Low Carb Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro
Elevate your low-carb meals with this vibrant and refreshing **Low Carb Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro** recipe! Perfect for a healthy lifestyle, this dish features tender, smoky **grilled cactus paddles (nopales)** marinated in a zesty blend of **olive oil, fresh lime juice**, and **garlic**, creating a delightful balance of tangy and savory flavors. Finished with a garnish of **fresh cilantro** and a squeeze of lime, this Mexican-inspired dish is as nutritious as it is flavorful. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, it's an easy, gluten-free option that can shine as a unique side dish or a light main course. Whether you're grilling for a weeknight dinner or adding flair to a low-carb party spread, this recipe is sure to impress. Keywords: low carb, grilled cactus, nopales recipe, gluten-free, quick healthy side dish, Mexican-inspired.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 whole cactus paddles (nopales)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pieces lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the cactus paddles by trimming the edges and scraping off any thorns or spines with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Rinse the paddles thoroughly under cold water to remove any residue.
Slice the cleaned cactus paddles into strips about 1/2 inch thick and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
Toss the cactus strips in the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow them to marinate for about 5-10 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Once hot, place the marinated cactus strips on the grill. Cook for about 7 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have a light char, indicative of a smoky flavor.
Remove the grilled cactus from the heat and transfer them onto a serving plate.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus bite.
Enjoy your low-carb grilled cactus dish warm or at room temperature as a main course or side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
355 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.8 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1290 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 22.0 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.4 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.8 g | ||
| Protein | 7.3 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 738 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 1393 mg | 30% | |
*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.
