Discover the exquisite flavors of Palm Heart Salad, also known as Salad Palmiste or the Millionaire's Salad. This elegant dish features the tender inner core of the palm tree, offering a unique and luxurious salad experience. Perfect for special occasions or as a gourmet treat, our step-by-step recipe guides you in creating this sophisticated salad that is both delicious and visually stunning.

Ingredients:

- 1 can of palm hearts (or fresh palm hearts if available), sliced

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1/2 cucumber, sliced

- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients: If using canned palm hearts, drain and rinse them under cold water. Slice them into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh palm hearts, peel and slice them as needed.

Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the palm hearts, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, basil leaves, and parsley.

Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan on top before serving.

Enjoy: Serve immediately as a refreshing and elegant appetizer or side dish.

This Palm Heart Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it a perfect choice for any gourmet meal.

Nutritional values

1 can of palm hearts (or fresh palm hearts if available), sliced:

   - Approximately:

    - 80 calories

    - 2g protein

    - 16g carbohydrates

    - 0g fat

Benefits: Low in calories and fat, rich in fiber and essential nutrients like potassium and iron, supporting heart health and digestion.

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved:

  - Approximately:

   - 27 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 6g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants like lycopene, supports immune health and provides hydration.

1/2 cucumber, sliced:

  - Approximately:

   - 8 calories

   - 0.3g protein

   - 2g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Low in calories and high in water content, provides vitamins K and C, supports hydration and digestion.

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced:

  - Approximately:

   - 12 calories

   - 0.3g protein

   - 3g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and sulfur compounds, supports heart health and digestion.

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves:

  - Approximately:

   - 1 calorie

   - 0.1g protein

   - 0.2g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and K, supports immune health and adds flavor.

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped:

  - Approximately:

   - 1 calorie

   - 0.1g protein

   - 0.2g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Provides vitamins A, C, and K, supports digestion, and adds fresh flavor.

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil:

  - Approximately:

   - 240 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 28g fat

Benefits: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats, supports heart health, and adds richness to dishes.

1 tablespoon lemon juice:

  - Approximately:

   - 4 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, supports immune function and adds a tangy flavor.

Salt and pepper to taste:

Salt:

   - Approximately (per 1 teaspoon):

    - 0 calories

    - 0g protein

    - 0g carbohydrates

    - 0g fat

Benefits: Enhances flavor, use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Pepper:

   - Approximately (per 1 teaspoon):

    - 6 calories

    - 0.2g protein

    - 1g carbohydrates

    - 0.3g fat

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, supports metabolism and digestion.

Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan for garnish:

Feta Cheese:

   - Approximately:

    - 100 calories

    - 5g protein

    - 1g carbohydrates

    - 8g fat

Benefits: Provides protein and calcium, adds flavor and richness.

Parmesan Cheese:

   - Approximately:

    - 110 calories

    - 10g protein

    - 1g carbohydrates

    - 7g fat

Benefits: Rich in protein and calcium, adds a sharp, tangy flavor.