Hearts of palm salad with mandarin oranges and avocado is so simple to make. An added bonus is the fact that this is so good!
Hearts of palm always seem so exotic and so gourmet, though really they are just a swamp cabbage, but you don’t have to tell!
After all, hearts of palm are really the heart of the palm tree. They are the inner core of various palm trees and are now cultivated so that the entire palm tree doesn’t have to be destroyed for our enjoyment! And yes, some of us know them as swamp cabbages.
I’m not sure when I first ate them but I believe my mother used to extol the virtues of this gourmet ingredient. I’m sure they were probably diced up and sprinkled on top of a Bibb lettuce salad and drizzled with a bit of vinaigrette.
That is always a good way to go with hearts of palm. But this is better.
I don’t know about you but I always seem to have one avocado laying around that needs a home. And I always keep a can of mandarin oranges in the pantry. When my kids were young they often ate them straight from the can.
Cute little orange slices help make kids eat their food-even if it is a salad. Plus they are pretty. And colorful.
And hearts of palm? Well, those are just a good pantry staple to have on hand. Let’s face it. If company is coming, they help take a salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
If you haven’t had hearts of palm, it is hard to describe how they taste. They are mild, and though they aren’t crunchy, they do have a bite to them.
What do hearts of palm taste like?
They taste a teeny bit salty and lemony and are often used in place of artichoke hearts. Or vice versa.
They have a rich mouth feel and I could eat them straight out of the can or jar. With 4g of protein and fiber in each cup, this cute little swamp cabbage delivers bang for the buck!
So you want something to go with that Peruvian chicken? Or maybe something to impress Mom on Mother’s Day?
This colorful salad is always a pleaser.
The fact that all you need is one can of hearts of palm and one of mandarin oranges makes this a pantry salad to me.
And I love pantry salads especially when I have an avocado needing to be used or when the lettuce is past its prime.
Don’t have Mandarin oranges? Tomatoes work well, too.
And in that case, add a hard boiled egg and you have another great combo!
A Few More?
Green Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Celery
Mixed Greens with Pomegranates and Pistachios
Spinach Salad with Za’atar, Fried Bread and Dates
I’d love it if you Follow Me on Pinterest and Pin and Share!

Hearts of Palm, Avocado and Orange Salad
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 Minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Cuisine: American
Description
This simple pantry salad is totally delicious and always wins fans!
Ingredients
Dressing:
1 T mayonnaise
1 T sour cream
6–8 drops Cholula hot sauce or your favorite
2 t fresh mint
1 T chopped cilantro
1/4 t salt
3 grinds of fresh pepper
Salad:
1 c drained hearts of palm
1 can of mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained
1 avocado, peeled and cut in chunks or slices
1 T minced red onion
Instructions
Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, mint, cilantro, salt and pepper in a bowl. Whisk well.
Add in sliced hearts of palm, drained oranges, and avocado. Stir in red onion. Toss well.
Serve and enjoy something different!
Keywords: hearts of palm salad, hearts of palm, palm hearts, recipes hearts of palm
Healthy World Cuisine
Wednesday 23rd of December 2020
What a delicious break from all the sweet treats. Hearts of palms are so delicious in a salad with great texture. Actually we are really craving something green and healthy and this will hit the spot. Happy Hanukkah and to a fabulous new year !
Abbe Odenwalder
Thursday 15th of May 2014
Trisha, you are so sweet!
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch)
Saturday 10th of May 2014
Beautiful salad and I heart hearts of palm. Love love love those bowls.
Abbe Odenwalder
Thursday 15th of May 2014
Thanks, Lea Ann. I love these bowls, too. And the hearts of palm tastes even better in them!
Sue/the view from great island
Friday 9th of May 2014
This looks so sunny, beautiful, and healthy --- I love your dishes!
Abbe Odenwalder
Thursday 15th of May 2014
Thanks Sue. They are from Israel! Whenever I have the privilege of going, I buy more!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert
Friday 9th of May 2014
Happy Mother's Day Abbe! I would be thrilled if someone made this salad for me. You wrote a fantastic explanation of hearts of palm - I had forgotten and will put them back on my list of pantry ingredients. Love the little mandarin oranges too. Great salad, great idea and absolutely beautiful!