Food Ingredients What Exactly Are Hearts of Palm and How Should You Use Them? They're the secret to adding fresh crunch and so much more to your favorite dishes. And they can even perform a magic trick. By Food & Wine Editors Food & Wine Editors This is collaborative content from Food & Wine's team of experts, including staff, recipe developers, chefs, and contributors. Many of our galleries curate recipes or guides from a variety of sources which we credit throughout the content and at each link. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 10, 2022 You're at a restaurant perusing the lunch menu. You notice one of the salads features something called "hearts of palm." Not sure what it is? Here's your answer: The heart of palm is the delicious, crunchy vegetable harvested from the center of the cabbage palm tree. Though they resemble white asparagus, the flavor is much more delicate, making them extremely versatile. Here's how to use them: Hearts of Palm Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette © Daniela Stallinger The citrusy dressing on this Caribbean-inspired hearts of palm salad is marvelously dense with fresh cilantro, shallots, lemon juice, and honey. The oranges here release juice as they sit, so be sure to serve the salad right after you make it. Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette 7 Fast & Easy 5-Ingredient Salad Dressings Hearts of Palm and Cress Salad Here the hearts of palm are tossed in a refreshing salad with watercress, tomatoes, salty olives, and juicy navel oranges. Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm and Cress Salad Crabless Cakes with Hearts of Palm and Corn © Con Poulos When chopped, hearts of palm break down into shreds that look like fresh crab meat. Here they get seasoned with Old Bay, vegan mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard for a sensational main course. Get the Recipe: Crabless Cakes with Hearts of Palm and Corn Hearts of Palm Dip A little bit of garlic, lime zest, and olive oil transforms canned hearts of palm into a luscious, low-fat dip. Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm Dip Hearts of Palm and Avocado Salad © Tara Fisher This Brazilian-style salad might taste a bit rich — with creamy avocado and a mayonnaise dressing— but it's really quite healthy. Get the Recipe: Hearts of Palm and Avocado Salad Quinoa, Artichoke, and Hearts of Palm Salad © Frances Janisch This crunchy salad is tossed with a tart dressing of wine vinegar and avocado oil. Get the Recipe: Quinoa, Artichoke, and Hearts of Palm Salad 7 Easy and Delicious Couscous Salads Ensalada de Palmitos (Hearts of Palm Salad) This simple but universally popular mixture is equally good as a side dish or an appetizer spread. Get the Recipe: Ensalada de Palmitos (Hearts of Palm Salad) 15 Classic Salads Every Beginner Cook Should Know Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit