Mexican Cactus Salad (Ensalada de Nopales)

A refreshing and nutritious Mexican cactus salad enhanced with tomatoes, onions, and a lime dressing.

A traditional Mexican salad featuring the unique flavor and texture of nopal cactus pads, complemented by fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. Ideal as a side, appetizer, or main dish topping on tostadas.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings

Full Ingredient List

  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 2 cups chopped nopales, jarred or cooked fresh
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro, leaves and stems
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Queso fresco cheese, crumbled, for garnish
  • Onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Avocado, sliced, for garnish

Cactus Salad

Tools and Equipment

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
1 tomato chopped
1 small white onion chopped purple onion
2 cups nopales chopped, jarred or cooked fresh green beans
1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped, leaves and stems
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon oregano dried
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
for garnish queso fresco cheese crumbled
for garnish onion thinly sliced
for garnish avocado sliced

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain and rinse jarred or canned nopales under running water to remove the jar liquid.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss together the chopped tomato, onion, nopales, and cilantro.
  3. Step 3: In a small jar, combine olive oil, lime juice, oregano, and salt. Shake vigorously until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly.
  5. Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour or up to 24 hours for the flavors to develop.
  6. Step 6: Before serving, garnish with crumbled queso fresco cheese, thinly sliced onion, and sliced avocado. (Tips: Adjust toppings as per preference.)

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 371
  • Protein: 11g
  • Fat: 29g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g

Additional Information

Notes: Fresh nopales can be used if jarred nopales are unavailable. Pick smaller, younger pads for tenderness.

Background: Nopal cactus pads have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. The dish can be served in multiple ways, adding versatility to any meal.

Geographic Region: Mexico

Seasonality: Year-round

Occasion: Any casual dining or Mexican-themed meals

Recommended Pairings

  • Grilled meats
  • Tostadas
  • Light beers
  • Tequila-based cocktails

Tags

Mexican Side Dish Appetizer Vegetarian Gluten-Free Nutritious Salad Easy