Textual Chef

Nopales Salad

A vibrant Mexican salad of cleaned cactus paddles tossed with tomato, onion, cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing — bright, earthy, and packed with fiber.

27 minMediumServes 480 cal/serving

MexicanSaladStovetopVegetarianMediterraneanGluten-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeSoy-FreeSesame-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fresh nopales (cactus paddles), cleaned, diced
  • 2 roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup white onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp dried Mexican oregano
  • 1/4 cup queso fresco (or feta cheese), crumbled

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb cleaned, diced fresh nopales (cactus paddles) and cook until tender and no longer slimy, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.

  2. 2

    Pat the cooked nopales dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, combine the nopales, 2 diced roma tomatoes, 1/2 cup finely diced white onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

  4. 4

    In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp dried Mexican oregano to make the dressing.

  5. 5

    Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  6. 6

    Transfer to a serving platter and top with 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (or feta cheese). Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

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