Mexican Nopales Salad with Queso Fresco and Lime

Name: Mexican Nopales Salad with Queso Fresco and Lime
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Salad
Ingredients: Fresh nopales; Red onion; Cherry tomatoes; Cilantro; Queso fresco; Avocado; Fresh lime juice; Olive oil; Salt; Black pepper; Garlic

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

Fresh nopales

2 cups, cleaned and diced

Red onion

1/2 cup, finely sliced

Cherry tomatoes

1 cup, halved

Cilantro

1/4 cup, chopped

Queso fresco

1/2 cup, crumbled

Avocado

1, diced

For the Lime Dressing

Fresh lime juice

3 tablespoons

Olive oil

1 tablespoon

Salt

1 teaspoon

Black pepper

1/2 teaspoon

Garlic

1 clove, minced

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