Aiolis

• The garlic in a classic aioli pairs well with the artichoke's earthy flavors. Essentially a style of mayonnaise, many traditional aioli recipes contain raw egg yolks; you can make a substitute by mixing prepared mayonnaise, minced garlic, salt and lemon or make the real thing from scratch. Add dill or other spices to make your aioli distinctive.

Mayonnaise-Based Dips

• Take basic mayonnaise and spice it up to serve with artichokes. The creaminess of the mayonnaise contrasts nicely with the dense bite of the artichoke heart. Add your favorite flavorings to taste. Curry powder, chopped fresh herbs, chili sauce, soy sauce and pesto are all candidates to perk up the mayo.

Honey Mustard Dips

• For a low-fat dip, aim for something that still packs a flavor punch to brighten the taste of the artichoke. Mix mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey and soy sauce to make a honey-mustard dip. The spicier your mustard, the stronger the sauce. Add a dash of hot sauce for even more kick. For smoother flavors, add more honey and keep the mustard to mild yellow varieties.

Yogurt Dips

• For a light dip, try plain yogurt mixed with garlic and herbs. This is a variation on tzatziki, a traditional Greek dip. Use plain regular or Greek yogurt and mix it with minced garlic, salt and herbs. Dill is the classic Greek herb, but you can try other herbs like parsley or oregano. Add some lemon zest to brighten the sauce -- don't use lemon juice, which can curdle the yogurt. Mix in green onions or capers for a more pan-Mediterranean dip.

Beurre Blanc Dip

• Classic French beurre blanc works as well on artichoke as it does on fish. Made from white wine, butter, lemon and minced shallots, this rich sauce turns the earthy artichoke into a true luxury. Serve it warm.

Simple Sauces

• If you're short on time but still want a dip, serve sauces that take next to no time to make from ingredients you have in your pantry. Basic melted butter can be made in seconds in the microwave and brings out the taste of artichokes. Classic vinaigrette is the Italian standard to serve with artichoke and you can mix up your own or use a bottled version. You can also use your favorite bottled dressings, like ranch, Thousand Island or Italian.