How To Make THE BEST Ensalada de Nopales | Mexican Cactus Salad | Tostadas de Nopales A La Mexicana

nopales

🥗Healthier: cactus pads

Nopales are already a healthy option, but cactus pads can be used interchangeably.

tomatoes

🥗Healthier: cherry tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes are often sweeter and can enhance flavor.

cilantro

💰Cheaper: parsley

Parsley can be a more budget-friendly herb substitute.

Wash the cactus petals well and dice them into small cubes.

In a pot, combine the diced cactus, a whole quartered onion, 3 garlic cloves, and a lot of salt.

Cover and cook over low heat until the cactus releases its juices.

Increase the heat to medium or medium-high to boil the cactus until fully cooked and soft, turning olive green.

Once cooked, let it cool, then rinse and drain to remove sliminess.

Finely chop half of a small onion and soak it in lime juice from about 2 limes.

Finely chop a serrano pepper (optional) and add it to the onion and lime juice mixture.

Cut 3 roma tomatoes, removing seeds and core, and dice them into small cubes.

Finely chop about 1/3 of a bunch of cilantro and add it to the bowl with the other ingredients.

Add 2 cups of the cooked nopales to the bowl and mix everything together.

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary