What to Serve with Artichokes? 13 Best Side Dishes

So, artichokes, right? (Globe artichokes, Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, are thistle-like Mediterranean buds prized for their tender hearts and subtle nutty flavor.)

You know, the one who shows up to parties all dressed up and everyone wonders how to get to know them better.

When we think of what to serve with artichokes, we want something that compliments their vibe without overshadowing them.

We've spent plenty of time figuring this out over countless dinner nights. Whether we've ended up with some cheesy dip or a fresh salad, it's all about improving that flavorful experience.

Get ready for our go-to list of the best side dishes for artichokes. Each suggestion is a cool hangout buddy for your artichoke, making sure your meal is a hit!

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Top 13 Side Dishes for Artichokes

Here's our hand-picked list of the best side dishes to serve with artichokes:

Side Dish	Main Ingredients	flavor	Difficulty	Time
Lemon Garlic Orzo	Orzo, lemon, garlic, parsley	Zesty, garlicy	Easy	20 min
Mediterranean Couscous	Couscous, olives, tomatoes, herbs	Savory, tangy	Easy	25 min
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus	Red peppers, chickpeas, tahini	Smoky, creamy	Medium	30 min
Herb Stuffed Mushrooms	Mushrooms, herbs, cheese	Savory, herby	Medium	25 min
Grilled Corn Salad	Corn, bell peppers, lime, cilantro	Sweet, tangy	Easy	20 min
Creamy Avocado Dip	Avocados, Greek yogurt, lime	Creamy, tangy	Easy	10 min
Farro Salad with Feta	Farro, feta cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes	Nutty, fresh	Medium	30 min
Sautéed Garlic Shrimp	Shrimp, garlic, olive oil	Garlicky, savory	Medium	20 min
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells	Shell pasta, spinach, ricotta	Creamy, cheesy	Medium	40 min
Lemon Herb Quinoa	Quinoa, lemon, herbs	Light, zesty	Easy	20 min
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup	Tomatoes, basil, garlic, cream	Rich, aromatic	Medium	40 min
Parmesan Polenta Cakes	Polenta, Parmesan cheese, herbs	Savory, cheesy	Medium	30 min
Greek Tzatziki with Pita	Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, pita	Creamy, tangy	Easy	15 min

1 - Lemon Garlic Orzo

Lemon garlic orzo is like the perfect sidekick to your artichokes and pairs nicely with lemon pound cake sides for pairing.

Ingredients include orzo pasta, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley.

This dish is light and zesty, adding brightness to any meal. (with bright citrus notes and a buttery garlic finish) It goes with the earthy flavor of artichokes beautifully.

Sometimes we even toss in veggies for crunch. It's a staple for us and never disappoints!

2 - Mediterranean Couscous

We've definitely found ourselves hooked on Mediterranean couscous. It's light, fluffy, and full of flavour! (made from tiny steamed granules of durum wheat semolina)

This dish typically stars couscous, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a splash of olive oil for a refreshing finish, and complements Mediterranean sides to brighten meals.

We enjoy adding feta cheese for creaminess and fresh herbs for a punchy aroma. Each bite bursts with a balanced mix of tangy and sweet.

Pairing this with artichokes creates a nice combo that's never dull!

3 - Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Here's the scoop on roasted red pepper hummus: it's like a dip we can't stop munching on at parties. Rich, creamy, and bright, it shines alongside artichokes. (with smoky, sweet roasted pepper notes)

We blend chickpeas, tahini, roasted peppers, garlic, and olive oil for a silky finish.

The natural sweetness of roasted peppers adds a special twist that goes with the earthy taste of artichokes, and works well with roasted vegetable sides for pairing.

We often swap this in for other dips, and it never disappoints. Its smoky undertones keep things interesting while making sure everyone's reaching for more.

4 - Stuffed Mushrooms

Herb stuffed mushrooms are a flavour-packed bite. (often made with cremini or button mushrooms) These tasty treats combine earthy mushrooms with a mix of herbs like parsley, thyme, and garlic.

We use cream cheese for a creamy texture, adding breadcrumbs for crunch. The combination is simple yet satisfying.

They go well with artichokes, making each bite just a little more special and pairing nicely with sides for spinach stuffed chicken.

5 - Grilled Corn Salad

Grilled corn salad is all about that summer vibe. We love how the sweetness of grilled corn mingles with fresh vegetables.

Key ingredients include corn, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and a zesty lime dressing. It's a refreshing dish, full of flavor.

Every bite offers a crunchy texture with a hint of smokiness. (from charred corn kernels) We often add a sprinkle of cotija cheese for a salty contrast.

This salad pairs well with artichokes and complements grilled salmon sides for summer.

6 - Creamy Avocado Dip

Creamy avocado dip? Yes, please!

This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It's rich, smooth, and full of flavor.

We've had it at parties that transform into dip fests where this disappears first.

Ingredients? Just ripe avocados, lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt. (preferably Hass avocados for creaminess)

The taste is refreshing with a zesty kick. When we serve it with crunchy veggies or tortilla chips, it's always a hit.

Our friend once brought a batch that had us all fighting for the last scoop. We may or may not have licked the bowl clean!

It's easy to make, and it's hard to resist; try it with creamy mushroom chicken side dishes.

7 - Farro Salad with Feta

Farro salad with feta is simple and satisfying. (farro is an ancient hulled wheat with a chewy texture) We love how chewy farro combines with creamy feta.

The ingredients are farro, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice.

It's fresh and bright, with each bite bringing great flavor. We always add a pinch of salt for that extra zing.

Remember that picnic we had? The farro salad was the star of the show.

Everyone kept asking for the recipe!

8 - Sautéed Garlic Shrimp

Sautéed garlic shrimp is our go-to crowd-pleaser. It's quick, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to whip up.

We use shrimp, garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. (use medium shrimp, about 16-20 per pound) The garlic gives a punchy aroma while the shrimp adds sweetness.

The pleasant sizzle on the skillet is something we love to hear. We often pair it with a side of crusty bread to soak up that garlicky goodness.

At our last gathering, this dish disappeared faster than we could say "shrimp cocktail"! Everyone wanted the recipe, and it made us grin to share our secret.

9 - Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are like the overachiever at pasta night. These shells offer a creamy, cheesy experience that's hard to forget.

We fill each shell with ricotta, sautéed spinach, garlic, and a handful of herbs. Then, we smother them with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella before baking to golden perfection.

Each bite delivers a satisfying combo of cheesy creaminess and savory spinach. (often using about a 2:1 ricotta-to-spinach ratio) This dish is our go-to when we want comfort food that impresses.

At our last dinner party, they were the first to go-everyone wanted the recipe!

10 - Lemon Herb Quinoa

We can't get enough of lemon herb quinoa. This dish brings a tangy, bright flavor that brightens any meal. (driven by lemon zest and fresh parsley)

We use quinoa, lemon zest, fresh herbs like parsley and basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil.

It's light, nutty, and super versatile. This works great as a base for veggies or even as a side with protein.

At our last get-together, it outshone the more elaborate dishes. Everyone was raving about it, and we proudly shared how easy it was to whip up!

11 - Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

This roasted tomato basil soup is as comforting as a cozy blanket. Rich tomatoes meld with fresh basil for a bright, tangy flavor.

We often serve it with a dollop of creamy cheese on top for added indulgence.

Key ingredients include ripe tomatoes, garlic, onion, and a touch of olive oil. (often using Roma or vine-ripe tomatoes) The result is a silky texture that warms the soul.

At our last dinner, this soup vanished quicker than we could ladle it out.

It's a classic we can't resist!

12 - Parmesan Polenta Cakes

Parmesan polenta cakes are a staple we can't ignore. These crispy bites feature creamy polenta finished with rich Parmesan.

The ingredients include cornmeal, water, butter, and herbs. (use a 4:1 water-to-cornmeal ratio for creamy polenta) The flavor hits with a satisfying cheesy depth, perfect for pairing with just about anything.

We love serving them at gatherings; they always disappear fast. One time, we offered them alongside mushroom risotto, and people couldn't get enough.

13 - Greek Tzatziki with Pita

Greek tzatziki with pita is the perfect side to improve any meal. Creamy yogurt, garlic, and fresh cucumber blend beautifully for a refreshing bite. (using thick strained Greek yogurt for tangy creaminess)

We love the coolness it adds to spicy dishes.

Our go-to ingredients include Greek yogurt, garlic, cucumber, olive oil, and dill.

Every scoop with warm pita is a flavor explosion. It's zesty and smooth, making it our favorite dip for gatherings.

We've seen it go faster than any other snack at parties!