Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsElote CafeNopales Salad Recipe

Nopales Salad Recipe

Inspired by Elote Cafe
Time40m
Serves4

Grilled and cured nopales, pickled jalapeños, queso fresco and sherry vinaigrette

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Ingredients

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Nopales Salad

Method

Nopales Salad

  1. 1

    In a large bowl, toss the nopales with 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Let sit 10 minutes to cure; rinse well and pat dry.

  2. 2

    Grill nopales

    Pat the nopales dry; brush lightly with oil. Grill over high heat until charred on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly.

  3. 3

    Prepare jalapeños

    Drain pickled jalapeños and slice if needed. Slice thinly and add to the bowl with nopales.

  4. 4

    Make sherry vinaigrette

    In a small bowl, whisk together sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified.

  5. 5

    Toss and finish

    Drizzle vinaigrette over the warm nopales and jalapeños. Toss to coat evenly.

  6. 6

    Add queso fresco and garnish

    Scatter crumbled queso fresco over the salad. Sprinkle cilantro on top and serve.

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