7 Creative Uses for Artichoke Hearts

March 21, 2024

Courtesy of The Mediterranean Dish

Except for spinach-artichoke dip, you may not have artichoke hearts at the top of your list when you’re thinking about what to cook. But these tender and flavorful gems are delicious and packed with fiber, vitamins K and C, folate, and other nutrients.

Another reason we love artichoke hearts: Their versatility. They add texture and unique flavor to salads, pasta dishes, appetizers, and more. Plus, you can buy them frozen, canned, or marinated. Or, if you feel adventurous, you can buy whole artichokes, prep and cook them, and enjoy the flesh off the leaves until you work your way down to the meaty hearts.

Here are 7 creative uses for artichoke hearts to suit every taste.

1. Roasted Artichoke Hearts

Courtesy of The Mediterranean Dish

Humble canned artichoke hearts get their moment in the spotlight with this tasty appetizer. Roasting artichoke hearts brings out their natural sweetness and adds a rich caramelized flavor. Enjoy this as an appetizer (try the feta dip on the side), or toss the roasted hearts into a salad or pasta.

Try this recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.

2. Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken

Courtesy of The Roasted Root

Stuff chicken breasts with a combo of artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, feta, and olives, and it’s like a trip to the Mediterranean right on your plate. With just 10 minutes of prep, this recipe is easy enough for a weeknight, but it’s elegant enough for a dinner party.

Try this recipe from The Roasted Root.

3. Goat Cheese, Spinach, and Artichoke-Stuffed Mushrooms

Courtesy of What’s Cooking Kelli

If you love spinach-artichoke dip, this hearty vegetarian recipe will be your jam. Stuff portobello mushroom caps with a creamy mixture of goat cheese, spinach, and artichoke hearts, and bake — it’s like having all the dip all to yourself.

Try this recipe from What’s Cooking Kelli.

4. Quick Pantry Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Courtesy of From A Chef’s Kitchen

Give tuna salad a glow-up by folding in artichoke hearts, white beans, and capers. Instead of mayo, you dress it with heart-healthy olive oil. Serve this sophisticated salad over lettuce or on toasted slices of sourdough.

Try this recipe from From A Chef’s Kitchen.

5. Sun-Dried Tomato Artichoke Pasta

Courtesy of Short Girl Tall Order

Here’s a fully plant-based dish that utilizes pantry ingredients, but still feels like a special, indulgent meal. With shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and green olives, it’s loaded with flavor. Use low-carb noodles, if you prefer.

Try this recipe from Short Girl Tall Order.

6. Mediterranean Artichoke Salad

Courtesy of The View From Great Island

Similar to a vegetarian Cobb salad, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious and satisfying. All the greatest Mediterranean hits are here: Artichoke hearts, chickpeas, olives, feta, peppers, and more. Enjoy it on its own, or have it alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Try this recipe from The View From Great Island.

7. Artichoke Pesto and Burrata Pizza with Lemony Arugula

Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest

Pizza is always a good idea, especially when you top it with pesto, olives, spinach, and artichoke hearts before baking, then add creamy burrata and a quick arugula salad when it comes out of the oven. Every bite is an explosion of flavors and textures. Buy pizza dough from your local pizza parlor, or use a frozen crust.

Try this recipe from Half Baked Harvest.