This Hearts of Palm Salad is fresh, creamy, and full of citrus flavor. Tender hearts of palm, avocado, and cherry tomatoes transform into a bright Mediterranean dish that is made in minutes. It is naturally gluten-free and bursting with fresh herbs and lime.
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This recipe has been in my family for years. I remember my mom making it for summer dinners when the weather was warm, and we wanted something fresh and simple. She always used plenty of lime and parsley, and the mix of creamy avocado and tender hearts of palm was the perfect combination. It's one of those salads that looks elegant but takes almost no effort to make.
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I still make it the same way, just with a few small updates to keep it light and Mediterranean. The dressing is creamy but not heavy, and it ties everything together with a burst of citrus and fresh herbs. Whether you serve it with grilled chicken, fish, or on its own, it always feels like a taste of summer at the table.
Looking for another salad? I love this Cold Asparagus Salad With Lemon And Herbs Recipe and this Arugula Feta Salad!
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make a hearts of palm and avocado salad:
Ingredient Notes:
- Hearts of Palm: These tender, mild-tasting stems are the heart of the salad. I use canned hearts of palm, rinse them well, and slice them into half-inch rounds. Their soft texture pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado.
- Avocado: Ripe but firm avocados work best here. They add creaminess and richness that complements the tangy dressing. Cut them right before serving to keep them fresh and bright.
- Sweet Onion: A few thin slivers of sweet onion add crunch without overpowering the salad. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the onion in cold water for a few minutes before using it.
- Lime Zest and Juice: Lime adds a citrusy punch that keeps the salad light. The zest gives an extra layer of flavor, and the juice ties everything together.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make A Hearts of Palm Salad: Step-By-Step
Step 1: Start by slicing your hearts of palm into ½ inch rounds and place into a bowl.
Step 2: Add the tomatoes, the avocado, and the onion to the bowl with the hearts of palm.
Step 3: Combine the dressing by whisking together all of the dressing ingredients.
Step 4: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and mix lightly before serving.
Confidence Tip
Make sure to chop everything in similar-sized pieces so that you get a taste of all flavors with each bite.
Variations
Depending on your favorite flavors, this heart of palm salad is easily varied to meet them. Some of our favorite additions are below.
- Adding crunch: Tossing in some toasted or raw pumpkin seeds or pecans adds a lovely crunch to the salad.
- Spice: If you like a bit of heat with each bite, some sliced jalapenos in the salad or the dressing adds a punch.
- Citrus: The dressing for the salad is lime-based. However, you can change the flavor by substituting lemon or orange instead.
- Protein: Add a can of tuna or some grilled chicken for a complete lunch.
- Herbs: Adding in some fresh herbs from the garden can give it an even bigger flavor boost.
I am a big fan of natural mayonnaise. I use this one from Primal Kitchen. It has limited ingredients, no sugar added, and tastes like a dream. I find it at Whole Foods or online at Amazon.
If you would prefer to taste a different salad dressing than the one I talk about here, check out Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette!
Yes. Rinse them under cool water to remove the excess salt and brine before you prep them.
Try chopping fresh herbs like mint or basil to kick up the flavor of any salad.
This salad pairs well with any main course from steak to baked chicken as it brings a lightness to the table. Great for summer months when you don't want a heavy meal like the Grilled Cuban Flank Steak. It's also delicious topped with grilled salmon, raw tuna, or sliced, cooked steak for a complete meal.
Other Salads
Let me know your thoughts on this Hearts of Palm Salad by leaving a star rating below or by sharing it on Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Hearts Of Palm Salad
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Equipment
- 1 zester
Ingredients
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes cut into half
- ¼ whole small sweet onion cut into thin slivers
- 1 14 oz can of hearts of palm drained, and sliced into ½" thick slices
- ½ whole avocado cut into ½" peices
Dressing:
- ¼ cup flat leaf parsley coarsley chopped
- zest from 1 lime
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- S&P to taste about ¼ teaspoon flakey sea salt
Instructions
- Add the tomatoes, hearts of palm, onion, and avocado to a bowl.
- Make the dressing by whisking all of the ingredients together.
- Add to the vegetables and combine.
Leah says
This hearts of palm are a nice change from the regular salad greens. It is light, flavorful and so refreshing. I added some toasted pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch and it was just perfect. Yummy! Looking forward to experiment with some of the variations next time!
Jill says
You had me at avocado! I loved this recipe so much. The flavor combination is fantastic, and the heart of the palm is something I never thought to use. I also loved the added tuna. Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous says
Yum