Skip to main content
Epicurious
Gourmet

Quinoa Salad with Fresh Hearts of Palm (Ensalada de Quinoa con Chonta)

By Lillian Chou

3.9

(11)

Image may contain Porcelain Pottery Art Food Dish Meal and Bowl
Quinoa Salad with Fresh Hearts of Palm (Ensalada de Quinoa con Chonta)Marcus Nilsson

Indigenous to the Andes, quinoa was called the mother grain by the Incas, who considered the plant sacred. And while much has been made of quinoa's nutritional properties, its fluffy texture and nuttiness in this recipe are a revelation. Because it comes together quickly and is full of bright flavors, this salad is sure to become a summer staple. It's worth seeking out the fresh hearts of palm, which have a vibrant snap, but if you cannot find them, do not substitute canned; instead, use chayote (see cooks’ note, below).

Cooks' notes:

•You can substitute 1 (1/2-pounds) chayote for the fresh hearts of palm. Pit the chayote and cut into matchsticks (2 cups).
•Quinoa can be cooked 1 day ahead and chilled. Bring to room temperature before proceeding.
•Quinoa salad can be assembled 1 hour ahead.

Read More
Speedy Chicken Stroganoff
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
23 Easy Pie Recipes for Low-Effort, High-Reward Desserts
There’s a reason they say, “easy as pie,” you know?
Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.