Perplexed about what to make with that lonely can of hearts of palm? Don’t worry, I have you covered with these hearts of palm recipes.
Hearts of palm is like the jackfruit of the vegan world. But some may argue it’s even more versatile.
From calamari to carnitas, it’s a stellar substitute for seafood and meat. It’s even incredible as the star of salads, dips, and more.
It has a mild taste that’s comparable to water chestnuts and artichoke hearts. The texture is surprisingly delicate and crisp at the same time.
Whether it’s lighter dishes or comfort food, here are all the brilliant things you can do with a single can of hearts of palm.
1. Heart of Palm Salad with Tomato and Avocado
If you’re new to cooking with hearts of palm, this salad is a great introductory dish.
Preparing this salad is pretty much as easy as dicing and mixing. It’s fresh, very limey, and quick.
This salad goes well with summer fare and is an excellent side for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and more.
2. Vegan Lobster Roll
Ok, so this might not be the same as real lobster rolls. But sometimes, even the imitation stuff can be just as grand in its own way.
With a little vegan mayo and Old Bay, you can spruce up a can of hearts of palm to mimic the flavor and texture of lobster.
Pile it on a hot dog bun, give it an extra sprinkle of paprika, and dig in!
3. Vegan Crab Cakes
If you think vegan lobster rolls are awesome, just wait until you bite into these crab cakes!
With the right ingredients, nobody will guess these cakes are crab-free and full of hearts of palm.
Like lobster rolls, you’ll want a good amount of vegan mayo and Old Bay. You’ll also need some Worcestershire and mustard to give it some bite.
Crisp on the outside and fork-tender on the inside, these tasty vegan crab cakes are restaurant-quality without the high price.
4. Vegan Hearts of Palm Ceviche
My latest hearts of palm obsession is this vegan ceviche.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of fish ceviche. But this vegan version is remarkable!
It’s got all the usual suspects you find in traditional ceviche except for hearts of palm. So it’s not only more affordable, but it’s also seriously addicting.
Oh, and here’s a pro tip for you. Rinse the hearts of palm before slicing so it doesn’t give this stuff an off-putting aroma.
5. Hearts of Palm Soup
Do you wish you could find more soups that double as winter and summer meals? Well, here’s one that you can enjoy all year long.
This five-ingredient soup is super creamy and loaded with hearts of palm. Four cans of it to be exact!
It’s light enough for summer and cozy enough for winter. Plus, it’s just about as easy as a soup can get!
6. Crispy Hearts Of Palm Tacos with Chipotle Baja Sauce
Looking to extend meatless Monday into Taco Tuesday? No problem!
These hearts of palm tacos are the sneaky crowd-pleaser nobody will see coming.
You take a couple of hearts of palm cans and fix them up Baja fish taco style.
So they’re crisp and juicy with a handful of crunchy cabbage and a drizzle of spicy white sauce.
Who could say no to that?!
7. Air Fryer Vegan Calamari
If you haven’t been making calamari because you’re not keen on handling squid, fear not!
You can have your calamari and omit the squid with this vegan recipe.
With the help of an air fryer and breadcrumbs, you can achieve a perfect calamari taste and texture with canned hearts of palm.
Not only is this healthier, but it’s a much easier take if you ask me.
8. Vegan Fish Sticks (with Vegan Tartar Sauce)
The kid in me loves fish sticks. And the adult in me craves this beer-battered vegan version.
The texture and flavor are mind-blowing! Like many fish recipes, Old Bay is key. So is a crisp, light-bodied lager.
And the tartar sauce? It’s the perfect addition!
If you’re making these for kids, you can skip the beer and use sparkling water instead.
9. Vegan Crockpot Carnitas
Think jackfruit is the only way to make killer vegan carnitas? Well, then you haven’t tried it yet with hearts of palm.
The key to turning hearts of palm into mouth-watering tender pork is slowly cooking it in the Crockpot with the right spice blend.
This vegan carnitas will be a hit with the family, and you never have to tell them it’s completely vegan.
10. Vegan Caprese Salad with Hearts of Palm
Is it possible to fall in love with a Caprese without mozzarella? Surprisingly, yes!
This Caprese is delightful and there isn’t an ounce of dairy. Which is good if you can’t have it or you need to cut back.
I love the bite-sized bits of hearts of palm that give this salad a nice delicate crunch and artichoke-like flavor.
I especially love the extra tang from the red wine vinegar.
However, if you’re a diehard balsamic lover, you can use that instead.
11. Roasted Artichoke Hearts Dip
Beware, this stuff is addicting! I could polish off a bowl myself, but I try to limit myself around company.
It’s packed with hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, and garlic. In fact, I don’t think there’s a garlic lover out there who could resist this dip.
12. Vegan Ceviche with Mango and Avocado
This vegan ceviche tastes like a tropical vacation in a bowl.
Mango and avocado are a perfect combination. Add in hearts of palm, and it’s vegan ceviche all the way!
Coat everything in lime and let it chill for a minute. Don’t worry, it won’t take long.
13. Vegan Hearts of Palm Po’ Boys
The moment I saw these po’boys, I ran to my kitchen to see if we had hearts of palm in the pantry.
It’s got everything you love about the New Orleans classic, except slightly healthier thanks to the hearts of palm.
14. Hearts of Palm Vegan BBQ Sandwiches
Need a vegan BBQ recipe for your next cookout? These sandwiches will be a hit!
Canned hearts of palm is dripping with a bold lip-smacking barbecue sauce. Slap it on a toasty bun with some tangy coleslaw and have at it!
You may want an extra paper towel or two. Like all the best barbecue, it can get a little messy.
15. Hearts of Palm Dip
Endlessly scrolling for party appetizers? Save yourself the hassle and make this incredible dip.
It’s a garlicky and zippy dip that features hearts of palm. It’s unique enough to cause some chatter and the flavor is sensational.
Plus, nobody will guess how ridiculously simple it is to make.
16. Avocado and Grapefruit Salad
You can never have too many salads, so here’s one to keep things fresh and intriguing.
Avocado, grapefruit, and the hearts of palm complement each other in the most enticing way. And the bed of leafy kale is full of nutrients.
You can also easily swap out the kale for spinach, arugula, or mixed greens.
17. Cucumber Salad with Hearts of Palm
Crisp, cool cucumber is the perfect match for hearts of palm!
Together, they create a light and crisp salad that couldn’t be easier to make.
This salad is perfect for a snack or as a side dish. I’m a big fan of serving it with sushi, barbecue, and farmer’s market-style spreads.