Recipes

Nopales Asado Salad

Serves 4

| Prep Time: 15 mins

| Cook Time: 10 mins

| Total Time: 25 mins

You may need: Mexican Adobo

Discover The Recipe

Prepare yourself for a culinary escapade into the heart of Mexico with our Nopales Asado Salad—a vibrant celebration of flavors that mirrors the spirit of Mexican street markets and the enduring cultural significance of its ingredients. At the helm of this culinary creation is the Mexican Ancho Dressing—a lively concoction of lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, jalapeños, sea salt, and the smoky-bold flavors of our Mexican Adobo spice blend. This dressing isn't just a condiment; it's a tribute to the masterful blending of Mexican tastes, a nod to the intricate dance of flavors that defines the country's fusion of local and European ingredients.

Nopales, a popular, edible cactus commonly known as “prickly pear”, are grilled to add a smoky-tart flavor to the dish. A touch of oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and these ingredients transform into charred perfection, infusing the salad with a tart, earthy essence. Widely available now, if you can't find fresh nopales in your supermarket try using jarred nopales.

Thinly sliced red onions, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a generous dusting of cilantro—all join the revelry, creating a symphony of textures and colors. Crowned with shredded vegan cheese and bathed in delightful homemade Mexican Ancho dressing, this Nopales Asado Salad is a refreshing vegan adaptation of Mexican cuisine.

Ingredients

Mexican Ancho Dressing:
Juice of 2 limes
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp Piquant Post Mexican Adobo
Nopales Asado Salad:
4 nopales (Mexican Cactus) paddles, spines removed (or use canned nopales and skip the grilling)
2 red bell peppers, seeded, sliced and cut into quarters
1 Tbsp oil
Salt and pepper
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
4 small tomatoes, cut into chunks
1 large avocado, cut into pieces
1/2 cup cilantro chopped
1/2 cup shredded vegan cheese

Notes

If you don’t want to wrestle with cactus needles, you might be able to buy trimmed nopales at your local Latin market!

Add grilled tofu, tempeh, or your favorite vegan protein source for added substance.

Instructions

To make the dressing, whisk together the dressing ingredients and set aside until ready to use.

To prepare the nopales paddles, first carefully use a knife to cut out the needles from their base, and then trim off the bottom 1” of the paddle, which is quite tough.

Heat a grill pan until hot and oil both sides of the nopales paddles and season with salt and pepper. Place the nopales paddles and peppers on the grill and cook for a few minutes on each side until the paddles are tender and have grill marks. Be careful not to overcook them or they can become mushy. Remove the paddles from the grill and cut into bite sized pieces. Remove the peppers when they are tender and slightly charred.

Add the rest of the salad vegetables to a large bowl, along with the grilled nopales, avocado, cilantro, and shredded vegan cheese.

Toss the salad dressing with the mixed salad ingredients and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Experiment with different citrus flavors in the dressing, such as orange or grapefruit, for a unique twist.
For added crunch, consider topping the salad with baked tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips. Opt for a gluten-free option if needed.
Try incorporating legumes like chickpeas or kidney beans.
If you can’t find fresh nopales, you can substitute in canned Nopales in a pinch. You might not be able to grill them but pickled nopales has refreshing taste and is perfect in a salad.
If cilantro isn't to your liking, try using fresh parsley or mint in the dressing for a refreshing twist.
Grill slices of pineapple, peach, or mango to add a sweet and smoky dimension to the salad.
Grilled marinated seitan or plant-based chorizo can provide a savory and hearty protein option.
Add some leafy greens like arugula or spinach for some extra nutrition!
Looking for more great Mexican Adobo recipes? Try our Adobo Chicken Enchiladas, Adobo Tofu Tacos, or our Mexican Chile Verde!
Be sure to leave comments and feedback on your meals and experiments in the comments for others to read.
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