Grilled Cactus Salad Recipes

NOPALES ASADOS

Steps:

• Heat the grill to 400 degrees F.
• Meanwhile rinse and pat dry the cactus paddles.
• Brush with the olive oil on both sides.
• Sprinkle with salt on both sides.
• Place on the grill and cook for 5 minutes.
• Turn and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
• If using the top rack of the grill, the cactus will need more time to cook.

GRILLED CACTUS SALAD

Steps:

• Heat grill to medium heat.
• Grill first 4 ingredients 8 to 12 min. or until cactus and onions are crisp-tender, turning occasionally and brushing cactus with 2 Tbsp. dressing for the last 2 min. (Some ingredients will cook faster than others. Transfer ingredients to cutting board as they finish cooking.) Cool 10 min.
• Chop cactus into 3/4-inch pieces; place in large bowl. Chop tomatoes and onions into 1/2-inch pieces; mix with cactus. Discard stems and seeds from chiles; coarsely chop chiles. Add to cactus mixture; mix lightly.
• Stir in remaining ingredients.

CACTUS SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat grill or broiler. Place cactus paddles in a bowl and toss with 1/4 cup of the olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Grill or broil the paddles until grill marks appear on each side, or they turn dark green with black patches, about 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Cover and chill 2 to 4 hours or overnight. Cut cactus into 1/2-inch pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cactus, tomatoes, onions, chiles, cilantro and cheese with the remaining 1/2 cup oil, the vinegar, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Toss well. Serve on plates lined with lettuce leaves, and garnish with avocado slices sprinkled with cracked pepper garnish.
• In a small bowl, stir all the ingredients together. Spoon over vegetables or drizzle lightly over dressed salads as a garnish.