Mexican Cactus Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Nopales)
Ensalada de nopales is a Mexican cactus salad that's bright, slightly lemony, aromatic, savory, tender, nutritious and just downright delicious! You can pair it with other dishes or serve is as a scrumptious appetizer.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 73kcal
Ingredients
- 3 large cactus paddles or 3 cups sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- water for cooking the nopales
- 3 medium Roma tomatoes seeded and chopped
- ½ cup chopped spring onion or white onion
- 1-2 whole Serrano peppers roughly chopped
- ½ cup chopped cilantro adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano crushed, adjust to taste
- 3 Tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- If you buy nopales with the spines still in them then you'll need to clean them first. Watch my video for a visual step-by-step guide.
- Slice the nopales paddles into even-sized thin slices then rinse thoroughly.
- In a medium to large pot, place the sliced nopales with the tomatillo husk if using, the 1/2 teaspoon salt and plenty of water to cover the nopales by a few inches.
- Simmer the nopales until they have softened and turned a dark green color.
- Drain and thoroughly rinse with cold water.
- Place the olive teaspoon salt, ground black pepper, and oregano in a small jar or a small bowl. Then pour in the lime juice and olive oil and shake or stir until well combined.
- Place the cooked, drained, rinsed, and cooled nopales into a large glass bowl then add the onion, serrano and tomato and mix until well combined. Add the chopped cilantro and mix well.
- Shake or stir the dressing ingredients then pour over the mixed veggies and stir until everything is well combined. Taste for salt and adjust if desired.
- Allow to chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator or serve right away.
- Serve with tostadas or with corn tortillas or as a side dish. See more serving suggestions in the article.
Notes
If you'd like you can mix in some cotija cheese or queso fresco. Do so right before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 6servings | Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 585mg | Potassium: 117mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 442IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.4mg
