Ensalada De Nopales Mexican Cactus Salad Food

CACTUS SALAD

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Pour canned or jarred nopales into a strainer to drain. Rinse under running water until jar liquid is washed off. Leave nopales in long strips or chop into pieces about the same size as the tomato and onions.
• In a large glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bowl, toss together tomato, onion, nopales, and cilantro.
• Place olive oil, lime juice, oregano, and salt into a small jar with lid on. Shake vigorously until mixture comes together. Pour dressing over salad and toss again, gently but thoroughly.
• Cover bowl and refrigerate salad for at least an hour and up to 24 hours for flavors to meld. To serve, garnish with cheese, onion, and avocado.

ENSALADA DE NOPALES (CACTUS SALAD)

Steps:

• In a small bowl or jar whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, agave or honey, dried oregano, salt and pepper.
• Set aside.
• In a large bowl combine the cactus, tomato, sliced onion, cilantro, queso fresco, and jalapeños if you're using any. Mix to combine all ingredients.
• Note: Do not mix in the avocado just yet as it will become all mushy when mixing the salad a few times. Leave it for the last step!
• Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad and mix together.
• Add the cubed avocado and gently fold into the salad.

ENSALADA DE NOPALES Y CAMARONES - CACTUS AND SHRIMP SALAD

Steps:

• Seed and dice tomatoes. Chop onion and cilantro. Finely dice the jalapeno and mix all together in a large bowl. Set aside.
• In a separate medium sized bowl, combine the garlic and half of the extra virgin olive oil. Brush the nopales with the garlic oil to coat using a basting brush, season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Reserve the leftover garlic oil.
• Place the cactus on a preheated a grill or grill pan over a medium-high flame and cook until limp, about 4 minutes on each side. Remove and allow to cool, then cut the pads into ¼-inch thick strips. Add to the tomato mixture.
• Brush the shrimp with the reserved garlic oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 3 minutes on each side, until firm and pink and add to the tomato-nopales mixture.
• Add the vinegar, tequila and remaining olive oil and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve in a lettuce leaf or corn tortilla.

ENSALADA DE NOPALITOS (CACTUS SALAD) WITH VEGAN OPTION

Steps:

• Drain the nopalitos and place in a bowl. Cut them into smaller strips, if you prefer.
• Add the white onion, cilantro, Mexican oregano, and lime juice to the nopalitos. Stir well. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
• While waiting, prepare the toppings.
• When the nopales mixture has sat for 30 minutes, spread the mixture in a 1.5 or 2 inch deep platter.
• Top with chopped tomatoes, cilantro, shredded cheese, onion, jalapeños, and avocado.
• Place the lettuce along the edges of the platter.
• Serve at room temperature.