Hearts of Palm Salad: 20-Minute Flavor Magic

Name: Hearts of Palm Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 (14-ounce) jars hearts of palm, drained and sliced ½-inch thick; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1 cup thinly sliced celery; 1 cup thinly sliced radishes; 1 red onion, quartered and thinly sliced; ¼ cup roughly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

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If you’ve never made Hearts of Palm Salad at home, oh my friend—you are in for a bright, crunchy, totally satisfying surprise. This is the kind of salad that feels fancy enough for brunch with the girls, but easy enough to throw together before soccer practice or a last-minute dinner guest knocks on your door.

And let’s be honest… we all need more recipes that look impressive but take 20 minutes and zero cooking. Yes, please.

This Hearts of Palm Salad is crisp, colorful, and tossed in a creamy lemon-Dijon dressing that hits that perfect balance between fresh and indulgent. It’s light but filling. Simple but layered with flavor. And it’s about to become your new “I need something fresh, fast” go-to.

Grab your apron — Chef Omar is in the kitchen with you. Let’s make magic.

Why You’ll Love This Hearts of Palm Salad

There are salads… and then there are salads that steal the spotlight.

Here’s why this one wins every time:

No cooking required (summer-approved!)
Packed with crunchy, colorful veggies
Bright lemon-Dijon flavor that wakes everything up
Ready in 20 minutes flat
Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining

Hearts of palm have a mild, slightly nutty flavor with a tender bite that almost reminds you of artichoke hearts. They soak up dressing beautifully without getting soggy. That’s the secret sauce (well… besides the actual sauce).

What Are Hearts of Palm, Anyway?

If you’ve walked past that jar in the grocery store and wondered what on earth you’d do with it — this is your sign.

Hearts of palm are harvested from the inner core of certain palm trees. They’re tender, slightly crisp, and wonderfully neutral, which makes them perfect for soaking up bold dressings.

For busy home cooks (especially my multitasking queens out there), they’re a dream ingredient:

Already cooked
Pre-packed
Ready to slice and toss

No peeling. No roasting. No babysitting a pan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hearts of Palm Salad keeps things simple, but every ingredient plays a role.

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Salad:

2 (14-ounce) jars hearts of palm, drained and sliced ½-inch thick
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup thinly sliced celery
1 cup thinly sliced radishes
1 red onion, quartered and thinly sliced
¼ cup roughly chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)

Chef’s tip: Use different colored tomatoes and radishes for those gorgeous pops of color. We eat with our eyes first, right?

How to Make Hearts of Palm Salad (Step-by-Step)

This is where the magic happens — and it’s wonderfully simple.

Step 1: Make the Creamy Lemon-Dijon Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:

Olive oil
Mayonnaise
Lemon juice
Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

If it looks slightly thick, that’s perfect. It should coat the back of a spoon. If it feels too thick, add a tiny splash of water or extra lemon juice.

Want extra brightness? Add ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest. It’s like sunshine in a bowl.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

Drain the hearts of palm and slice them into ½-inch rounds.

In a large bowl, combine:

Sliced hearts of palm
Halved tomatoes
Celery
Radishes
Red onion
Chopped parsley

Take a second to admire the colors. That vibrant red, pink, and green? That’s not just pretty — it signals freshness.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over the vegetables.

Gently toss everything until coated.

Don’t overmix. Hearts of palm are tender and you want them intact, not mashed.

Sprinkle extra parsley on top and serve immediately — or refrigerate for up to a couple of hours before serving.

That’s it. Truly.

Colorful Hearts of Palm Salad with yellow tomatoes, parsley, and red onion in creamy dressing — This colorful Hearts of Palm Salad combines tender palm slices, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a creamy, zesty dressing.

Chef Omar’s Flavor Boosting Tips

Because we don’t just cook — we elevate.

Add Texture

Try whole grain Dijon mustard instead of smooth. Those tiny seeds add a subtle crunch and visual interest.

Turn Up the Brightness

A little lemon zest goes a long way. It lifts the whole dish and makes the flavors pop.

Make It Heartier

Add sliced avocado or chickpeas if you want to turn this Hearts of Palm Salad into a light lunch.

Make Ahead Tip

You can prep this salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge. The flavors actually get better as they mingle.

And if your red onions feel a little too bold? Soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before adding. Problem solved.

A Little Kitchen Story

The first time I made this Hearts of Palm Salad, it was for friends who stopped by unexpectedly on a warm Saturday afternoon.

I had 30 minutes. Zero plans. And a fridge that looked… optimistic at best.

But I spotted two jars of hearts of palm in the pantry. A few fresh veggies. Some lemon. Dijon.

Twenty minutes later, we were sitting outside with iced drinks and a bowl of this crisp, colorful salad in the center of the table. And guess what? It disappeared before the chips did.

That’s when I knew — this wasn’t just a side dish. It was a keeper.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearts of Palm Salad

Can I make Hearts of Palm Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it up to a few hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle toss before serving.
If making it more than 4 hours ahead, consider adding the parsley just before serving for the freshest look.

How long does Hearts of Palm Salad last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for about 2–3 days in an airtight container. The vegetables may release a little liquid, but a quick stir brings it back together.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise?

Absolutely. You can use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option. The texture will still be creamy and delicious.

Is this Hearts of Palm Salad gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your Dijon mustard label if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.

What can I serve with Hearts of Palm Salad?

It pairs beautifully with:

Grilled chicken
Seared salmon
Burgers
Sandwiches
Or even as part of a brunch spread

It’s fresh enough for summer cookouts but elegant enough for holidays.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Calories: 276
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 3.6g
Vitamin C: 38mg

It’s light, satisfying, and packed with bright vegetables that help you feel energized instead of weighed down.

Fresh, Flavorful, and Ready When You Are

There’s something so empowering about having a recipe like this in your back pocket.

Hearts of Palm Salad proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen to create something beautiful and crave-worthy. Just fresh ingredients, a bold dressing, and a little confidence.

So the next time you need a quick side, a colorful potluck dish, or a refreshing lunch that doesn’t feel boring, remember this Hearts of Palm Salad. It’s crisp. It’s vibrant. And it’s ready in 20 minutes flat.

Fresh Pairings You’ll Love

If this Hearts of Palm Salad made your table a little brighter, here are a few more fresh favorites to mix, match, and turn dinner into something special:

Add a Mediterranean twist to your spread with this vibrant Mediterranean Bean Salad with Feta — it’s packed with bold flavors and pairs beautifully with crisp veggies and creamy dressings.
Make it a full, satisfying meal by serving it alongside these hearty Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls — the savory chicken and cool, creamy elements are a perfect balance to a fresh salad.
For even more color and tang, try this bright Zesty Bean Salad with Feta — it’s a wonderful addition to potlucks, brunch tables, or easy weekday lunches.
Keeping things plant-based? These fresh and filling Quick and Healthy Chickpea Salad Wraps make a delicious partner for a light, energizing meal.
And if you’re craving another take on this refreshing ingredient, you’ll love the simple, tomato-forward flavors in this Tomato and Hearts of Palm Salad for even more inspiration.

Mix, match, and make it your own — that’s where the fun really begins.