Hearts of Palm Salad with Vegan Avocado Dressing (Ensalada de Palmitos)

Name: Hearts of Palm Salad with Vegan Avocado Dressing (Ensalada de Palmitos)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Venezuelan
Ingredients: 1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 2 tablespoons of Fresh Lime Juice; 1 tablespoon of Red Wine Vinegar; 1/2 Ripe Avocado; 2 teaspoons of Fresh Garlic, crushed; 1/4 cup of Fresh Cilantro Leaves; 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher Salt; 1/4 teaspoon of Black Pepper; 1 16 ounce can of Hearts of Palm (drained and sliced); 1 cup of Cherry Tomatoes, halved; 3 cups of Arugula; 1/2 cup of Red Onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 Ripe Avocado, cut into small cubes

November 7, 2023 by Juyali (ju-ja-lee) 32 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 15 reviews

This refreshing, light, and simple Hearts of Palm Salad Recipe is packed with crisp hearts of palm, juicy cherry tomatoes, the creamy goodness of fresh avocado, and arugula, all dressed in a creamy avocado dressing as smooth as a velveteen cushion, covering every bite with flavor. In two simple steps, I'll guide you to make this flavorful yet easy salad with A Latin Flair!

With a few staple ingredients mixed with Hearts of Palm, and just a few easy steps, you will transform ordinary pantry staples into an extraordinary salad. This recipe it's a go-to option for those busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Recently, I joined my amigas queridas, Isabel and Liliana, to visit a fantastic new Venezuelan restaurant that opened in Saint Paul, MN, called Crasqui. As I savored their delectable Palmito and Aguacate Salad, I was instantly transported back to Venezuela, where this dish is a staple. The combination of crisp hearts of palm, aguacate (Venezuelan word for Avocados), juicy cherry tomatoes and a simple dressing is irresistible.

As I savored each bite, I thought, "I make a Palmito Salad like this at home all the time. Why not share the love and write my recipe for my family and friends?"
And that's how this recipe post for Hearts of Palm Salad with Creamy Salad Dressing came to life!

Ensalada con Palmito (translated as "Salad with Hearts of Palm") is a beloved Venezuelan classic, often enjoyed with Parrilla (Venezuelan name for a Barbecued dish of grilled meats). This recipe is not just about making a delicious salad; it's about recreating cherished memories and sharing them with you.

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This salad recipe was inspired by my Carne Asada with Guasacaca Sauce because they classically go together like the perfect marriage. You can also finish this meal with my amazing Passion Fruit Flan or my other amazing Coconut Flan recipes!

This salad also pairs perfectly with my amazing Puerto Rican Turkey (Pavochón) and this Puerto Rican Picadillo dinner. And while you are here, check out this Elote Corn Salad. Delish!

Jump to:

What Are Hearts of Palm (Palmitos)?
What Do Hearts of Palm Taste Like?
Why You Will Love This Creamy and Citrusy Hearts of Palm Salad
Where Can I Buy Hearts of Palm?
Ingredients Needed for Hearts of Palm Salad with Creamy Avocado Salad Dressing
How to Make the Avocado Dressing
What to Serve with Hearts of Palm Salad
Variations
Equipment
Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
Finish your meal with a fantastic Latin dessert!
Pairing
📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️

What Are Hearts of Palm (Palmitos)?

Hearts of Palm, also known as Palmitos (Spanish), Chonta (Spanish), Palm Hearts, Palm Cabbage, Swamp Cabbage, are a mild vegetable delicacy harvested from the inner core of certain types of palm tree species.

What Do Hearts of Palm Taste Like?

These cylindrical-shaped vegetables, ivory-colored pieces are tender but with a slightly crunchy texture and a mild, subtle nutty flavor.

My daughter Isabel fell in love with Palmitos as a little girl. When grocery shopping, I always picked up something special for my husband and my two kids. My daughter would get a can of Palmitos (if I found them) as I knew it would make her day. She is a veggie fan and loves eating hearts of palm straight from the can! (A mother's dream come true! LOL!).

Thus, I am dedicating this recipe to my Isabel! ❤️

Why You Will Love This Creamy and Citrusy Hearts of Palm Salad

Fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and creamy textures. Here's why you'll fall in love with this salad:

Fresh and Flavorful: This fresh salad bursts with fresh flavors from the crisp hearts of palm, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty avocado dressing. Yes, this creamy avocado lime dressing is a game-changer, adding a burst of citrusy goodness to this salad.
Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal preparation. In 10-15 minutes, you will create a meal or a side dish.
Versatile: This tasty salad can be served as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish paired with your favorite protein for a complete meal. In Venezuela, this salad is often paired with Parrilla (a Barbecue of grilled meats) and served with a side of Yuca. Demasiado Buena! (Too good!)
Healthy and Nutritious: This salad is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. And the healthy avocado dressing adds richness without compromising on healthfulness.
Vegan-Friendly: With its creamy avocado dressing (vegan salad dressing), this salad is not only delicious, but it's perfect for those following a plant-based or vegan diet. Full of healthy fats from avocados and olive oil.
Customizable: You can make it your own with different variations and ingredients. See "Recipe Variations" below for other topping ideas.

Where Can I Buy Hearts of Palm?

Hearts of palm can be found canned or jarred in the canned vegetable aisle of the grocery store. They may also be available in the produce section of some supermarkets like international grocery stores, specialty-produce stores, or online. I never purchased or ate them fresh, only in the canned or jarred version.

Ingredients Needed for Hearts of Palm Salad with Creamy Avocado Salad Dressing

Perfect for a light and refreshing meal and packed with vibrant flavors and nutrients. Whether you're an avocado lover, a fan of fresh herbs like cilantro, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy hearts of palm, this salad will indeed please!

Salad Dressing Ingredients

I love homemade salad dressings, especially when they use staple ingredients like these...

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil (avocado oil or any neutral oil are suitable substitutes)
Fresh Lime Juice (lemon juice also works as a substitute)
Red Wine Vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar are suitable substitutes). Balsamic Vinegar is not typical in this Venezuelan salad, but if that's all you have, give it a try!)
Avocado (divided - half for the dressing and the other half as a salad topping)
Fresh Garlic (crushed) - while fresh garlic is best, in a pinch, you may substitute with one teaspoon of Garlic Powder.
Fresh Cilantro Leaves (fresh is always best. For a true Venezuelan flavor, I only use Cilantro)
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper

See the Printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

Additional Salad Ingredients

Hearts of Palm (drained and sliced).
Cherry Tomatoes (halved - use grape tomatoes as a substitute)
Arugula (or romaine lettuce or any leafy greens)
Red Onions (see tip below)
Avocado (The remaining half)

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How to Make the Avocado Dressing

TIP! Before you start the dressing: Soaking the onions in water helps reduce some of the spicy taste of raw onions. Thinly slice the onions and let them soak in water while you prepare the salad dressing. You can also add one tablespoon of white vinegar to help with this process. After a few minutes, drain and set aside.

Let’s make the salad dressing!
Only two simple steps to help you make the perfect salad.

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Add half of the Avocado, lime juice, olive oil, vinegar, crushed garlic, cilantro leaves, salt, and black pepper to a food processor or blender.

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Pulse the ingredients until the dressing is smooth and has a creamy texture. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.

Look at the lovely green color of this vegan avocado salad dressing!

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Assemble the Salad

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In a large bowl, combine the sliced hearts of palm, the remaining half of the Avocado (cut into small cubes), cherry tomatoes, arugula (or your choice of leafy greens), and the red onions.

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Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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What to Serve with Hearts of Palm Salad

This salad makes a fantastic side dish or even a light meal. It pairs perfectly with:

As a side for a barbecue! In Venezuela, it’s served as a side for Parrilla (an assortment of grilled meats such as pork, beef steak, chicken, and chorizos)
Your favorite grilled seafood, such as salmon or shrimp.
Enjoy this refreshing Hibiscus Iced Tea (Mexican Agua de Jamaica) with this salad.

The healthy salad Dressing can also be used for:

Any fresh veggies or in a raw veggie platter.
Avocado toast for a delightful brunch.
Drizzle over burrito bowls for a satisfying and healthy meal.
As a dipping sauce for tortilla chips.

Incorporate this Hearts of Palm Salad with creamy Vegan Avocado Dressing recipe into your menu, and you'll have a delightful, healthy, and colorful addition to your culinary collection.

Whether you're reminiscing about Venezuelan memories like me or creating new ones, this fantastic salad will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

This is my favorite salad to make at home, and I hope it becomes your go-to salad as well!

Enjoy! Buen Provecho!

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Did you try my Hearts of Palm salad recipe? What did you think of Hearts of Palm? Leave your comment below!

Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your Hearts of Palm Avocado Salad with different ingredients and flavors. Here are some tasty ideas using other fresh ingredients:

Toss in sliced Crunchy Cucumbers or Red Bell Pepper for a refreshing crunch and sweetness.
Swap out the arugula for romaine lettuce or any other leafy greens of your choice.
Swap out the red onions - While red or white onions are more traditional in this salad, use green onions if that is what you love or have.
Add Artichoke Hearts - Enhance the salad with marinated hearts for extra flavor and texture.

Equipment

To prepare this salad, you'll need the following equipment:

Mini food processor (or a small blender) for a smooth dressing.
Cutting board
Knife
Large mixing bowl (for mixing all ingredients)

Storage

This salad is best enjoyed fresh because the greens wilt from the dressing over time, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The dressing can be kept separately, and mason jars make a great storage option. Consume within a day or two for the best taste.