California Cactus Salad Recipes

CALIFORNIA PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the vegetables and olives. , In a large bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Drizzle over spaghetti mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Serve with a slotted spoon.

SOUTHWESTERN CACTUS SALAD

Steps:

• In a medium size mixing bowl, combine cactus, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and cilantro. Squeeze the juice from both lemons over the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Sprinkle with garlic salt (if you'd like) and serve.

CALIFORNIA TOSSED SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour., Just before serving, add romaine and toss to coat.

CALIFORNIA STYLE ISRAELI SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, toss together the tomatoes, cucumber, jicama, bell pepper, and red onion. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley, and mix thoroughly to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Serve cold, or at room temperature.

CACTUS SALAD

Steps:

• Pare off edges of cactus paddles and slice into ¼ inch strips.
• Bring water, salt, and scallions to a boil.
• Drop in cactus strips and bring to boiling.
• Reduce heat and simmer until tender.
• Drain and rinse.
• Combine vinegar, lime juice, oil, sun dried tomatoes, and oregano in separate bowl.
• Arrange cactus strips and sautéed onions on platter, pour vinegar mixture over salad, sprinkle cheese and chilies on top and serve.

CALIFORNIA CACTUS SALAD

Steps:

• Peel thorns from cactus pads with a vegetable peeler, leaving the green skin; cut cactus pads into thin strips.
• Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add the cactus and garlic, saute 7-8 minutes or until cactus is tender. Combine the cactus mixture, beans and the next 7 ingredients(beans through tomatoes).
• Arrange 1 1/2 cups lettuce on each of 4 plates, top each with 1/2 cup cactus mixture, 1 1/2 tbls. cheese, and about 2 teaspoons sour cream. Enjoy!
• Yield: 4 servings.

CALIFORNIA CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• For the dressing:
• In a food processor, add egg yolk, lemon juice, anchovies, and garlic. Pulse until there is an even consistency. With the machine running, slowly add olive and canola oil until emulsified. Add the mustard, salt and pepper and pulse to combine.
• For the salad:
• Combine all the salad ingredients and toss with dressing until evenly coated.
• For the croutons:
• Place cubed bread into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss together. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until brown and crispy.
• Serve salad with croutons on top.
• *RAW EGG WARNING
• Food Network Kitchens suggest caution in consuming raw and lightly-cooked eggs due to the slight risk of Salmonella or other food-borne illness.
• To reduce this risk, we recommend you use only fresh, properly-refrigerated, clean, grade A or AA eggs with intact shells, and avoid contact between the yolks or whites and the shell.

CACTUS SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat grill or broiler. Place cactus paddles in a bowl and toss with 1/4 cup of the olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Grill or broil the paddles until grill marks appear on each side, or they turn dark green with black patches, about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Cover and chill 2 to 4 hours or overnight. Cut cactus into 1/2-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cactus, tomatoes, onions, chiles, cilantro and cheese with the remaining 1/2 cup oil, the vinegar, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Toss well. Serve on plates lined with lettuce leaves, and garnish with avocado slices sprinkled with cracked pepper garnish.
• In a small bowl, stir all the ingredients together. Spoon over vegetables or drizzle lightly over dressed salads as a garnish.

CACTUS SALAD

Steps:

• Toss cactus, onion, tomato, cilantro and lime juice in medium bowl. Season to taste. Add cheese; mix lightly.
• Add a pinch of salt to vinegar in small bowl; stir until salt is dissolved. Gradually add oil, stirring with wire whisk until well blended.
• Drizzle just enough dressing over the salad to moisten all ingredients; toss lightly, Serve any remaining dressing on the side.

CACTUS SALAD

Steps:

• 1. To prepare the nopales: If necessary, use a small sharp knife to remove any residual thorns or nodules from the cactus leaves. Bring 8 cups salted water to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the nopales, onion, and garlic and reduce the heat to medium. Cook at a brisk simmer until the nopales are tender, about 6 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Discard the onion and garlic. Cut the nopales into strips about 1/2 inch wide and 2 1/2 inches long. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.
• 2. To make the dressing: Whisk the vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil. Season with salt.
• 3. Mix the nopales, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro in a medium bowl. Add as much dressing as you like (refrigerate any remaining dressing for another use) and toss. Divide the salad among 6 salad plates and top with the avocado and queso fresco. Serve immediately.

CACTUS SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Heat 1 Tbsp. dressing in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add 3 cups cactus strips; cook 4 min. or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Remove to large bowl. Repeat with 1 Tbsp. of the remaining dressing and remaining cactus strips. Cool completely.
• Add remaining dressing and all other remaining ingredients; mix lightly.