Ensalada De Nopales Mexican Cactus Salad Recipes

ENSALADA DE NOPALES- MEXICAN CACTUS SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• For the pre-cut cactus (nopalitos), start by rinsing the cactus under cold water. You'll see that there is some slime in the cactus. This happens once a cactus paddle has been cut and the liquid from the inside releases. If using Fresh Cactus paddles, carefully remove the thorns but still keeping most of the dark green skin in tact. Then dice the cactus paddles and rinse with cold water.After rinsing, place the cactus in a large pot of water along with Salt, Onion Powder, and some cilantro stems for flavor.
• Boil for about 15 minutes or until the nopales are somewhat soft, but still have some crunch to them. Drain and rinse the cooked cactus again under cold water, then place in bowl to make the cactus salad.
• Dice and chop tomatoes, half of a white or red onion, some cilantro, and jalapeno if you want it spicy.
• In a medium bowl, mix everything with the boiled and rinsed nopales (cactus). I also like to add squeezed lime for some acidity and add salt to taste. Taste the salad and see if more salt or lime is needed. Store the cactus salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve or keep for up to 3 days refrigerated.

MEXICAN CACTUS SALAD (ENSALADA DE NOPALES)

Steps:

• Clean the nopales by cutting around both edges to remove the outer thorns. For the rest, run the edge of your knife in a horizontal fashion all over the paddle until the thorns are gone. Flip and repeat on the second side. Chop the de-spined nopales into small rectangles, then place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add a large pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the nopales are tender and slightly darker green in color. In the meantime, prep the tomatoes, onion, serrano, cilantro, avocado, and queso fresco. After they've cooked, transfer the nopalitos to a strainer. Rinse under cold water while vigorously mixing to remove the slime. Add the rinsed nopalitos to a mixing bowl, then stir in the tomatoes, onions, and serrano. In a separate bowl, mix the lime juice, olive oil, Mexican oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix together, then combine the dressing with the nopales salad. Serve your cactus salad with cilantro, queso fresco, and avocado on top. Happy eating!

ENSALADA DE NOPALES (CACTUS SALAD)

Steps:

• Place all ingredients, except avocado and cheese, in a large bowl; toss until evenly mixed.
• Just before serving, add vegan cheese and avocado, if desired, stirring gently to mix. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves. Serve with tortilla chips.
• Test Kitchen Tip: Nopales are the tear-shaped leaves of the Opuntia or prickly pear cactus, harvested all year long in warm, dry regions of Mexico. The pads are harvested young and have a delicate, tart flavor and crisp yet slightly chewy texture. The juicy leaves are eaten both raw or cooked in a variety of Mexican dishes. Nopales are generally sold fresh in Mexico, but jarred nopalitos can be found in Latin markets, online retailers and in the Latin aisle of most supermarkets.

ENSALADA DE NOPALES (CACTUS SALAD)

Steps:

• In a small bowl or jar whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, agave or honey, dried oregano, salt and pepper.
• Set aside.
• In a large bowl combine the cactus, tomato, sliced onion, cilantro, queso fresco, and jalapeños if you're using any. Mix to combine all ingredients.
• Note: Do not mix in the avocado just yet as it will become all mushy when mixing the salad a few times. Leave it for the last step!
• Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad and mix together.
• Add the cubed avocado and gently fold into the salad.

ENSALADA DE NOPALES Y CAMARONES - CACTUS AND SHRIMP SALAD

Steps:

• Seed and dice tomatoes. Chop onion and cilantro. Finely dice the jalapeno and mix all together in a large bowl. Set aside.
• In a separate medium sized bowl, combine the garlic and half of the extra virgin olive oil. Brush the nopales with the garlic oil to coat using a basting brush, season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Reserve the leftover garlic oil.
• Place the cactus on a preheated a grill or grill pan over a medium-high flame and cook until limp, about 4 minutes on each side. Remove and allow to cool, then cut the pads into ¼-inch thick strips. Add to the tomato mixture.
• Brush the shrimp with the reserved garlic oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 3 minutes on each side, until firm and pink and add to the tomato-nopales mixture.
• Add the vinegar, tequila and remaining olive oil and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve in a lettuce leaf or corn tortilla.

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.

ENSALADA DE NOPALITOS (CACTUS SALAD) WITH VEGAN OPTION

Steps:

• Drain the nopalitos and place in a bowl. Cut them into smaller strips, if you prefer.
• Add the white onion, cilantro, Mexican oregano, and lime juice to the nopalitos. Stir well. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
• While waiting, prepare the toppings.
• When the nopales mixture has sat for 30 minutes, spread the mixture in a 1.5 or 2 inch deep platter.
• Top with chopped tomatoes, cilantro, shredded cheese, onion, jalapeños, and avocado.
• Place the lettuce along the edges of the platter.
• Serve at room temperature.