Paleo Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro
Add a vibrant and healthy twist to your BBQ menu with this Paleo Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro recipe! Perfect for adventurous food lovers and fans of clean eating, this dish stars tender, smoky cactus paddles (nopales) marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Grilled to perfection, the cactus takes on a slightly tangy, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. This easy and nutrient-packed recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight meal or as a unique side dish for your next backyard gathering. Plus, it’s completely paleo, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, ensuring it will be a hit with any crowd.
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces cactus paddles (nopales)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 for serving lime wedges
Directions
Step 1
Start by cleaning the cactus paddles. Use a vegetable peeler or knife to gently remove the small spines and rough bumpy spots from the paddles. Rinse under cold water to remove any remaining debris and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, sea salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Whisk together until well combined.
Step 3
Place the cleaned cactus paddles in a shallow dish. Pour the olive oil mixture over the paddles, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Step 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 5
Place the marinated cactus paddles on the grill. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until they develop nice grill marks and are tender.
Step 6
Remove the cactus paddles from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
Step 7
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the grilled cactus paddles.
Step 8
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra splash of lime juice.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (540.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350.6 |
| Total Fat 29.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 4.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2419.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 21.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 6.0g | |
| Protein 7.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 705.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1227.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories