This Hearts Of Palm Salad is crisp, creamy, and exactly the kind of light dish that works when it's too warm to fuss over dinner. With buttery avocado, juicy tomatoes, fresh lime, and a simple dressing, it has the same fresh Mediterranean feel as my Chickpea Cucumber Salad and comes together in just minutes.
Hearts Of Palm Salad At A Glance
- 🕒 Total Time: 10 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: About 4 cups
- 🌍 Cuisine Type: Mediterranean / Light Lunch / Fresh Side Dish
- 🥑 Flavor Profile: Crisp hearts of palm, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and sweet onion tossed in a bright lime dressing that feels fresh, zippy, and clean
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free adaptable, naturally light and Mediterranean-inspired
- 📦 Storage Notes: Best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, leave out the avocado and dressing until just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, though the avocado may soften
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: This hearts of palm salad is fast, fresh, and surprisingly satisfying. It works as an easy side dish, a light lunch, or a simple base for adding tuna, shrimp, or grilled chicken
Save And Summarize This Recipe
If you're looking for more fresh, no-fuss salads, this hearts of palm salad fits right in with the kind of recipes you'll come back to all season long. It has that same light, balanced feel as my Italian White Bean Salad, and works beautifully alongside something simple like a Cold Asparagus Salad or a slightly heartier option like this Quinoa salad with a lemon vinaigrette. These are the kinds of dishes that make lunch easy and dinner feel just a little more put together.
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The bright lime dressing and fresh herbs also give this salad a distinctly Mediterranean feel, similar to classic chopped salads built around simple, bold ingredients. If you enjoy that style, you might also like my Jerusalem Chopped Salad or this Greek Village Salad, both of which highlight fresh vegetables and clean flavors. For something that adds a little extra richness to the table, this Marinated Feta Cheese is a great complement and pairs especially well with citrus, herbs, and tomatoes.
Key Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make a hearts of palm and avocado salad:
- 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.
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Variations
- 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.
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.
Gwen's Pro Tip
Make sure to chop everything in similar-sized pieces so that you get a taste of all flavors with each bite.
Hearts Of Palm Salad FAQ's
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 Easy 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, or Pinterest!
Thank you!
Gwen
Hearts Of Palm Salad With Avocado
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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 ounce 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 tablespoons 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