One of the most overlooked spring vegetables is the artichoke; not only is it delicious, it is also crazy good for you — packed with iron and calcium, as well as 20% of your daily fiber. Don’t be put-off by those spiked leaves. Underneath that tough exterior, the artichoke is all softhearted. So whether you’re a longtime ‘choke lover or a relatively new convert, you’re just one ingredient away from the perfect meal. From salads to pastas, dips and sandwiches, here are some fresh artichoke dishes to cook up this season and beyond.
1. Spinach and Artichoke Pizza: Top a simple pizza with the best ingredients ever. We’re talking garlic-infused olive oil, marinated artichoke hearts, mozzarella, blue cheese, spinach and basil. It’s definitely time to proclaim it pizza night. (via Half BakedHarvest)
2. Asparagus, Artichoke and Shiitake Risotto: Grab some fresh asparagus and artichokes to make this creamy risotto for a warming and delicious dinner. (via Smitten Kitchen)
3. Grilled Artichokes: Oh summer, we cannot wait to start grilling. Try these grilled artichokes the first chance you get and drizzle them with lemon vinaigrette and garlic bread crumbs. (via Cooking for Keeps)
4. Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese: Similar to a cheesy artichoke dip but in tasty meal form, take full advantage of that beautiful leafy veggie and go heavy on the spinach. (via A Couple Cooks)
5. Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms: Technically you can use any size mushrooms, but with a filling this good, you’re going to want to use the biggest portobellos you can find. (via Drool Worthy)
6. Spinach Artichoke Dip in Parmesan Cups: Quit wasting your scrumptious artichoke dip on bland crackers. Try your hand making these gorgeous parmesan cups for the ultimate party plate. (via Diethood)
7. Shrimp, Artichoke and Feta Pasta: Fresh basil, tomatoes, salty feta and a generous helping of shrimp and artichoke hearts make this a pasta dish you’ll be craving all season long. (via Food ‘n’Focus)
8. Jalapeño Artichoke Dip: Creamy, tangy, spicy and completely addictive, all you need to do is throw the ingredients in a blender and you are ready to start dipping. (via Lauren’s Latest)
9. Killer Artichoke Bread: Needing a break from your spring diet? Splurge with this cheesy goodness on top of a baguette for a special treat. (via Crumb)
10. Asparagus Artichoke Salad: If you prefer not to have your artichokes with a lot of cheese, check out this light salad with fresh asparagus, marinated artichoke hearts and bright cherry tomatoes. (via Simply Recipes)
11. Sardou-Style Eggs: Roasted artichoke hearts topped with creamed collards and a poached egg sounds like a glorious breakfast to us. (via Martha Stewart)
12. Spinach, Artichoke and Brie Crepes With Sweet Honey Sauce: For a more unique take on the classic spinach-artichoke combo, try adding them in with butter smooth brie and topping with a honey sauce. (via Half Baked Harvest)
13. Turkey Artichoke Panini: As decadent as this sandwich looks, it’s actually fairly light in calories and the combination of flavors and textures will have you making this guilt-free panini over and over again. (via Dashing Dish)
14. Steak and Artichoke Salad With Blue Cheese Dressing: Pair artichokes with roasted red peppers, candied walnuts and seasoned steak, then top with a light blue cheese dressing made with Greek yogurt. (via Gimme Some Oven)
15. Herbed Polenta Fries With Mushroom Artichoke Fricassee: Perfect for an appetizer or even a light dinner, these rustic polenta fries are crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Top with fresh herbs and a sophisticated artichoke topping, and you’ll be happy as a clam. (via Kitchen Confidante)
16. Artichoke and Feta Tarts With Tomato Salad: Such an explosion of color and flavor! Here sweet peas and tomatoes are balanced with salty feta, tangy fresh mint and crunchy artichoke hearts atop a flaky tart. (via Kitchen Confidante)
17. Panzanella With Artichokes and Olives: Ready for the perfect warm weather dinner? Chop up some fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil, add some olives and artichoke hearts and then toss with a zesty dressing for a light, but filling bread salad. (via Kitchen Confidante)
18. Cheesy Fontina Chorizo and Caramelized Onion Artichoke Dip: Since when did spinach become the only partner to artichoke? We think it’s time artichoke branches out and starts seeing other ingredients. Spicy chorizo with sweet caramelized onions sounds like a pretty delicious place to start. (via Half Baked Harvest)
19. Spinach Avocado Artichoke Salad: If you’re running low on ideas for Meatless Monday, try this protein-packed salad of quinoa, avocado, boiled eggs and a lemony olive oil dressing. (via Mountain Mama Cooks)
20. Tortellini Pasta Salad: Grab some cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, a can of fire-roasted tomatoes, artichoke hearts and fresh basil, and you’ll have this meal made before you can say, “What’s for dinner?” (via Tablespoon)
21. Spinach Salad With Apples and Artichokes: You may think apples and artichokes are an unusual pairing, but combined with crunchy spinach, gorgonzola cheese, toasted pecans, and an apple cider vinaigrette, they make a smashing salad. (via Gimme Some Oven)
Are you “heart-ing” any of these artichoke recipes? Let us know in the comments below!
Kate Thorn
Kate Thorn is an illustrator, foodie, photographer, and blogger at Create & Kate. She loves creating art, traveling, and all things chocolate. A native to the Great Northwest, she is currently living in London and pretending to be a mature grad student.
