Fresh Artichoke Salad with Grana Padano and Lemon Dressing

Artichoke Salad (Insalata di Carciofi) Recipe

Category: Salads
Servings: 4

An exquisite, fresh, and vibrant dish that celebrates the earthy flavor of artichokes, the creamy texture of Grana Padano cheese, and the refreshing zest of lemon. This Artichoke Salad, or Insalata di Carciofi, is simple yet elegant—perfect as a light appetizer or a crisp side dish to any meal. It’s a beautiful way to showcase the natural goodness of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Artichokes:
   Begin by cleaning the artichokes. To prevent the artichokes from browning as you work, prepare an acidulated water solution. Fill a bowl with water and squeeze the juice of one lemon into it. This will keep the artichokes from discoloring as you handle them.

2. Trimming the Artichokes:
   Remove the tough outer leaves of the artichokes, which can be fibrous and inedible. Use a sharp knife to cut off the top of the artichoke, removing the spiky tips. Trim away the tough part of the stem, leaving just enough to hold the artichoke together. Slice the artichokes very thinly to ensure they absorb the lemony dressing well. As you slice each artichoke, immediately place the pieces into the acidulated water.

3. Draining the Artichokes:
   After you’ve finished slicing all the artichokes, let them sit in the acidulated water for a few minutes. This helps to preserve their color and texture. Once they are ready, drain the artichokes thoroughly in a colander, ensuring that any excess water is removed.

4. Making the Dressing (Citronette):
   For the dressing, use a grater to shave the Grana Padano cheese into delicate flakes. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice (30 g) with a pinch of fine salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the salt dissolves. Slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil (60 g), continuing to whisk until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth mixture. This simple, flavorful citronette will add a refreshing zing to the artichokes.

5. Assembling the Salad:
   Transfer the drained artichokes into a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared citronette over the artichokes, ensuring they are well coated. Add half of the Grana Padano flakes and mix gently with a spoon to combine, making sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

6. Plating the Salad:
   For a more refined presentation, you can serve the salad inside a food ring (coppapasta) to help maintain its shape. Spoon the dressed artichokes into the ring, then carefully lift the ring off to reveal a perfectly formed mound of artichoke salad. Alternatively, you can serve the salad directly in bowls or on plates.

7. Finishing Touches:
   To finish, top the salad with the remaining Grana Padano flakes and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top. This final touch adds richness and enhances the flavor of the salad.

8. Serving:
   Your crunchy and refreshing Insalata di Carciofi is now ready to serve! It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors, with the earthiness of the artichokes, the sharpness of the lemon, and the richness of the Grana Padano. This salad is best enjoyed immediately, but it can also be made a little ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Tips:

• Artichoke Tip: If you’re not familiar with cleaning artichokes, it may seem a bit daunting at first, but with a bit of practice, it becomes an easy and quick task. Be sure to choose artichokes that are fresh, with tightly packed leaves and a vibrant color.
• Variation: If you want to add more texture to this dish, consider tossing in some toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
• Pairing Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or roasted chicken for a light yet satisfying meal. It’s also a fantastic side dish for holiday meals or casual family dinners.

Enjoy the vibrant and flavorful Insalata di Carciofi, a perfect dish to welcome fresh ingredients into your table. It’s a true celebration of simplicity, freshness, and flavor.