Hearts of Palm Salad

One of the things that is a must for me in the summer is a Hearts of Palm Salad.  So good! And really it is the best for me if accompanied by tomatoes and avocado.  Those flavors just play so nicely with each other.

Where to find Hearts of Palm:  I have seen it at Trader Joe's, Wegman's and BJ's Wholesale.

What is Hearts of Palm: 

Other names: fresh heart of palm, hearts of palm
"The heart of palm is the central part or heart of certain types of wild palms, native of the Amazon region. The principal variety of cultivated heart of palm is Bactris gasipaes, or peach palm...

The heart of palm is sweet, soft, yet crispy, ivory-colored, firm in texture and delicate in flavor.

The palm heart or palmetto does not discolor upon being cut and has a shelf life of about 2 weeks if kept refrigerated at 40°F, and wrapped in food-grade plastic."

You can read more about that here at Gourmet Sleuth. 

40 calories per cup of Hearts of Palm

What does it taste like:  Someone I know likened it to an artichoke and I would have to say that would be the closest approximation.

Hearts of Palm Salad

1 large tomato, chopped
1 avocado, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, minced
1/4 cup purple onion or Vidalia
4 Hearts of Palm's, sliced
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
salt and pepper 

Mix altogether and enjoy.