Hearts of Palm Salad Fresh

Some salads are quick fixes for a busy day and this hearts of palm salad has become my answer whenever I need a crisp bright lunch or an easy starter that feels special yet comes together with little fuss. Its blend of creamy tangy and fresh flavors makes it a surprisingly satisfying dish year round.

I discovered this salad when searching for new ways to use hearts of palm and now it is a go to for picnics and family brunches. It finds its way onto my weekend table again and again because everyone asks for seconds.

Ingredients

• Hearts of palm: Offers a mild creamy bite and is best when sliced from firm fresh looking jars
• Cherry tomatoes: Bring sweetness and color opt for ones with shiny skins and vibrant color
• Radishes: Provide a peppery crunch firm roots work best for sharpness
• Celery: Lends freshness and structure look for crisp stalks without yellowing leaves
• Red onion: Slices add just enough bite look for onions that feel heavy and have glossy purple skin
• Fresh parsley: Lifts the flavor choose deeply green leaves and avoid any limp bunches
• Lemon juice: Brightens every ingredient fresh lemons give the brightest flavor
• Extra virgin olive oil: Delivers richness choose a bottle with fruity aromas
• Mayonnaise: Provides subtle creaminess and helps bring everything together quality brands without additives work best
• Dijon mustard: Sharpens the dressing French varieties offer milder heat and smooth texture

Instructions

Make the Dressing:

Whisk together the olive oil mayonnaise lemon juice Dijon mustard salt and pepper in a small bowl. Prepare this first so the flavors meld while you slice the vegetables.

Slice and Prep the Veggies:

Cut the hearts of palm into half inch rounds. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Thinly slice the celery radishes and red onion. Chop the parsley. Have all the vegetables ready in separate little piles for easy assembly.

Combine Salad Ingredients:

In a large bowl layer the hearts of palm tomatoes celery radishes onion and chopped parsley. Keep the components somewhat separate when you first add them so you can toss them gently without breaking up the hearts of palm.

Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently. You want everything to be just coated but not saturated. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

Finish and Serve:

Scatter a bit more parsley over the top for an extra burst of green. Serve straight away for the most vivid textures or let it chill a few minutes to meld the flavors.

Cherry tomatoes are my favorite part every time. Their sweet flavor bursts pair perfectly with the creamy hearts of palm and last summer my niece decided to help pick out the prettiest ones just for this recipe.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Keep leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. Hearts of palm hold their texture even after chilling so this is a great make ahead option. If the salad looks a bit dry the next day a splash of lemon or olive oil perks everything right back up.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

Try using sliced English cucumber for extra crunch or swap the radishes for thinly sliced fennel. If red onions feel too strong soak them in cold water for a few minutes before tossing in. Or swap parsley with fresh dill or basil for a new twist.

Perfect Ways to Serve This

Pile the finished salad on crisp romaine leaves for a light lunch. Serve alongside grilled fish or roasted chicken to make it a meal. For gatherings present it in a wide shallow serving bowl to show off the color and texture scattered with a little extra parsley.

A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving makes all the difference. This salad is always a hit—simple to make and beautiful to share.

Recipe Q&A

→ What does hearts of palm taste like?

Hearts of palm have a mild, delicate flavor with a hint of nuttiness, resembling a mix of artichoke and white asparagus.

→ Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or vegan mayo as a substitute, keeping a creamy texture in the dressing.

→ How should I slice the vegetables for best texture?

Slice the hearts of palm into 1/2-inch pieces and cut the other vegetables thinly to maintain a crisp, refreshing bite.

→ Are there other herbs that go well with this salad?

Fresh dill or cilantro can complement the flavors, either as a garnish or mixed in with the parsley.

→ How long can I store the salad in the fridge?

This salad keeps well for up to 2 days when refrigerated in an airtight container, though it's best enjoyed fresh.