Southwestern Cactus Salad

Rating: 4.32 stars
31 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 19
  • 4 star values: 7
  • 3 star values: 3
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 2

A delicious spicy salad, made from tender cactus, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lemons. This is hot and spicy, so beware!

By Lupe Burke
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Ingredients

8
Original recipe yields 8 servings
The ingredient list now reflects the servings specified

Directions

  • In a medium size mixing bowl, combine cactus, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and cilantro. Squeeze the juice from both lemons over the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Sprinkle with garlic salt (if you'd like) and serve.

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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:
30 calories; 1.7 g protein; 8.2 g carbohydrates; 0 mg cholesterol; 130.6 mg sodium. Full Nutrition

Reviews (28)

Read More Reviews

Most helpful positive review

JENA-RATOR
Rating: 4 stars
01/25/2004
You might want to drain and rinse the cactus before adding it to the mix otherwise it has a very slimy affect. Read More
Helpful
(50)

Most helpful critical review

Caroline C
Rating: 3 stars
07/31/2007
Ok you absolutely HAVE to drain and rinse the cactus - straight out of the jar they are SO salty and unbelievably slimey. I had to rinse them 5 or 6 times before they weren't horrid. Also this is really only good an hour or two after it is made. I LOVED it just as soon as it was chilled but I tried it the next day and it was awful. Read More
Helpful
(16)
31 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 19
  • 4 star values: 7
  • 3 star values: 3
  • 2 star values: 0
  • 1 star values: 2
Reviews:
Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest
JENA-RATOR
Rating: 4 stars
01/25/2004
You might want to drain and rinse the cactus before adding it to the mix otherwise it has a very slimy affect. Read More
Helpful
(50)
RL5
Rating: 5 stars
02/03/2006
I grew up with "Nopalitos" and as another reviewer stated it important to DRAIN off & RINSE the slime. In my family we use canned sliced jalapenos and sprinkled the juice over the nopalitos too. The amount you use is up to you cuz it could vary from mild to hot. We add approx 1 tsp. crushed oregano I make this as a summer salad along with carne asada. Remember to refrigerate before serving. Absolutely delicious. Read More
Helpful
(35)
SushiMoochi
Rating: 4 stars
10/20/2008
My family has been making this salad for years. My father doesnt like cilantro and others not a fan of raw onions so both are placed on the side if someone wishes to add them in. However we do add avocado. Just dice it up and toss it in with the other ingredients. It adds so much more to this salad. Read More
Helpful
(35)
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RUTHIEV
Rating: 5 stars
07/30/2009
I was in the produce department today and found fresh clean and cut cactus. So I brought some home and found this recipe -- thank goodness! I didn't think my boyfriend would like cactus (nopales) and he could not get enough! We ate every last morsel. I rinsed the raw cactus beforehand and left out the jalapeno (just didn't feel like heat tonight). Eating it raw in this salad is really good and I've had it this way before. Didn't have time to let the flavors meld since it was last minute but it didn't matter because it was so flavorful fresh tasting and low calorie. We're trying to incorporate lowfat dishes in our diet so this was a heart-healthy surprise and I will make this many more times to come! Read More
Helpful
(24)
Karen Hintz
Rating: 5 stars
04/25/2011
Excellent salad! I use fresh cactus because it's healthier. Clean dice and boil until tender. Drain & rinse rinse rinse! (When you run your fingers through the colander you should not feel any aloe!) Spread out on paper towel and pat dry! (easy and MUCH better than the jarred stuff!) I add chopped black olives and dress it with 1/4 c. each of EVOO & red wine vinegar. Chill well. Top with diced avocado and cojita cheese. Serve over lettuce leaves or a bed of field greens! Some people like to eat it with topotos almost like a pico de gallo! Read More
Helpful
(23)
DOWENSNEWLAND
Rating: 5 stars
01/25/2004
I love this stuff! I have made it for several parties and it always goes over very well. You should rinse off the cactus though or atleast drain very well. Good stuff! Give it a try! Read More
Helpful
(21)
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Caroline C
Rating: 3 stars
07/31/2007
Ok you absolutely HAVE to drain and rinse the cactus - straight out of the jar they are SO salty and unbelievably slimey. I had to rinse them 5 or 6 times before they weren't horrid. Also this is really only good an hour or two after it is made. I LOVED it just as soon as it was chilled but I tried it the next day and it was awful. Read More
Helpful
(16)
NANCYWHITLOCK
Rating: 3 stars
01/25/2004
Larry did not like the slime caused by the aloe. Is cactus something I should eat since I can't have aloe? Read More
Helpful
(10)
Debbie Lopez
Rating: 5 stars
07/09/2007
This has a cool fresh taste. Having used nopales in other dishes I knew to rinse before using and used 1 clove of fresh garlic making this a great side. Read More
Helpful
(10)
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