Description
Mediterranean-inspired white bean, artichoke, and caramelized tomato salad delivers robust flavors and fresh ingredients. Herbs, roasted vegetables, and creamy beans create a harmonious blend that provides a delightful experience for Italian cuisine enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 can white beans (240 grams / 8.5 ounces drained)
- 1 jar grilled artichokes (190 grams / 6.7 ounces)
- 15 cherry tomatoes
- 50 grams (1.8 ounces) feta cheese
- 30 grams (1.1 ounces) slivered almonds
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 fresh red onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- A pinch of fleur de sel
- Black pepper
- Fresh basil
- ½ lemon
- A drizzle of olive oil
- A drizzle of white (or classic) balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for a transformative roasting process.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in half, creating symmetrical halves for even caramelization.
- In a mixing vessel, coat tomato halves with extra virgin olive oil, brown sugar, and a delicate sprinkle of fleur de sel, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
- Spread tomatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden and sugars crystallize.
- While tomatoes roast, place slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until they develop a rich, golden-brown color and release a nutty aroma.
- Carefully slice red onion into translucent, paper-thin rings to maximize flavor dispersion.
- Thoroughly rinse white beans under cool running water, removing any excess starch or residue.
- Once tomatoes are caramelized, combine white beans, sliced onion, and artichoke hearts in a large serving bowl.
- Gently fold in the roasted tomatoes, allowing their concentrated sweetness to intermingle with other ingredients.
- Crumble feta cheese over the salad, creating pockets of creamy tanginess.
- Sprinkle toasted almonds for a crunchy textural contrast.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish and add a citrusy note.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them across the salad for an aromatic finish.
- Drizzle with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a measured amount of balsamic vinegar.
- Toss gently to ensure even distribution of flavors and serve immediately at room temperature.
Notes
- Caramelizing tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a rich, concentrated flavor that elevates the entire salad’s taste profile.
- Toasting almonds beforehand releases their nutty oils, adding a delightful crunch and depth to the dish’s overall texture.
- Rinsing white beans removes excess sodium and ensures a clean, fresh taste that won’t overpower the delicate ingredients.
- Fresh basil and lemon juice brighten the salad, cutting through the richness of feta and providing a zesty, refreshing contrast.
- Letting the caramelized tomatoes cool slightly before mixing prevents wilting delicate ingredients and maintains the salad’s vibrant appearance.
- Serving at room temperature allows all flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg