ALL TOSSED UP RED POTATO AND ARTICHOKE SALAD

All Tossed Up Red Potato and Artichoke Salad image

Provided by Merry Graham

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 Tbsp salt for boiling water
3 lb unpeeled whole baby red potatoes, 2-inches or under
2 c petite green beans, cut in half, snip ends, blanched 3 minutes
1 c chopped celery
2 c cherry tomatoes
2 c marinated artichoke hearts (in jar), if hearts don't come quartered, cut in quarters
1 c marinate juice from jar of marinated artichokes
1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp lemon zest from one lemon
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice from one lemon
1/2 c thinly sliced green onions
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt, additional salt to taste
1/4 c packed fresh basil, chopped
1/4 c chopped fresh parsley
1/2 c real bacon bits
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Steps:

1. Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil, and add salt. Add red potatoes, and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain potatoes, cool, and cut in quarters; place in a large salad bowl. Add to the potatoes blanched green beans, celery, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts; set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk marinate juice, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, green onions, sugar, and salt. Pour over potatoes, add basil, parsley, and bacon bits, LIGHLY TOSS. Cover and chill potato salad in refrigerator for at least 1 hour. To serve, sprinkle with pepper and salt to taste. Yields: 12 cups.