying method ensures that the salad remains light and nutritious, while still providing a satisfying crunch.
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
I prefer using fresh ingredients because the freshness makes a significant difference in the taste and nutritional value of any healthy diet. Here are my recommendations before making this salad:
- Artichoke hearts: If you don’t have fresh artichoke hearts available, you can 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. However, you can also use frozen artichoke hearts, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Olive oil: I prefer using extra-virgin olive oil for both the air frying and the dressing. This enhances the flavor and provides additional health benefits.
- Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard works best for the dressing. However, you can also use whole-grain or honey Dijon mustard for a different flavor profile.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the best taste and texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can try nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan as an alternative.
- Brussels sprouts: Choose fresh 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 Air Fried Artichoke Salad?
Serve the Air Fried Artichoke Salad immediately after tossing it 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:
- Napa cabbage salad
- Mediterranean Artichoke Salad
- Grilled Artichoke and Kale Salad
- Classic Avocado egg salad
- Roasted Beets With Goat Cheese Salad
- Tratitional 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.
