Heart-Healthy Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro
Discover the vibrant flavors of this Heart-Healthy Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro, a unique and nutritious dish that's perfect for your next outdoor cookout or weeknight dinner. This recipe transforms tender cactus paddles (nopales) into a smoky, tangy masterpiece, brushed with a zesty blend of olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Grilled to perfection, the cactus develops gorgeous charred edges and a tender-yet-firm texture, beautifully complemented by a bright sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Low in calories and packed with nutrients, this quick and easy side dish is a delicious way to explore new ingredients while prioritizing heart health. Serve it with a fresh lime wedge for an extra zing and pair it with grilled meats or a crisp salad for a refreshing and wholesome meal idea!
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 4 medium cactus paddles (nopales)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Start by cleaning the cactus paddles: use a sharp knife to scrape off the spines and any blemishes from the paddles.
Step 2
Rinse the cleaned paddles thoroughly under cold water to remove any remaining residue. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4
Brush the cactus paddles generously with the prepared olive oil and lime mixture on both sides.
Step 5
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 6
Place the cactus paddles on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
Step 7
Remove the grilled cactus from the grill and let them cool slightly. Slice the grilled cactus into strips or smaller pieces as preferred.
Step 8
Transfer the sliced cactus to a serving platter and sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top.
Step 9
Serve immediately as a side dish or as part of a salad. Squeeze additional lime juice over the top for extra flavor if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (530.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 348.2 |
| Total Fat 29.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 4.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1257.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 21.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 6.0g | |
| Protein 7.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 703.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1223.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories