Salsa Italiano

1 lb. (2 large) fresh California tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 can (2.25 oz.) sliced ripe olives
1 jar (6 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1/4 tsp. crushed hot red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

In a medium bowl, combine tomato, onion and olives. Slice artichoke hearts, reserving marinade. Stir sliced artichoke hearts into tomato mixture; set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, basil, pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and 2 Tbsp. artichoke marinade. Gently mix dressing with tomato mixture. Serve with roast or barbecued chicken.
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Spicy Italian Artichoke Salad

1/2 cup canola oil
1/3 cup tarragon vinegar
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (8 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
5 cups romaine lettuce - rinsed, dried, and chopped
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 carrot, grated
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup black olives
1/4 cup pitted green olives
1/2 cucumber, sliced
2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
Ground black pepper to taste

In a medium container with a lid, mix canola oil, tarragon vinegar, sugar, thyme, dry mustard, and garlic. Cover, and shake until well blended. Place artichoke hearts into the mixture, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator 4 hours, or overnight.

In a large bowl, toss together lettuce, red bell pepper, carrot, red onion, black olives, green olives, cucumber, and Romano cheese. Season with pepper. Pour in the artichoke and marinade mixture, and toss to coat.