Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro
Elevate your grilling game with this vibrant and healthy recipe for Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro! This quick and easy dish showcases the unique, mildly tangy flavor of cactus paddles (nopales) enhanced with a smoky char from the grill and a zesty kick of lime juice. Brushed with a savory blend of olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, these succulent paddles transform into a delicious vegan delight in under 30 minutes. Finished with fresh cilantro and lime, this recipe is perfect as a side dish or a unique centerpiece for your next BBQ. Packed with nutrients and bursting with Southwest-inspired flavor, Grilled Cactus is your ticket to a bold, plant-based grilling adventure!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cactus paddles (nopales)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lime
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Start by carefully cleaning the cactus paddles: using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, remove any spines from the paddles. Trim the edges and peel off any browned areas.
Rinse the paddles thoroughly under cold water to remove any remaining spines and residue. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture generously over both sides of each paddle.
Once the grill is hot, place the cactus paddles on the grill grates. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until they have grill marks and are tender. Avoid overcooking, as they can become slimy.
While the cactus is grilling, finely chop the cilantro and slice the lime into wedges.
Remove the cactus paddles from the grill and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes.
Cut the grilled cactus paddles into strips or cubes, depending on your preference.
Transfer the grilled cactus to a serving dish, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top, and squeeze fresh lime juice generously.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional lime wedges if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
350 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.6 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1249 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.5 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.4 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g | ||
| Protein | 6.5 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 692 mg | 53% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 1157 mg | 25% | |
*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.
