I stumbled upon hearts of palm at the grocery store the other day and—oh my goodness—how had I overlooked these delightful little stalks? Their tender, almost buttery texture is just the thing I didn’t know I was missing, especially when paired with creamy avocado. This salad feels like a mini vacation on a plate, the kind you take on a whim, just because the sun’s out and your heart says, “Why not?”
Steps
- Drain the hearts of palm by placing them in a colander and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Dice the avocados and place them in a large bowl. Toss the diced avocados with 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice to coat them well.
- If necessary, slice the hearts of palm and cut the slices in half. Slice the grape tomatoes in half and thinly slice the green onions.
- Combine the hearts of palm, halved tomatoes, and sliced green onions with the avocado and lime juice mixture. Add additional lime juice to taste.
- Season the salad with sea salt according to your preference and gently mix in the chopped cilantro, if using.
- Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor, though it can be stored in the fridge for a few days.
Ingredients
- One 14 oz. jar of hearts of palm, drained and sliced
- 2 small avocados, diced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (divided)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions (or more if cilantro is omitted)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sea salt, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 796 | Total Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0g | Unsaturated Fat: 52g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 2316mg | Carbohydrates: 60g | Fiber: 40g | Sugar: 8g | Protein: 20g
FAQ
- What are Hearts of Palm and where can you find them?
- Hearts of Palm are a crunchy vegetable harvested from the center of palm trees. They are often available in cans or jars in the grocery store, typically located near olives and artichokes. Although they tend to be pricey at regular stores, you might find them at a better price on Amazon or at warehouse clubs like Costco.
- Can I make this salad without cilantro?
- Yes, cilantro is entirely optional in this salad. If you prefer, you can skip it or replace it with additional sliced green onions for a different flavor profile.
- What should I do if I don’t have fresh lime juice?
- Fresh-squeezed lime juice is recommended for this salad for the best flavor. However, if fresh lime juice is unavailable, you can use bottled lime juice or even consider using fresh-frozen lime juice as an alternative.
- Is this Heart of Palm Salad suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
- Yes, this salad is low in net carbs due to the high fiber content of the ingredients, making it suitable for both low-carb and keto diet plans. However, avocados should be consumed in moderation on the South Beach Diet.
- How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?
- While the salad is best served fresh, it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Just note that the texture might slightly change, but it remains delicious.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor of avocados and prevent them from browning, toss them with fresh lime juice right after dicing.
- If you prefer a cilantro-free salad, substitute it with additional sliced green onion for a similar burst of flavor.
- For the best taste and texture, serve the salad immediately after preparation, but it can still be enjoyed after being refrigerated for a few days.
- To manage the carb content, consider reducing the number of tomatoes or substituting them with a lower-carb vegetable.
Equipment
- Colander: For draining the hearts of palm.
- Citrus Juicer: To fresh-squeeze lime juice.
