Cactus Paddle Salad-Relish or Ensalada de Nopalitos

Jun 01, 2023June 1, 20230 1
Cactus Paddle Salad-Relish or Ensalada de Nopalitos for a refreshing summer delight
in Salad

Prep

10 min

Cook

5 min

Ready In

15 min

Level

Very easy

Rating

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Ingredients

1 jar cactus pieces , drained and well rinsed
1 ripe tomatoes , cored and diced
1/4 - 1/2 cup diced red onion
6 -8 sprigs cilantro , chopped
3 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano ( Mexican if you can find it )
1/8 teaspoon salt
black pepper
1 pickled jalapeno , diced

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
4-6
Calories
65
Sugar
2g
Fat
5g
Cactus Paddle Salad-Relish or Ensalada de Nopalitos is a traditional Mexican dish made with cooked or pickled cactus paddles, diced tomatoes, onions, and herbs. It is a popular side dish served in every Mexican meal, from breakfast to dinner. It is usually marinated in a zesty dressing made with vinegar, oil, and spices to balance out the acidity of the cactus. This salad is refreshing and perfect for hot summer days. It could be enjoyed on its own as a light meal or served as a side dish with grilled meats or tortilla chips. It is easy to make, budget-friendly, and vegan-friendly too!

Instructions

1.Start by prepping all the ingredients.
2.In a large bowl add diced cactus, diced tomatoes, diced onion, cilantro, black pepper, and pickled jalapeno. Mix well.
3.In a small bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, cider vinegar, salt, and Mexican oregano.
4.Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
5.Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.
6.Serve cold or at room temperature, as a side dish or a relish!

PROS

This dish is low calorie and low fat.

Cactus is known for its high fiber content, and it could help regulate blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels.

The salad is refreshing, light, and easy to make.

CONS

Cactus paddles have a slimy texture when raw, but when cooked, they lose this texture and become tender and meaty.

If you are not used to eating cactus, you might find the flavor of this salad a bit acidic due to the pickled jalapeno and vinegar.

However, the taste could be balanced out by serving it with other savory dishes.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Cactus is low in calories and high in fiber and antioxidants. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Cactus has been used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes, inflammation, and liver problems.
Vinegar and oregano have been linked to weight loss and blood sugar control.

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