Mexican Nopales Salad with Queso Fresco and Lime
A refreshing and tangy cactus salad topped with fresh cheese
This Mexican Nopales Salad, also known as "Ensalada de Nopales," combines tender cactus paddles with queso fresco, cilantro, and a zesty lime dressing, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
- 30 min
- 4
- Easy
Ingredients
For the Salad
For the Lime Dressing
Preparation
Preparing the Nopales
Rinse Nopales
Rinse the diced nopales under cold water.
Boil Nopales
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the nopales.
Cook and Drain
Boil for about 10 minutes until tender, then rinse under cold water and drain.
Ensure nopales are thoroughly rinsed after boiling to prevent a slimy texture.
Assembling the Salad
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the prepared nopales, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
Make Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together ingredients for the lime dressing.
Toss Salad
Pour the lime dressing over the salad mix and toss to combine.
Slightly chilling the salad enhances its refreshing qualities.
Cooking Process
Boiling Nopales
Simmer in salted water until tender, about 10 minutes.
Mixing Dressing
Combine lime juice, oil, salt, pepper, and garlic until emulsified.
Combining Salad
Toss all ingredients with dressing and let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
Plating & Serving
Mexican Nopales Salad with Queso Fresco and Lime
Mexican Nopales Salad with Queso Fresco and Lime
Plate the Salad
Serve the salad in a wide, shallow dish, topped with crumbled queso fresco and diced avocado for an appealing presentation.