Creamy Artichoke Spread (2024)

Enjoy the richness of this healthy and versatile creamy artichoke spread. Perfect on sourdough bread, as a mayo substitute, a delectable dip, or a smooth salad dressing.

Artichokes, a glimpse into their health benefits

With their unique, tender heart and leafy petals, artichokes are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. Originating from the sun-drenched regions of Southern Europe and North Africa, this thistle-like plant has been savored for both its taste and myriad health benefits.

A significant component of artichokes is inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber. Inulin aids digestion, promotes gut health, and has been linked to regulating blood sugar levels.

Beyond inulin, studies have shown that artichokes are abundant in antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress, and specific compounds that support liver health. This nutritional powerhouse also offers essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall well-being.

Why we love this artichoke spread

It’s Healthy: Packed with the nutritional benefits of artichokes and wholesome ingredients for a heart-healthy choice.
It’s Versatile: Perfect as a spread, salad dressing, or a dip—adapts to multiple culinary roles.
It’s Super Tasty: A delightful blend of earthy artichokes, savory anchovies, and refreshing lemon.
It’s Easy to Make: Simple preparation that’s great for quick snacks or lavish gatherings.

Ingredients to make creamy artichoke spread

Artichoke Hearts: The primary ingredient, artichoke hearts provide the base texture and a distinctive, earthy flavor to the spread. They are an excellent source of the best type of fiber, inulin.

Aromatics (Garlic and Onion): Add depth and complexity to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste and aroma of the spread.

Anchovies: Contribute a subtle umami and saltiness that elevates the richness of the spread.

Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a tangy note, balancing the creamy and rich ingredients.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: contributes a silky texture and a fruity, peppery undertone, enriching the spread’s mouthfeel and taste.

Mayonnaise: Imparts creaminess, enriching the texture and adding a gentle tang that complements the other ingredients. We used our Homemade Healthy Mayonnaise, but if you prefer a store-bought option, we recommend Primal Kitchen Avocado Mayo (or a similar alternative).

Seasonings (Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper): Helps adjust the spread’s flavor, making it savory and enhancing all other ingredients.

Extras (Fresh Parsley, Fresh Chives, Chopped Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil): These optional extras enhance the visual appeal of the spread, adding freshness and a burst of complementary flavors that can be adjusted according to personal preference.

How to make creamy artichoke spread

To make this recipe, you will need an immersion blender or a food processor. I prefer an immersion blender and a narrow jar for the creamiest texture.

Begin by peeling and cutting one small onion in half. Soak the onion halves in iced water for 10 minutes to mellow its strong flavor. After soaking, pat them dry, chop finely, and measure out about 1 heaping tablespoon.
Drain the artichoke hearts and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.
Coarsely chop the artichoke hearts.
In a food processor, combine the chopped artichokes, anchovies, garlic, and the prepared onion. Blend until you achieve a creamy consistency. For an even smoother texture, consider using an immersion blender.
Incorporate the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil into the mixture by pulsing a few times until thoroughly combined.
Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking.
Transfer to a jar and refrigerate. This spread retains its freshness for up to 3 days.
Before serving, feel free to garnish with some of the leftover chopped onion, fresh parsley, chives, or thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Serving Suggestions for the Artichoke Spread

Sourdough Toast Spread: Smooth it over slices of gluten-free sourdough bread for a rich, earthy bite. Top with fresh herbs or microgreens.
Sandwich Spread: Elevate your sandwiches by using it as a creamy layer, adding depth to every bite.
Dip and Dive: Pair with crackers or vegetable sticks for a healthy and savory dip option. It pairs perfectly with our Flax Seed Crackers with Za’atar Crackers and our Keto Crackers with Tigernut Flour (both are gluten-free, lectin-free, and vegan)
As a condiment for meats and vegetables: Serve next to your favorite grilled meats or vegetables.
Tapas Treat: Introduce it as a healthy and creamy item on your tapas menu, along with olives, crackers, and cured meats.
Charcuterie Charm: Add a generous dollop on your charcuterie board, complementing cheeses and cured meats.
Salad Elevator: Mix into chicken, egg, chickpea, or gluten-free pasta salads, turning them into creamy delights.

More recipes with artichokes

If you are looking for other ways to use jarred artichokes, these two dip recipes are fantastic:

Cauliflower and Artichoke Hummus with Roasted Garlic
Artichoke Tapenade with Mixed Olives

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Print Recipe

Creamy Artichoke Spread

(6 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

By Claudia Curici, Health Coach–Serves: Yields 1 cup

Ingredients

200 grams of artichoke hearts (equivalent to 1 jar in water and salt), drained
2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 small onion
2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil mayonnaise
Fresh lemon juice, adjusted to your preference
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

Begin by peeling and cutting one small onion in half. Soak the onion halves in iced water for 10 minutes to mellow its strong flavor. After soaking, pat them dry, chop finely, and measure out about 1 heaping tablespoon.

Drain the artichoke hearts and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.

Coarsely chop the artichoke hearts.

In a food processor, combine the chopped artichokes, anchovies, garlic, and the prepared onion. Blend until you achieve a creamy consistency. For an even smoother texture, consider using an immersion blender.

Incorporate the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a touch of olive oil into the mixture by pulsing a few times until thoroughly combined.

Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking.

Transfer to a jar and refrigerate. This spread retains its freshness for up to 3 days.

Before serving, feel free to garnish with some of the leftover chopped onion, fresh parsley, chives, or thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

If your only available option is marinated artichokes (with herbs) or artichokes in olive oil, feel free to use them. However, be aware that the flavor profile may vary slightly.

About Claudia

Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Cookbook Author, Claudia Curici is the founder of Creative in My Kitchen, a food and lifestyle blog where she write about her health journey and post original recipes that are always low-lectin, gluten-free, and sugar-free.