Best 7 Southwestern Cactus Salad Recipes

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Southwestern cactus salad is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of the desert with the freshness of a crisp salad. This unique offering is perfect for a light meal, a side dish, or even a potluck. With its vibrant colors and zesty dressing, this salad is sure to impress your guests. In this article, we'll explore the best recipe for southwestern cactus salad, highlighting the key ingredients and providing step-by-step instructions to create this delicious dish. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of the southwest, where flavors dance and textures collide in a symphony of taste.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SOUTHWESTERN CACTUS SALAD



Southwestern Cactus Salad image

A delicious spicy salad, made from tender cactus, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lemons. This is hot and spicy, so beware!

Provided by Lupe Burke

Categories     Salad     Vegetable Salad Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) jar nopales - drained, rinsed, and dried
2 cups chopped tomatoes
½ cup diced onion
5 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 lemons
½ teaspoon garlic salt

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 30 calories, Carbohydrate 8.2 g, Fat 0.3 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 1.7 g, Sodium 130.6 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

CACTUS SALAD



Cactus Salad image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 3h10m

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 1/2 pounds fresh or prepared cactus paddles or nopales, needles removed
3/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 Italian Roma tomatoes, cored, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/2 small red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 to 2 medium serrano chiles, stemmed, seeded and finely diced
2 bunches cilantro, leaves only, chopped
1/2 cup finely grated Cotija or Anejo cheese
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 to 6 lettuce leaves
1 avocado, peeled, seeded and sliced for garnish
1/4 cup cracked black pepper garnish, recipe follows
2 tablespoons cracked black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt

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.

SOUTHWESTERN SALAD



Southwestern Salad image

My mother gave me this recipe several years ago, and we have prepared it often ever since. It can be a meal in itself...or serve it along with a Mexican meal. I often take it to potlucks and watch it disappear in no time!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 8-10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 bunch green onions with tops, sliced
1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and chopped
1 bottle (8 ounces) Catalina salad dressing, divided
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium head lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
4 cups corn chips

Steps:

  • In a large salad bowl, toss together the beans, green onions, tomato, avocado and half of the Catalina dressing. Top with cheese and then lettuce. Refrigerate. Just before serving, add corn chips to salad and toss. Serve with remaining dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 344 calories, Fat 23g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 543mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

SOUTHWESTERN CACTUS SALAD



Southwestern Cactus Salad image

A delicious spicy salad, made from tender cactus, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lemons. This is hot and spicy, so beware!

Provided by Allrecipes Member

Categories     Vegetable Salads

Time 1h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) jar nopales - drained, rinsed, and dried
2 cups chopped tomatoes
½ cup diced onion
5 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 lemons
½ teaspoon garlic salt

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 30 calories, Carbohydrate 8.2 g, Fat 0.3 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 1.7 g, Sodium 130.6 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

SOUTHWESTERN SALAD WITH AVOCADO DRESSING RECIPE BY TASTY



Southwestern Salad With Avocado Dressing Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: avocado, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, fresh cilantro, lime, lettuce, bell pepper, fresh cilantro, black beans, red onion, corn, scallion, tomato

Provided by Merle O'Neal

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 avocado, halved
1 clove garlic
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
1 lime, juiced
1 head lettuce, chopped
1 cup bell pepper, chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro
15 oz black beans, 1 can
½ cup red onion, chopped
15 oz corn, 1 can
¼ cup scallion
¾ cup tomato, chopped

Steps:

  • Add all dressing ingredients to a blender, blend until smooth.
  • In a large bowl add lettuce, peppers, cilantro, beans, onion, corn, green onion, and tomatoes.
  • Top with prepared dressing; toss to coat.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342 calories, Carbohydrate 44 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 12 grams, Protein 10 grams, Sugar 8 grams

SOUTHWEST SALAD



Southwest Salad image

Something I just threw together one night but ended up being the best salad I've ever made--corn, cheese, tomatoes and tortilla chips complimented by ranch dressing with a kick.

Provided by GreenEyedLS

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

bagged lettuce, preferably hearts of romaine
2 roma tomatoes, chopped
2/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese, GRATED
2/3 cup corn
2/3 cup tortilla chips, crushed
1 cup ranch dressing, from bottle
1/4 cup salsa
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin

Steps:

  • Mix all salad ingredients together in large serving bowl.
  • Mix all dressing ingredients together in a cup or small bowl.
  • Toss with dressing or serve on the side.
  • If preparing ahead of time, wait to add chips so they stay crisp.

SOUTHWESTERN CACTUS SALAD



Southwestern Cactus Salad image

A delicious spicy salad, made from tender cactus, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lemons. This is hot and spicy, so beware!

Provided by Allrecipes Member

Categories     Vegetable Salads

Time 1h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) jar nopales - drained, rinsed, and dried
2 cups chopped tomatoes
½ cup diced onion
5 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 lemons
½ teaspoon garlic salt

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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 30 calories, Carbohydrate 8.2 g, Fat 0.3 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 1.7 g, Sodium 130.6 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

Tips:

- For best flavor, use fresh, ripe cactus paddles. If you can't find fresh cactus, you can use canned cactus, but be sure to rinse it well before using. - To remove the spines from the cactus paddles, use a sharp knife to cut off the edges of the paddles, then use a vegetable peeler to remove the remaining spines. - If you're using fresh cactus, be sure to cook it before eating. You can boil, grill, or roast the cactus. - Southwestern cactus salad is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or main course. - To make a heartier salad, add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. - For a more flavorful salad, use a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, and corn. - Be sure to dress the salad with a zesty dressing, such as a vinaigrette or a citrus-based dressing.

Conclusion:

Southwestern cactus salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its unique flavor and texture, cactus salad is a surefire hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting salad recipe, give southwestern cactus salad a try!

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