Craving a vibrant, healthy, and utterly delicious salad? Look no further than this refreshing nopal salad, a vibrant celebration of Mexican cuisine. Nopales, or prickly pear cactus pads, offer a unique texture and subtle flavor that's both surprising and addictive. This recipe showcases the versatility of this often-overlooked ingredient, transforming it into a light and satisfying meal perfect for a hot summer day or a healthy side dish. Forget limp lettuce; this salad bursts with fresh flavors and a delightful crunch.
We’ll be using simple, readily available ingredients to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. The combination of crisp nopales, juicy tomatoes, and zesty lime juice creates a symphony of textures and tastes. This nopal salad is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Ready to discover the magic of this simple yet stunning salad? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Container
Ingredients
- Nopal stalks (cleaned): 8
- Onion: 0.5
- Tomatoes: 3
- Radishes: a bunch
- Avocado: 1
- Cilantro: a bunch
- Fresh cheese: medium
- Olive oil: 3
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Salt
- Serrano chili (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Nopales and Ingredients
- Clean and cut the nopal stalks into strips.
- chop onion, tomatoes, and radishes into julienne strips; chop cilantro and cheese.
- Boil water in a pot. Add nopales, a teaspoon of salt, some cilantro sprigs, a quarter of an onion, and two tomato peels to remove slime. Cover and cook for about 18 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once cooked, remove the onion and tomato peels. Let the nopales cool.
Step 2. Make the Dressing
- In a container, combine chopped onion, radishes, and serrano chili (if using).
- Add apple cider vinegar, crushed oregano, and a part of olive oil. Mix well.
Step 3. Combine Salad Ingredients
- Add a little salt, and mix in the cooked nopales and tomatoes.
- Add chopped cilantro and mix thoroughly. Add almost two tablespoons of olive oil.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Just before serving, add the avocado and mix gently.
Read more: Easy Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe (Cold Salad)
Tips
- This salad is perfect for hot days, offering a fresh and healthy option.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chili and vinegar to your liking.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Where can I find nopales?
Nopales (prickly pear cactus pads) can be found at many Latin American grocery stores, some larger supermarkets with a good produce section, and increasingly online. Look for pads that are firm and bright green.
2. How do I prepare the nopales to remove the spines?
Wear gloves! First, thoroughly wash the nopales. Then, carefully peel off the outer skin. You can also lightly scrape the pads with a knife to remove any remaining tiny spines. Finally, slice them into strips.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best to make this salad the day you plan to serve it, as the nopales can become slightly softer over time. However, you can prepare the nopales and other vegetables in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator.
This refreshing nopal salad is a testament to the vibrant flavors and surprising health benefits of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying recipe as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a healthy addition to your weekly meal plan. Buen provecho!