Joanie's Cactus Salad

Brighten up your table with Joanie's Cactus Salad, a refreshing and vibrant dish that celebrates the unique flavors of nopales (fresh cactus paddles). This zesty salad is a perfect balance of tender cactus strips, juicy tomato, crisp red onion, aromatic cilantro, and a hint of heat from jalapeño. Tossed in a simple yet tangy dressing of lime juice and extra-virgin olive oil, this salad is both light and satisfying. Optional creamy avocado takes it to the next level, making it a versatile dish that can be served as a standalone appetizer or a side for grilled meats or tacos. With minimal prep time and high nutritional value, Joanie's Cactus Salad is a must-try for those seeking a fresh, healthy, and authentic Mexican-inspired recipe. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a burst of flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 whole fresh cactus paddles (nopales)
• 1 whole large tomato
• 0.5 whole red onion
• 0.25 cup cilantro
• 1 whole jalapeño pepper
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 whole optional avocado, diced

Directions

Step 1

Carefully clean the cactus paddles by trimming the edges and scraping off the thorns. Rinse thoroughly under running water.

Step 2

Cut the cactus paddles into thin strips (about 1/4 inch wide).

Step 3

In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the cactus strips and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the cactus becomes tender but still slightly crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water to remove the gelatinous substance. Set aside to cool.

Step 4

While the cactus cools, dice the tomato into small cubes, thinly slice the red onion, and finely chop the cilantro.

Step 5

If desired, de-seed the jalapeño pepper for less heat, then finely chop it.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cactus strips, diced tomato, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño.

Step 7

Drizzle the mixture with lime juice and olive oil. Add salt and black pepper to taste, then toss well to combine.

Step 8

If using avocado, gently fold in the diced avocado to avoid mashing it.

Step 9

Serve immediately as a light salad or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1218.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	558.1

Total Fat 36.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1348.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 57.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.1g	0%
Total Sugars 17.8g
Protein 15.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1241.2mg	0%
Iron 5.8mg	0%
Potassium 3243.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.2%

Protein: 9.9%

Carbs: 36.9%