Sep 26, 2014

Nopales (Cactus) Salad

How to Make Nopales (Cactus) Salad

In order to keep the desert theme going a little longer, I’m happy to say I’m working with a guest poster today. Please give a warm welcome to my friend Jordan, she is here to share a desert-themed recipe with you today. She has a wonderful affinity for simple food and beautiful photos.


Hey guys! Jordan here from Wonder Thrills! I’m so thrilled to be able to share with you this awesome recipe that totally encompasses the desert feel. What I love about cactus (or nopales) is the look that you get when you purchase them at the store, they literally think I’m a culinary genius or something of the sort! These little guys are actually really easy to clean and cook, and they have an interesting taste that refreshes your palate, and leaves you wanting more.

Jessica has made us envious with all of her desert photos, but now you can have a taste of desert in your own kitchen!

How to Make Nopales (Cactus) Salad

INGREDIENTS
(Serves 4)

1 Cactus Leaf
1 Pack of cherry tomatoes or large tomato
1 Avocado
1 Lime
1/4 Cup Queso Fresco
Bunch of Cilantro
Salt (to taste)

PROCESS
First, you need to clean the cactus. The best way to do this is to first rinse the cactus under cold water, lay it down on a chopping board, and careful where to place your hands, thinly slice off the bumps and/or prickers. I say careful because if you get a pricker in your hand, it feels like a splinter.

When that’s all done, thinly slice the cactus like french fries. Throw them in a frying pan with some coconut oil on medium heat. Cover, and let cook for about 3 minutes, and then uncover and continue to cook for another three. Stir them around a bit during as well just to keep the cactus from sticking. Sprinkle on some salt, and set to the side.

In a medium sized bowl, combine chopped tomato and the juice of a lime. Next add the cactus and chopped avocado. Carefully combine, and then serve in four small dishes. Top with quesco fresco and cilantro!

How to Make Nopales (Cactus) Salad


I hope you enjoy this recipe, it looks delicious! And since I live in the west, it’s right up my alley. If you’d like to learn more about Jordan, please visit her blog below.

wonder-thrills-post

 

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I live in the desert and have NEVER thought to eat cactus! Very interesting salad, that would be fun to try!

Eat locally! Haha. 😀

I’m with Chelsea – I had no idea you could eat cactus, and other than the little tiny house ones up here I don’t even know where you could buy it! I want to try it though!

I never even knew that you could actually eat cactus! Crazy. Looks really tasty though, I’d definitely try it but would be worried I’d prickle my guests!

Katie <3

You have to clean the cactus first! I just giggled at your comment because it reminded me of a looney toons episode, haha. 🙂

Haven’t had nopales yet and want someone else to make them for me before trying them out on my own!

This looks so fresh and light. Lovely recipe!

I have never used cactus before!! I will definitely have to try it! Thanks for sharing, this looks great!

I was wondering how you cleaned that cactus! I’ve never heard that you could eat a cactus leaf like that, and it all looks so pretty on the plate!

Wow, I had no idea that you could eat cactus! This salad looks really good, though!

Ah nopales… my childhood! We used to eat them in tacos quite often. I love them and love making them! I even love tortillas de nopal 🙂 They’re pretty!

Yum! This looks absolutely delicious, friend! I’m going to have to try it!

This looks so delicious. I’ve had cactus before but never tried cooking with it. I feel inspired!

Ive always been curious what kid of recipes you use cactus for since I always see this in the grocery store. Maybe someday I’ll be adventurous and try it!

This is a crazy salad! I’ve never seen a salad with cactus in it! Yum!

I love salad so much my husband calls me a rabbit and this looks amazing.

Wow, I had no idea you could eat cactus! This looks delicious and your photos are perfect here!

I don’t think I’ve ever eaten cactus… this is going on my must make list!

AW, nopales! I have had them in eggs before and they’re pretty good! (This is coming from a confirmed veggie lover.) Excited to try them in a salad!!

We like nopales on our tacos, but I’ve not tried on a salad yet. Time to get some again!

WHAAAT? A) I had no idea you could eat cactus and B) I am pretty sure there is no where in Canada you can buy cactus to eat hahah! This is seriously cool and I’d so be down to try it.

I’ve never tried making cactus at home. I really want to try this now!!

I’ve actually heard that Cactus tastes amazing! It’s on my ‘must try’ this for sure <3

Definitely not adventurous enough to eat cactus! That salad does look fresh and yummy, though!

I don’t know if I’d be adventurous enough to try this or even if I could get cactus leaves in Ireland but your photography of the foods is fantastic!

Had no idea that you could eat cactus, Jordan! I wonder what it tastes like – love that second picture with the black background she took.

Yummy! I don’t think I’ve ever eaten cactus. I’m probably not this adventurous, but it sounds pretty easy. Thanks for sharing!

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