Chayote and Hearts-of-Palm Salad

A refreshing and crisp salad featuring tender chayote sticks and hearts of palm, dressed in a zesty lime and garlic vinaigrette with fresh herbs. This Latin-inspired dish combines unique textures and bright flavors.

6 servings
35 min

Ingredients

  • 1 clove garlic clove
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup white onion
  • 2 pound chayotes
  • 2 cans hearts of palm
  • 2 ribs celery
  • cup flat-leaf parsley
  • ¼ cup cilantro

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Mince garlic and mash to a paste with 1/2 teaspoon salt using side of a large heavy knife. Whisk together lime juice, oil, and garlic paste in a large bowl, then add onion, tossing to coat.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Halve chayotes lengthwise, then peel with a vegetable peeler and scoop out pits with a spoon. Cut chayotes crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices, then halve slices lengthwise to make 1/3-inch-thick sticks (sticks will not be uniform).

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Cook chayotes in a 4- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 6 minutes. Drain well in a colander, then, while still hot, toss with dressing. Cool to room temperature.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    Cut hearts of palm diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices, then add to chayote mixture along with celery, parsley, cilantro, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gently toss.

    5 min