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ensalada de nopales

Ensalada de Nopales (Cactus Salad)

by Lola Dweck
Ensalada de Nopales, also known as cactus salad, is a nutritious Mexican side dish full of Mexican flavor. It combines fresh nopales (cactus paddles) with tomato and onion to create a versatile dish bursting with flavor and nutrition.
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Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 87 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds cactus paddles diced (about 5 large paddles)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
  • ½ small onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • ½ tomato
  • ¾ tablespoon salt or to taste
  • ½ cup water

Instructions
 

  • Rinse diced nopales well and strain.
  • Prepare the pan with olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot, add nopales and onion. They will begin to release a gelatinous (slimy) liquid. Continue to cook and move frequently until liquid has been absorbed and nopales go from a bright green to an olive green in color.
  • Add garlic and mix well.
  • Add salt, tomato, water then mix well once again. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Serve warm.

A Note from Lola

  • Make ensalada de nopales a day before a party or event. The flavors often meld together and become more pronounced when allowed to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
  • This cactus salad can be enjoyed hot or cold enjoyed as a side dish, on a tostada, stuffed into a cheese quesadilla or taco, or mixed into omelets.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 87kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 898mgPotassium: 333mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 604IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 192mgIron: 1mg
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