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Keto Salads

Hearts of Palm Salad

I stumbled upon hearts of palm years ago, and they've become a keto kitchen staple. This salad is incredibly simple, yet it bursts with tangy, briny goodness from olives and a zesty Italian dressing. It comes together in minutes and is perfect for meal prep or a quick side dish. I often make a big batch to enjoy all week. The mild, slightly nutty flavor of hearts of palm absorbs the dressing wonderfully, making each bite a delight. It's one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day.

15 min Prep time 0 min Cook time 15 min Total time 4 Servings 350 Calories
Hearts of Palm Salad

Ingredients

  • (14.25 ounce) cans hearts of palm, drained and sliced
  • (.7 ounce) packages dry Italian-style salad dressing mix
  • /2 cup white wine or champagne vinegar
  • tablespoons water
  • cup olive oil
  • (8 ounce) jar green olives, sliced
  • (6 ounce) can sliced black olives
  • tablespoons bacon bits

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    I start by whisking the dry Italian dressing mix with vinegar and water in a medium bowl until it's completely blended. Then, I slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking to create a smooth, emulsified dressing. Next, I add the sliced hearts of palm to the bowl and gently stir to make sure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour, though I prefer to let it sit overnight—the flavors meld so much better. When you're ready to serve, simply sprinkle the green olives, black olives, and bacon bits over the top. Give it a light toss to distribute the toppings, and it's ready to enjoy. Don't worry if it looks like a lot of liquid at first

  2. Step 2

    the hearts of palm soak up the dressing beautifully. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. The bacon bits add a savory crunch that complements the tangy olives. You can also add some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weekly meal prep. I guarantee it'll become a go-to in your keto rotation.

Chef's Tip

My secret is to use a good-quality olive oil and let the salad marinate overnight. It allows the flavors to deepen. If you can't find Italian dressing mix, make your own with dried herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder mixed with a little salt and pepper. This way, you control the sodium and carb count.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavors only get better! I recommend letting it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Avoid freezing as the texture of the hearts of palm will change.

Variation Tips

For a zesty twist, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some chopped fresh dill. You can also toss in diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess and healthy fats. If you're in the mood for more protein, top with grilled shrimp or chicken. Another option is to use feta cheese crumbles instead of bacon bits for a vegetarian version.

Frequently Asked Questions