Avocado, Hearts of Palm and Red Onion Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

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This salad is a great one for warm summer days. It comes together quickly, is very flavorful and is packed with enough nutrition and calories to be a meal. The hearts of palm add fiber, iron and manganese, and the avocado is rich in potassium, vitamin K, and folate to name a few, and is also a good fiber source. The cilantro has anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial effect. On top of all that, it is delicious!

MAKES: 4 Servings
PREP/COOK TIME: 30 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 clove garlic

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 14 ounce can hearts of palm, drained

• 2 California(Haas) firm, ripe avocados

• 1/2 small red onion, sliced thin

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 head Boston lettuce

 DIRECTIONS

1. For the vinaigrette; add garlic, lemon juice, sugar and salt in a blender and puree. With motor running, add the olive oil in a stream, blending until dressing is emulsified.

2. Cut hearts of palms in rings about 1/2 inch thick and cut avocado into 3/4 inch cubes. Gently toss together with the onions, cilantro and vinaigrette until combined.

3. Line salad plates with the lettuce leaves, mound the salad mixture on the leaves and serve.