Mediterranean Diet Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro
Transform your barbecue nights with the bold and refreshing flavors of Mediterranean Diet Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro! This unique recipe highlights tender cactus paddles (nopales), charred to perfection on the grill and infused with smoky depth. Drizzled with a vibrant dressing of olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro, this dish features a tangy, herbaceous kick complemented by the subtle crunch of red onion. Ready in just 25 minutes, this high-fiber, low-carb creation offers a healthy and flavorful twist on traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect as a side dish or light appetizer, the zesty lime and cilantro combo truly make it a standout. Give your meals a fresh edge with this irresistible grilled cactus recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 medium cactus paddles (nopales)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
Instructions
Start by rinsing the cactus paddles under cold water to remove any dirt. Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to trim the edges and remove any spines and bumps from the paddles.
Once cleaned, pat dry the cactus paddles with a kitchen towel. Brush both sides of the paddles with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the cactus paddles on the grill.
Grill the paddles for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they have developed nice grill marks and are tender.
While the paddles are grilling, prepare the lime-cilantro dressing. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and chopped red onion. Mix well and set aside.
Once the cactus paddles are cooked, remove them from the grill and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes.
Slice the grilled paddles into strips or bite-sized pieces, and arrange them on a serving platter.
Drizzle the prepared lime-cilantro dressing over the grilled cactus, ensuring each piece is nicely coated.
Serve immediately, and enjoy this refreshing and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
363 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.1 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2456 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.8 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.1 g | ||
| Protein | 7.5 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 710 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 4.5 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 1283 mg | 27% | |
*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.
