Hearts of Palm Ceviche
Today we’re making a Hearts of Palm Ceviche! Ceviche is a traditional South American salad, thought to have originated in Peru or Mexico. It usually consists of fresh fish marinated so it is “cooked” without heat by marinading it in a ton of lime juice. Then cilantro, avocado, tomato, and other ingredients are added. It’s like a fish guac, but without blending the ingredients? Today though, to make it vegan, we are going to use hearts of palm instead of fish!
Hearts of palm are the core of a couple different palm tree species that are native to South and Central America. They are usually canned and look like long cylinders packed in a liquid. They are smooth, white, and don’t taste like much on their own. That’s why you would usually add some spices to it and mix it in with salads/stir fry, air fry it, and more! I actually tried out a recipe for making fried calamari using hearts of palm. Calamari is made from squid which kind of looks like hearts of palm when it’s raw!
Nutrition wise, hearts of palm are very low-calorie, and contain zinc, potassium, and vitamin C. Because they’re canned, the salt content can be very high though. It’s a good idea to always rinse any canned items before using to avoid some of the salt.
Why You’ll Love This Hearts of Palm Ceviche
Ocean-Free Twist on a Classic: This Vegan Hearts of Palm Ceviche offers all the bright, zesty flavors of traditional ceviche without using any seafood. The hearts of palm provide a delightful, tender texture that mimics the classic dish, so you can still enjoy the coastal vibes while keeping it 100% plant-based. It’s perfect for anyone who loves ceviche but wants to avoid fish!
No Cooking Required, Ready in Minutes: This ceviche comes together in under 15 minutes, with zero cooking involved! It’s a refreshing, time-saving option that’s ideal for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the stove or oven. Simply chop, mix, and serve for an instant, healthy dish that’s packed with flavor.
Substitutions
Hearts of Palm: I used canned hearts of palm, which are the easiest to work with (and find) versus the actual hearts of palm vegetable.
Olive oil: Use avocado oil.
Cherry Tomatoes: Use very firm tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are small and firm, so if using large tomatoes they need to be extremely firm.
Lime Juice: Use lemon juice.
Cucumbers: Swap in some fresh zucchini, which has a similar crunch.
Cilantro: Try fresh mint and parsley.
Hearts of Palm Ceviche Recipe Notes
- Customizing the Veggies: This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on what you have. For extra crunch, try adding diced cucumber or radish. If you love heat, don’t be shy with the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne. Avocado also adds a nice creaminess if you want to make it more filling.
- Chilling is Key: After mixing all the ingredients, let the ceviche sit in the fridge for at least 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. The longer it marinates, the better the hearts of palm will absorb the citrusy goodness.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato
If you make this Hearts of Palm Ceviche, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Hearts of Palm Ceviche
Equipment
- Large hole grater
Ingredients
- 1 can hearts of palm shredded
- ¼ white onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
- Pinch red chili powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ – 1 tsp pink salt
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- 1 cup cucumbers chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 small avocado, diced
Instructions
- Grate the hearts of palm, after removing them from the can and washing.
- Mix together the hearts of palm with the ingredients up to and including the salt in a large bowl. Keep it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Remove from fridge after 30 minutes and add in the remaining ingredients. Once everything is combined, serve it right away so it doesn't become soggy.
Notes
-
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
