Whole30 Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro

Transform your grilling game with this vibrant and health-focused Whole30 Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro recipe! Featuring tender cactus paddles (nopales) marinated in a zesty blend of fresh lime, garlic, and olive oil, this dish is a deliciously unique way to enhance your summer grilling repertoire. Light charring on the grill brings out the natural flavors of the cactus, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness to every bite. Perfect as a flavorful side dish or a creative topping for salads and tacos, this quick and easy recipe—ready in just 25 minutes—is completely Whole30 compliant, vegan, and bursting with flavor. Ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts, it’s sure to impress plant-based eaters and adventurous food lovers alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 Cactus paddles (nopales)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 Lime
• 1 bunch Fresh cilantro
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Start by washing the cactus paddles thoroughly under cold running water to remove dirt and debris. Be careful of the small spines.

Step 2

Using a sharp knife, carefully trim the edges of the paddles and scrape off the thorns on both sides.

Step 3

Once trimmed, slice each paddle into approximately 1-inch wide strips.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mince the garlic cloves and add them to the olive oil.

Step 5

Zest one lime and add the zest to the bowl, then juice both limes and add the juice to the bowl. Mix well.

Step 6

Chop the fresh cilantro leaves, discarding the stems, and set aside.

Step 7

Place the cactus strips into a shallow dish and pour the olive oil garlic and lime mixture over them. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat evenly.

Step 8

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

Step 9

Once the grill is hot, place the seasoned cactus strips directly onto the grill grates.

Step 10

Grill the cactus for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly charred and tender.

Step 11

Remove the grilled cactus from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.

Step 12

Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the grilled cactus for an added freshness.

Step 13

Serve immediately as a side or as a topping for salads or tacos.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(621.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	379.1

Total Fat 28.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1289.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 31.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.1g	0%
Total Sugars 7.2g
Protein 7.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 750.5mg	0%
Iron 5.3mg	0%
Potassium 1446.2mg	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: 62.6%

Protein: 7.5%

Carbs: 29.9%