If you are looking for a delicious and healthy salad to add to your menu, try making this hearts of palm salad! This recipe is made with, hearts of palm, shallots, radishes, tomatoes, avocados, and habanero peppers. It's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Don't forget the homemade lime vinaigrette!

For some time, this hearts of palm salad was completely off my mind, and I had forgotten all about it. That was until last February, when my friend Sonia came down from New York to visit me and introduced me to Leticia, one of her local friends.

She made a very special dinner for Sonia and was kind enough to invite my son and me to join them.

That ended up being such a memorable night! We had a superb dinner and I met an extraordinary woman.

Today, I’m very happy to have her as a guest on the blog to share her recipe for hearts of palm salad. You guys are going to love it!

It is very easy to make and has an exquisite taste.

🌎 History Behind Hearts Of Palm

The hearts of palm salad is said to have originated in different parts of the world, mostly in Southeast Asia, Central, and South America. This palm tree is native to these regions and has been used in traditional dishes for centuries.

It was one of the few plants they could eat that wasn't poisonous.

To obtain the heart of palm, the outer layers of the palm are removed until the soft and white center is reached. They would boil the hearts of the palm and then mix it with other vegetables to make a salad.

Not only is this salad incredibly delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients that are good for you! Hearts of palm are a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium.

Besides being used in a salad, many cooks like to marinate or grill the hearts of palm before serving them! In Mexico, they’re eaten on their own as an appetizer, in salads and stews, served with lime juice and powdered pepper, and even prepared as a dessert.

🙋‍♀️ FAQ

Before I share my recipe, here are a few questions I've been asked about this homemade hearts of palm salad.

What are hearts of palm?

Hearts of palm are the innermost core and buds of certain species of palm trees. hearts of palm are white and have a firm, yet slightly spongy texture.

Palmitos (another name for hearts of palm) have a mild flavor that has been described as being similar to artichokes, jicama, or even asparagus.

Where can I find hearts of palm?

You should be able to find hearts of palm in the canned vegetable section of your grocery store. You can also buy them ONLINE.

Are hearts of palm vegan?

Yes, hearts of palm are a vegan-friendly food!

How do I prepare hearts of palm for a salad?

Before preparing hearts of palm for a salad, be sure to drain and rinse them. You'll also want to slice them into thin strips.

What can I use in place of the habanero peppers?

If you are not a fan of spicy food, you can omit the habanero peppers from this recipe. You could also use jalapeño peppers in their place!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this hearts of palm salad can be made ahead of time. Just be sure to store the salad ingredients separately so that the avocado doesn't turn brown.

📋 Ingredients

Here is a list of ingredients you'll need to make this salad recipe...

For salad:

Hearts of palm
Shallots
Spring onions
Roma tomatoes
Radishes
Habanero peppers
Avocado
Cilantro
Capers

For vinaigrette:

Limes
Sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper

Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post!

JUMP TO FULL INSTRUCTIONS

🔪 Instructions

This recipe for hearts of palm salad is really easy to make! Here's what you need to do:

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients to make the vinaigrette.
In a larger bowl, mix together all the salad ingredients.
Next, pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently mix well so as not to blemish the pieces.
Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt right before serving.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

🍽 How To Serve

This hearts of palm salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a main meal, side dish, or even appetizer!

If you're looking for something to pair this salad with, I suggest serving it with some crusty bread like these bolillos. For protein, consider making some grilled chicken with herbs!

📚 More Authentic Mexican Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe for hearts of palm salad, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:

I hope you make this fresh salad! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment done below and tell us all about it!

¡Buen provecho!

Mely

By Guest Author: Leticia Alaniz Cano

She is a filmmaker, still photographer, gourmet, and cultural writer in diverse topics in film studies and the gastronomies of the world. She was born and raised in Allende, Nuevo León, Mexico. Her extensive travels have led her to an appreciation of diverse cuisines and a love for cooking.

In 2016, Leticia opened Noche Underground Dinner Club, a “paladar” as they’re known in Latin America, welcoming guests with a discriminating palate for unique dishes in a private setting.

She’s a firm believer and stays true to the words of one of her most admired actors, Vincent Price: “A man who limits his interests limits his life.”

To know more about Leticia and her work visit her website: CLICK HERE.

Hearts Of Palm Salad