If you're looking for an easy no-cook spring or summer recipe that's packed with tropical flavors, then this hearts of palm rice salad is for you. It's bursting with colorful, nutrient-rich veggies, sweet mango, and Hawaiian-inspired ingredients. Because it's entirely no-cook and comes together all in one bowl, you'll want to enjoy this low-carb hearts of palm rice salad all season long.
This is a recipe that flexes to accommodate whatever else is going on in your life. You can swap the veggies, prepare it ahead of time for a party, or add more protein to make it a meal. This coconut lime rice salad is fast enough for a busy weeknight, but feels special enough for an event. It's one I come back to again and again, especially on warm summer evenings, and I hope you will too.
Hearts of palm are the inner, tender parts of specific types of palm trees. They have a mild flavor that is often compared to artichokes, although more subtle. Hearts of palm can be used in a wide variety of dishes and are a versatile ingredient. They're typically sold in a can or packet, sometimes packed in water or a brine, in shapes ranging from disks to noodles to rice.
Hearts of palm rice is a riced version of hearts of palm, shaped to resemble traditional rice. It can be used as a low-carb substitute for rice in many dishes. Because the rice is already prepared, it can be used without cooking, which is what I've done in this easy hearts of palm rice salad. It can also be cooked, either just with seasonings or in a more complex rice dish like stuffed peppers. You can even toss hearts of palm rice into a hearty green salad, for example kale or cabbage, for additional texture, fiber, and nutrition.
Hearts of palm rice is frequently used as a low-carb, low-calorie substitute for rice. If you need to be careful with either of those, it's an excellent option. Regardless though, hearts of palm rice is loaded with fiber and is high in nutrients like potassium, iron, and zinc, so it's a great choice for anyone, even if you don't follow a special diet.
Personally, I gravitate to hearts of palm rice over regular rice because it feels lighter. The fiber and high water content make it satisfying and filling, but it doesn't have the same after-meal heaviness that regular rice can. Even a big bowl of this hearts of palm rice salad won't weigh you down.
This colorful, tropical rice salad is easy to make and requires no cooking. You'll just toss the hearts of palm rice with coconut cream, lime juice, and salt so that each grain is perfectly flavored. You'll then mix in a rainbow of diced veggies, protein-rich edamame, and sweet mango. Transfer the salad to a serving dish, garnish it with a few additional island-inspired toppings (shredded coconut, macadamia nuts, and furikake seasoning), and you're ready to eat.
Because this no-cook rice salad is so flexible, it's an easy recipe to customize. Feel free to switch up the veggies; anything you enjoy raw will work fine. You can also use pineapple instead of mango, use cashews instead of macadamias, or add avocado. There's already some plant-based protein from the edamame, but you can add more protein to make it a more filling meal, for example by topping the salad with a big dollop of coconut lime hummus. You can even stuff this hearts of palm rice salad into tacos, either as the main filling or in place of a slaw.
This hearts of palm rice salad works well as a make-ahead dish or for meal-prep. Just follow the recipe as written, omitting the garnishes, and store the salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Wait to add the macadamias and furikake until just before serving so they keep their crunch.
Here's what you'll need for this tropical hearts of palm rice salad, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
If you love island-inspired flavors, be sure to check out my other tropical plant-based recipes, which celebrate ingredients like avocado, mango, pineapple, coconut, lime, and macadamia nuts. My husband and I spend every winter on the northernmost Hawaiian island, so these flavors are near and dear to my heart.
If you need some sunshine in your life, try incorporating tropical ingredients into your meals. For colorful, exotic salads, you'll love this macadamia mango slaw and this healthy Pad Thai cabbage salad. Those both go beautifully with a side of roasted sweet potatoes with macadamia dukkah. For a tropical entree, these black bean and pineapple tostadas and this vegan pineapple poke bowl are both unique and fun.
Hosting a party? I have many tropical appetizers and finger foods here for you to explore. This coconut lime hummus is easy and protein-rich. This pineapple guacamole and these pineapple seven layer dip cups will both steal the show. If you have access to a variety of fruits, this tropical fruit guacamole is my personal favorite. There are too many tropical cocktails here on the blog to list, but I always come back to this rum tiki punch and this easy coconut paloma.
Tropical flavors are wonderful at breakfast too. Coconut macadamia granola is a staple in my kitchen and this fruity brunch salad is perfect for a spring gathering. I make this tropical ocean iced matcha latte all summer long.
Need something sweet? You'll be amazed that this vegan chocolate coconut macadamia cream pie is made from avocado.
Aren't you excited to make this colorful, veggie-filled, hearts of palm rice salad? The island-inspired flavors are fun and fresh, and the confetti appearance is sure to make everyone happy. Coconut and lime are wonderful together, and they're especially fabulous when combined with juicy mango and crunchy macadamias. This tropical salad is summer in a bowl!
This no-cook recipe is a regular for me in my own kitchen because it's so easy and fast. Whether I'm getting home after a busy day or hosting last-minute BBQ guests on the deck, I know I can always throw this dish together. You'll definitely want this coconut lime rice salad in your recipe arsenal, especially for spring and summer!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
This vibrant hearts of palm rice salad features tropical flavors, protein-rich edamame, a rainbow of fresh veggies, and sweet mango. It's vegan, grain-free, completely no-cook, and ready in minutes.
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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