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Ensalada de Nopal, Chayote y Manzana Verde

This vibrant cactus, chayote and green apple salad is a masterclass in texture and brightness. Combining the uniquely tender crunch of blanched nopales with the crisp sweetness of Granny Smith apples, this vegan dish offers a refreshing departure from traditional leafy greens. The zesty citrus dressing, made from reduced orange and lime juices, coats every ingredient in a glossy, tangy glaze that perfectly balances the subtle heat of the cayenne.

Ideal as a sophisticated starter or a light, heart-healthy lunch, this Mexican-inspired salad is as nutritious as it is beautiful. The addition of toasted pumpkin seeds provides a necessary savoury depth and a satisfying crunch. Whether you are looking for a unique side dish for a summer barbecue or a stand-alone plant-based meal, this recipe brings a burst of sunshine and fresh flavour to any table.

Ingredients for Cactus, Chayote, and Green-Apple Salad

  • 450g fresh nopales (prickly pear cactus paddles

  • about 5

  • )

  • 2 chayotes (450g total), peeled, halved lengthwise, and seeds discarded, then cut into 1/4-inch-thick sticks (3 to 4 inches long)

  • 1 Granny Smith apple, left unpeeled, halved, cored, and thinly sliced lengthwise

  • 2 spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced

  • 4 navel oranges

  • 3 cucharadas de jugo de lima fresco

  • 1/4 cucharadita de sal

  • 1/8 cucharaditas de pimienta negra

  • 45g raw (green) hulled pumpkin seeds

  • 80ml de aceite de oliva

  • 1/8 de cucharadita de pimienta de cayena, aproximadamente llena

How to make Cactus, Chayote, and Green-Apple Salad

Put 1 cactus paddle, flat side down, on a work surface. Scrape horizontally from narrow base of paddle toward wider end with a vegetable peeler or knife to cut off thorns and brown spots. Dethorn paddle on other side in same manner, then trim all around edge. Repeat with remaining paddles, then cut paddles crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices.

Blanch cactus in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until just softened, about 1 minute. Immediately transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water. Pat dry, then transfer to a large bowl along with chayotes, apple, and spring onions.

Cut peel and all white pith from 3 oranges with a sharp knife. Working over bowl containing cactus mixture, cut segments free from membranes, letting segments fall into bowl. Squeeze juice from membranes and remaining orange into bowl, then add lime juice, salt, and pepper and toss. Let stand until chayotes are wilted, about 30 minutes.

While salad stands, toast pumpkin seeds in 2 tablespoons oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until puffed and pale golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cayenne. Cool seeds in oil in skillet.

Drain salad in a colander set over a bowl, then transfer juice to a 1-quart saucepan and boil until syrupy and reduced to about 80ml , 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining 45ml oil. Return salad to bowl and toss with dressing, pumpkin seeds with oil from skillet, and salt to taste.

Descargo de responsabilidad

Si bien se ha hecho todo lo posible para garantizar que la información sea precisa y esté actualizada, las necesidades individuales pueden variar y los requisitos dietéticos pueden diferir según las condiciones de salud personales. Siempre revise las etiquetas de los alimentos y la información sobre alérgenos antes de preparar o consumir cualquier receta. Si tiene preocupaciones específicas de salud, alergias, intolerancias o sigue una dieta prescrita médicamente, busque el consejo de su médico de cabecera, farmacéutico o un dietista registrado antes de realizar cambios significativos en su dieta o estilo de vida.

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