Looking for a simple, nutritious dish idea that won't keep you in the kitchen all day? This fresh and flavorful Hearts of Palm Salad is an easy recipe that is perfect for busy families. If you're a salad lover, try this salad today. It's jam-packed with flavor!
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Hearts of palm are harvested from the core of certain palm trees and are known for their crisp, tender texture and mild flavor, making them a great ingredient in salads and other dishes.
If you like this salad recipe, you may also love Greek Salad or our Caprese Salad.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weekday.
- Versatile: Great as a side dish or light main, and easy to customize.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients that are easy to find.
Hearts of Palm Salad Ingredients
- Romaine Lettuce: Romaine is crisp and mild, which allows the flavors of the other ingredients to shine.
- Hearts of Palm: These are the star of the show! They add a tender and nutty flavor to your salad. Drain them well and slice them up.
- Cherry Tomatoes: A burst of color and juiciness, cherry tomatoes add a sweet, vibrant touch. Halve them to release their flavors more fully into the salad.
- Bacon: Who doesn't love bacon? Cook it until crispy for that irresistible crunch.
- English Cucumber: Its mild, refreshing taste makes it a great addition.
- Red Onion: Thin slices ensure that the onion flavor enhances rather than dominates.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: A slightly sweet dressing that blends balsamic vinegar and olive oil with a hint of Dijon mustard and garlic.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make a Hearts of Palm Salad
STEP ONE: Prepare the Bacon
Cook bacon strips until crispy, then crumble into pieces.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Salad
Combine lettuce, hearts of palm, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large salad bowl.
STEP THREE: Add Bacon and Dressing
Add crumbled bacon. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
STEP FOUR: Season and Serve
Toss everything to mix well. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dressing: Choose your favorite vinaigrette dressing!
- Bacon: Use grilled chicken or tofu for a lighter option.
- Romaine Lettuce: Spinach or kale can be a nutritious substitute.
- Hearts of Palm: Artichoke hearts are a great alternative with a similar texture.
- Add-ins: Take this salad to the next level by adding some of these Crispy Onion Straws.
- Flavor: Add avocado slices for extra richness.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Add dressing to the salad right before serving to keep the ingredients crisp.
✔️ DO Bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F until golden while prepping remaining ingredients.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Best if eaten fresh.
Recipe FAQs
If you're looking for alternatives to hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, asparagus, or canned palm hearts can provide a similar texture and subtle flavor to your salads.
Yes, you can prepare the components of a hearts of palm salad ahead of time, but for the best texture and freshness, add the dressing and toss the salad just before serving.
Related
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📖 Recipe
Hearts of Palm Salad (Easy Recipe)
Equipment
- Knife
- Cast iron skillet
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Salad
- ½ head Romaine lettuce
- 1 14 oz. can hearts of palm drained and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 4 strips bacon
- ⅓ English cucumber sliced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Dressing: Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
- Cook bacon strips according to package directions until crisp. Set aside to cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and tear the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place in a colander to drain excess water.
- Slice the hearts of palm and English cucumber. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the torn lettuce, sliced hearts of palm, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Add the crumbled bacon to the salad.
- Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss the salad gently to mix the ingredients and coat evenly with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
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Notes
- Dressing: Choose your favorite vinaigrette dressing!
- Bacon: Use grilled chicken or tofu for a lighter option.
- Romaine Lettuce: Spinach or kale can be a nutritious substitute.
- Hearts of Palm: Artichoke hearts are a great alternative with a similar texture.