Cactus Salad with Tuna: A Delicious & Easy Mexican Recipe

Craving a vibrant and refreshing salad with a unique twist? Look no further than this Tuna Cactus Salad, a zesty Mexican-inspired dish that's surprisingly easy to make. Combining the succulent texture of tuna with the refreshing crunch of cactus (nopales), this salad offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. You'll be amazed by the simplicity of the ingredients and how quickly this dish comes together, perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even a satisfying dinner. The bright citrus notes and subtle spice create a truly unforgettable taste experience.

This Tuna Cactus Salad recipe is bursting with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it a healthy and delicious option for any occasion. Forget boring salads – this one is a fiesta for your taste buds! Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below.

Tools Needed

  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Pan
  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • Tuna (canned): 255 grams
  • Cooked Cactus (Nopales): 4
  • Water: 1/2 cup
  • Onion (red): 1/2
  • Salt
  • Tomato peels: 2
  • Lemon: 1
  • Avocado: 1
  • Serrano peppers: 2
  • Tomatoes: 2
  • Cilantro: a bunch
  • Olive oil: to taste
  • Black pepper: to taste
  • Tortillas
  • Garlic powder: to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Cactus and Ingredients

  • Prepare the cooked cactus by cutting them into small pieces. Boil with half a cup of water, a piece of onion, salt, and two tomato peels to remove slime.
  • Chop the red onion, lemon, avocado, serrano peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro.
  • Drain the tuna and add lemon juice, garlic powder, and pepper to taste.
Prepare the cooked cactus by cutting them into small pieces. Boil with half a cup of water, a piece of onion, salt, and two tomato peels to remove slime.Chop the red onion, lemon, avocado, serrano peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro.Drain the tuna and add lemon juice, garlic powder, and pepper to taste.
Prepare the Cactus and Ingredients

Step 2. Combine Salad Ingredients

  • In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, chili, cilantro, tuna, tomatoes, and nopales.
  • Add olive oil and salt to taste.
  • Gently mix everything together.
In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, chili, cilantro, tuna, tomatoes, and nopales.Add olive oil and salt to taste.Gently mix everything together.
Combine Salad Ingredients

Step 3. Toast the Tortillas

  • Brown the tortillas in hot oil until golden brown.
Brown the tortillas in hot oil until golden brown.
Toast the Tortillas

Step 4. Serve the Cactus Tuna Salad

  • Add avocado just before serving.
  • Serve the salad with toasted tortillas and avocado slices on top.
Add avocado just before serving.Serve the salad with toasted tortillas and avocado slices on top.
Serve the Cactus Tuna Salad

Read more: Easy Mexican Macaroni Salad Recipe (Cold Salad)

Tips

  • For a spicier salad, add more chili peppers.
  • This salad can be served with tostadas, in sandwiches, or simply on its own.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Where can I buy nopales (cactus)?

Nopales are available at many Latin American grocery stores, some larger supermarkets with international sections, and online retailers.

2. Can I substitute the tuna?

Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or even black beans would make delicious substitutions for the tuna.


This Tuna Cactus Salad is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients combined in a vibrant way. Its refreshing taste and satisfying textures make it a perfect addition to any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive gathering. So, grab your ingredients and experience the delightful fusion of flavors for yourself!