Skip to main content

Avocado, Asparagus, and Hearts of Palm Salad

Crisp, tender asparagus spears get friendly with hearts of palm, cherry tomatoes, scallions, and avocado in this lovely starter salad from Epicurious member Theonike. A simple mustard-and-garlic-infused vinaigrette serves as dressing, while a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts gives this dish some crunch. Use soft, ripe avocados but wait to peel and dice them until just before serving so they retain their beautiful pale green hue.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 (14-ounce) can hearts of palm, drained, rinsed, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
About 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 green onions (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 avocados, halved, peeled, pitted, and diced
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium skillet over high heat, bring 1 inch of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook, uncovered, until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Pat dry and transfer to a large salad bowl.

    Step 2

    Add the hearts of palm, cherry tomatoes, and onions to the salad bowl.

    Step 3

    In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, pepper, and sugar. Gradually whisk in the oil, then pour over the salad and toss to coat the vegetables. Add the diced avocado, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Sprinkle the salad with toasted pine nuts and serve immediately.

The Epicurious Cookbook
Read More
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.
Crunchy and crowd-pleasing, this salad can be prepared in advance and customized to your heart’s content.
Baking meatballs and green beans on two sides of the same sheet pan streamlines the cooking process for this saucy, savory dinner.
Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.
A garlicky pistachio topping takes this sunny summer pasta from good to great.