Ensalada de Nopales, Cactus Salad
User Reviews
5
Ensalada de Nopales, Cactus Salad
Description
This cactus salad features diced nopales paddles that are salted and drained to remove their natural sliminess. Meanwhile, onions are lightly pickled in lime juice and salt to soften their sharpness, often with the addition of minced serrano or jalapeño chiles for heat. Once prepared, these components are combined with diced plum tomatoes, chopped cilantro, Mexican oregano for an earthy note, and olive oil to unify the flavors. Cotija cheese adds a crumbly, salty contrast, while avocado can be included for creaminess.
The salad's flavor profile is bright and tangy from the lime with a mild heat, complemented by the unique texture of tender nopales. It is commonly served as a fresh side dish that complements Mexican meals well, showcasing regional ingredients and preparation techniques.
Ingredients
- 4 nopales paddles despined
- salt fine grain
- 4 plum tomato seeded and diced
- 1/2 white onion chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 serrano chile or jalapeno chiles, seeded and minced
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano (regular oregano is fine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese or feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 avocado optional, diced
Instructions
- Dice the nopales and toss with salt. You want all the cut sides of the nopales to have salt on them. Put them in a colander in the sink and let this drain for 1 hour. When the time has elapsed, rinse the nopales under cold water until they are no longer slimy, which should take maybe 3 to 5 minutes. Pat dry with a kitchen towel put into a large bowl.
- While the nopales are sitting in the colander, mix the diced onion with a little salt and the lime juice and let them pickle a bit. This takes the harsh edge off the raw onion. If you want, you can add the minced chiles to the lime juice, too.
- When you're ready, mix all the ingredients together and serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 184 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 184kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 17mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 218mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 449mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 765IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 21mg | 23% |
| Calcium | 116mg | 12% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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