California Cactus Salad
Brighten up your table with a vibrant and refreshing California Cactus Salad, a delicious fusion of fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. This unique recipe highlights tender, cooked nopales (cactus paddles), paired with creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty lime for a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Tossed with crisp red onion, fragrant cilantro, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, this salad is as nutritious as it is flavorful. A hint of jalapeño adds optional heat, making it a versatile dish perfect for summer barbecues, Taco Tuesday, or as a light, healthy meal. Quick to make and naturally gluten-free, this colorful salad is your go-to for a taste of California sunshine!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 medium paddles nopales (cactus paddles)
- 0.5 medium red onion
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 large avocado
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small jalapeño (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the nopales by trimming off the edges and spines using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Rinse the prepared paddles thoroughly under cold water.
Cut the nopales into thin strips or small bite-sized chunks. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the nopales. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until tender and bright green. Drain and rinse the cooked cactus under cold water to remove any sliminess, then set aside to cool.
Thinly slice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the avocado into small cubes. Finely chop the fresh cilantro and, if using, mince the jalapeño.
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked nopales, sliced onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently to combine, being careful not to crush the avocado.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice, if desired.
Serve immediately as a fresh and vibrant side dish or light main course. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
204 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.8 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g | 13% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 495 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.3 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.1 g | ||
| Protein | 2.9 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 46 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 571 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
