Make Ensalada de Nopalitos (Cactus Salad)

Cactus isn’t an ingredient that is commonly used in American cooking, but the tender pads or paddles of the plant, also known as prickly pear, are used in Mexico as a vegetable in many dishes. It can be purchased in specialty markets and online, packaged fresh, pickled or preserved. 

Be adventurous and celebrate Mexican culture with this simple recipe using pickled nopalitos! Nopales have a mild flavor and lend Mexican flair to this zesty and spicy side dish.

What You Need:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 15 oz. jar cooked, sliced and pickled nopalitos with onions, cilantro and serrano peppers (recommended: Dona Maria Nopalitos); drained
• 1 sweet yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped (omit if your family likes less heat)
• 2 roma tomatoes, chopped