This fresh and flavorful Heart of Palm Salad It is packed with crispy pecans, roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy avocados and delicious honey balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect light meals and side dishes!
If you never have Heart of Palm, this salad is the perfect way to try them! Heart of Palm has a soft, slightly tangy flavor, soft and leaning texture and pairs beautifully with small arugula, bitter radicchio, sweet roasted tomatoes and crunchy maple glass-covered pecan pepper bites.
Throw everything into a simple homemade honey balsamic vinaigrette. The balanced salad is sweet, flavorful, fresh and has a salad that is satisfying at once. It’s as great as a side salad, but heartfelt enough to stand alone for a light lunch or dinner.
If you like creative salad recipes, try my simple syraj salad or shaved Brussels sprout salad next!
Why do you like this salad?
- Bright and flavorful – Each bite is a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, creamy and crispy.
- Unique and nutritional supplement – Heart of Palm is rich in fiber and antioxidants, while Arugula and Radicchio add vitamins and minerals.
- Easy to make – Roast the tomatoes, toast the pecans and toss them all together!
- Perfect for any occasion – Serve as a light lunch, a fresh side salad or a stunning holiday dish.
Materials are required
- Heart of Palm – I used Costa Rican Heart of Palm from the can. They are tender and slightly tangy, making them perfect for this salad. If you’re buying Heart of Palm, look for canned or jarred options near canned vegetables and international aisles. Palm fresh hearts are hard to find, but when you find them they are firm and white, not mushy or slimy.
- Cherry tomato – Roast brings out the natural sweetness and adds a caramel flavour.
- pecan – Lightly toast a pinch of maple syrup, sea salt and cinnamon for a perfect sweet and crunchy bite.
- Radicchio & Baby Arugula – A refreshing, slightly bitter mix of radicchio and pepper arugula adds a huge amount of flavour and texture.
- avocado – Creamy and rich, in perfect contrast to the crunch from the pecans.
- Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette – A simple blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup for vegan options), sea salt and black pepper. The perfect balance is sweet and tangy!
Alternatives and Variations
I love that this heart of palm salad recipe remains as is, but there is always a way to switch things up! Here are some ideas:
- Green swap: Are you a Radicchio fan? Try replacing it for romaine, spinach, or massaged kale.
- Nut-free options: Skip the pecans or swap for toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds and crunch a little without nuts.
- Variations of dressing: Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette is simple and tasty, but if you want to switch, try a different flavor with the Apple Cider Vinaigrette or Lemon Vinaigrette.
- Cheese raise it: If you’re a cheese lover, crushed goat cheese or feta will be a delicious addition!
- More topping:Want to bulk it all? Throw some sliced cucumbers, roasted red chili peppers, or fresh berries for a slight sweetness.
How to make palm salad hearts
Step 1: Dress the ingredients in a small bowl or jar until smooth. Please put it aside.
Step 2: In a small pot over medium heat, add the pecans, maple syrup, sea salt and cinnamon (if used). Stir frequently for about 3-4 minutes until pecans are coated and slightly toasted. Transfer to parchment and cool.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss cherry tomatoes with a pinch of olive oil drizzle and salt. Roast for 15-20 minutes until caramelized and slightly swelled. Please put it aside.
Step 4: In a large bowl, throw radicchio and arugula.
Step 5: Drizzle with dressing over arugula and radicchio. Combine and throw.
Step 6: Top with palm, roasted tomatoes, maple pecans and avocado sliced hearts. Throw and have fun
Brittany tips
- Roast the tomatoes to add extra flavor: Roast brings out the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes and adds a slightly smoky caramelized flavor to the salad. If the time is short, you can use fresh half cherry tomatoes instead!
- Massage Radicchio: If you’re not a fan of the slight bitterness, try massaging it with a little olive oil or lemon juice before throwing it into the salad. This will soften the leaves and give them a more flavor.
How to serve heart of palm salad
Store leftovers
refrigerator – Store leftovers in a closed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The greens will wilt slightly, but the flavors will still be tasty. For best results, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
Meal preparation tips – If you want to prepare first, roast the tomatoes, make candied pecans, and whisk the dressing in advance. Store each component individually in the fridge and assemble the salad for maximum freshness.
FAQ
Heart of Palm has a mild, slightly nutty flavor, with a soft, almost buttery texture. They resemble artichoke hearts, but a bit stiff and vague.
Canned or jarred heart palms can be found in the canned vegetable aisles of most grocery stores near artichokes and olives. Some stores hold fresh heart palms in the produce section.
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