Paleo Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro
Elevate your paleo-friendly meals with this vibrant and refreshing Grilled Cactus with Lime and Cilantro recipe! Perfectly charred cactus paddles (nopales) take center stage, offering a smoky, tender bite complemented by a zesty marinade of olive oil, fresh lime juice, garlic, and a hint of sea salt and black pepper. Topped with chopped cilantro and served with lime wedges, this dish is bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors. Simple yet exotic, it's ready in just 30 minutes and ideal for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any clean-eating occasion. Whether you're new to nopales or a seasoned cactus fan, this easy-to-make recipe pairs paleo living with exciting Southwestern flair.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces cactus paddles (nopales)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 for serving lime wedges
Instructions
Start by cleaning the cactus paddles. Use a vegetable peeler or knife to gently remove the small spines and rough bumpy spots from the paddles. Rinse under cold water to remove any remaining debris and pat dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, sea salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Whisk together until well combined.
Place the cleaned cactus paddles in a shallow dish. Pour the olive oil mixture over the paddles, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Place the marinated cactus paddles on the grill. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, or until they develop nice grill marks and are tender.
Remove the cactus paddles from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the grilled cactus paddles.
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra splash of lime juice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
351 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.1 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2420 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.8 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g | ||
| Protein | 7.2 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 706 mg | 54% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 1228 mg | 26% | |
*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.
