Best 7 Cactus Salad Recipes

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.

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:

• 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 PADDLE SALAD (NOPALES SALAD)

Steps:

• Heat 6 inches of water and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to a boil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the cactus and boil, uncovered, until tender, about 20 minutes.
• Drain the cactus and transfer it to a large bowl.
• Add tomato, onion and cilantro; set aside.
• Whisk together the oil, vinegar, oregano and salt; pour over the vegetables and toss.
• Line a platter with lettuce leaves; top with salad; sprinkle with cheese; garnish with jalapenos and radish slices.

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.

CACTUS, ZUCCHINI AND RED PEPPER SALAD

Steps:

• To make vinaigrette, in small bowl, mix oil, vinegar, cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic and pepper with wire whisk until well blended.
• In 3-quart saucepan, heat water and salt to boiling. Add cactus. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Boil uncovered 5 minutes; drain. Immediately rinse with cold water, or plunge into large bowl of ice and water; drain. Repeat rinsing and draining twice.
• In large bowl, mix cactus, zucchini and bell pepper. Add vinaigrette; toss to mix.

NOPAL (CACTUS) SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Clean the needles from the cactus leaves (or you can buy them already cleaned off).Cut in 1 inch stripes and boil for 10 minutes.
• 2. Pour to one bowl.Add the peas (drained and rinsed),add chopped eggs,relish and green onion.
• 3. In a small bowl, mix all dressing ingredients.Pour over the vegetables.Serve with any meat for dinner or serve it with salmon, rice,and beans like I did for dinner tonight.