hearts of palm avocado and watercress salad with thousand island dressing
Ima Gaillard
Ingredients
Here’s a list of all the ingredients for a **Hearts of Palm Avocado and Watercress Salad with Thousand Island Dressing**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords for better search visibility:
- **Hearts of palm** (canned or jarred, sliced into rounds)
- **Avocado** (ripe, diced or sliced)
- **Watercress** (fresh, washed, and trimmed)
- **Romaine lettuce** (chopped, optional for extra crunch)
- **Cherry tomatoes** (halved, for color and freshness)
- **Red onion** (thinly sliced, for a tangy kick)
- **Cucumber** (sliced or diced, for added freshness)
- **Hard-boiled eggs** (sliced, optional for protein)
- **Bacon bits** (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- **Croutons** (optional, for added texture)
### **Thousand Island Dressing Ingredients**
- **Mayonnaise** (base for creamy texture)
- **Ketchup** (for tangy sweetness)
- **Sweet pickle relish** (for a hint of sweetness and crunch)
- **White vinegar** (for acidity)
- **Worcestershire sauce** (for depth of flavor)
- **Paprika** (for a smoky touch)
- **Garlic powder** (optional, for extra flavor)
- **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
This **hearts of palm avocado salad** is a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish perfect for a **healthy lunch** or **light dinner**. The combination of **creamy avocado**, **crisp watercress**, and **tangy Thousand Island dressing** makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Steps
# Hearts of Palm, Avocado, and Watercress Salad with Thousand Island Dressing
This **hearts of palm avocado and watercress salad** is a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side. The creamy avocado, tender hearts of palm, and peppery watercress are beautifully complemented by a tangy **thousand island dressing**. Follow these detailed steps to create this delicious salad that’s both healthy and satisfying.
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## **Ingredients**
### For the Salad:
- 1 can (14 oz) **hearts of palm**, drained and sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 ripe **avocados**, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 2 cups fresh **watercress**, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or almonds (optional for crunch)
### For the Thousand Island Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
1. **Drain and slice the hearts of palm**: Open the can of hearts of palm, drain the liquid, and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
2. **Prepare the avocado**: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and dice them into bite-sized pieces. To prevent browning, drizzle with a little lemon juice.
3. **Wash and trim the watercress**: Rinse the watercress thoroughly under cold water and pat dry. Trim any tough stems.
4. **Halve the cherry tomatoes**: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half for easy mixing.
5. **Slice the red onion**: Thinly slice the red onion for a mild, tangy flavor.
### Step 2: Make the Thousand Island Dressing
1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), ketchup, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency by adding a splash of water if needed.
### Step 3: Assemble the Salad
1. In a large salad bowl, layer the watercress as the base.
2. Add the sliced hearts of palm, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
3. Sprinkle toasted walnuts or almonds on top for added crunch (optional).
### Step 4: Add the Dressing and Serve
1. Drizzle the homemade thousand island dressing over the salad just before serving.
2. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
3. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
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## **Tips for Success**
- **Storage**: If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
- **Customization**: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- **Dietary Options**: Use vegan mayo and skip the nuts for a nut-free version.
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This **hearts of palm avocado and watercress salad** is a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With its vibrant colors and nutrient-rich ingredients, it’s a great addition to any meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy a healthy, delicious salad that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying!
**Keywords**: hearts of palm avocado salad, watercress salad, thousand island dressing, healthy salad recipe, easy salad ideas, avocado salad recipe, hearts of palm recipe.