Sauteed Hearts of Palm Salad with Lime and Cilantro
Tender hearts of palm sautéed with garlic and tossed in a zesty lime and cilantro dressing for a refreshing and simple Brazilian-inspired salad. This brazilian-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh lime juice into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds hearts of palm
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 small, thinly sliced red onion
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups sliced hearts of palm to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and have lightly golden edges.
- Step 3: Transfer the sautéed hearts of palm to a mixing bowl and add 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Step 4: Gently fold in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 small thinly sliced red onion for freshness and crunch.
- Step 5: Serve immediately or chilled as a light starter or side salad.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sauteed Hearts of Palm Salad with Lime and Cilantro take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sauteed Hearts of Palm Salad with Lime and Cilantro?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sauteed Hearts of Palm Salad with Lime and Cilantro?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sauteed Hearts of Palm Salad with Lime and Cilantro for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Sauteed Hearts of Palm Salad with Lime and Cilantro vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.