Nopales Sesame Salad Recipes

SESAME NOODLE SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the udon noodles as the label directs; drain and let cool. Meanwhile, cook the edamame as the label directs; drain and let cool.
• Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and oil the grates. Add the scallions and cook, turning, until charred, about 3 minutes. Let cool, then slice.
• Make the dressing: Whisk the tahini, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar and ginger in a large bowl. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons water to make a smooth sauce.
• Add the noodles and edamame to the dressing along with the bean sprouts, carrots and snow peas; toss. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

SESAME NOODLE SALAD

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the angel hair pasta, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
• Whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, chili oil, and sugar in a large bowl. Toss the pasta in the dressing, then sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onion, and bell pepper. Serve warm, or cover and refrigerate for a cold salad.

CACTUS SALAD

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Pour canned or jarred nopales into a strainer to drain. Rinse under running water until jar liquid is washed off. Leave nopales in long strips or chop into pieces about the same size as the tomato and onions.
• In a large glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bowl, toss together tomato, onion, nopales, and cilantro.
• Place olive oil, lime juice, oregano, and salt into a small jar with lid on. Shake vigorously until mixture comes together. Pour dressing over salad and toss again, gently but thoroughly.
• Cover bowl and refrigerate salad for at least an hour and up to 24 hours for flavors to meld. To serve, garnish with cheese, onion, and avocado.

INDIAN NOPALES SALAD

Steps:

• Heat the broiler.
• Lay the bell and poblano peppers on a foil-covered baking sheet. Place them under the flame and roast, turning every few minutes, until the peppers are charred and blistered on all sides, about 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer the peppers to a brown paper bag and seal. Set aside until the peppers are cool enough to handle.
• Meanwhile, carefully scrape off all the thorns from the nopales with a paring knife or a potato peeler. Shave off the outer edges. Place the nopales in a steamer in a small saucepan and steam them over high heat until they are just tender, about 5 minutes. (This can take more or less time, depending on the size.) They should be fairly soft but not gray and mushy. Remove and set aside to cool. Cut the nopales into thin strips about 2 inches long.
• Place the strips in a bowl with the jicama. Remove the peppers from the bag. Slide the skins off, remove the seeds and ribs and scrape away any blackened sections. Cut the peppers into matchstick-size strips, the same size as the jicama and nopales. Add them to the bowl.
• In another bowl, combine the olive oil, oregano and cumin. Whisk in the lime juice and pour the mixture over the vegetables, tossing to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add more seasoning if desired. Cover and set in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
• Spread the pine nuts on a small baking sheet and roast them until they are barely golden brown, about 5 minutes. Watch them carefully and stir often. Remove and cool.
• To serve, spread the vegetables on a platter. Lay the onion slices on top of them and sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts.

ENSALADA DE NOPALES (MEXICAN CACTUS SALAD)

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Brush both sides of nopales with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on the hot grill and cook, turning halfway through, until tender, 7 to 9 minutes. Remove from grill and let cool until safe to handle. Slice nopales into 1/2-inch strips.
• Layer tomatoes, serrano chiles, and onion on a serving plate. Place grilled nopales on top; drizzle with lime juice and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle cilantro and oregano on top. Add cotija cheese.
• Slice each avocado half while still in the skin; use a spoon to gently scoop sliced avocado onto the salad in a fan shape. Top with sesame seeds and additional salt and pepper.