Nopalitos Salad with Watercress and Queso Fresco
This is a sponsored recipe by B&W Quality Growers: All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this website possible.
Nopalitos Salad: a mainstay in Mexican cuisine for centuries
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s the perfect time to honor the deep traditions and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. One dish that truly represents Mexican culture and history is Nopalitos Salad. Made from tender cactus pads, known as “nopales,” this salad is a staple in many Mexican households and carries a rich culinary heritage. It’s a refreshing, flavorful dish that has been enjoyed for generations. But this year, I’m introducing a fresh twist by adding B&W Watercress to the mix, bringing a new dimension of flavor and nutrition to this beloved classic.
Related Recipe: Grilled Cactus with Panela Cheese and Spicy Red Salsa
Nopalitos Salad and Its Cultural Significance
- Nopalitos Salad has been a mainstay in Mexican cuisine for centuries. Nopales, the edible cactus pads, are a staple ingredient in many traditional Mexican dishes due to their unique texture, mild flavor, and numerous health benefits. They are often used in salads, tacos, and even scrambled eggs. Nopales are not only tasty but also incredibly nutritious, rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a beloved part of Mexican food culture.
This dish is a reflection of the land and its people—celebrating the use of indigenous ingredients and simple, rustic cooking techniques. Whether served at family gatherings, fiestas, or casual meals, Nopalitos Salad is a representation of tradition, heritage, and the ability to adapt to the local environment. It’s a dish that many Mexicans grew up with, passed down from generation to generation.
Why Add Watercress?
- While Nopalitos Salad is already delicious and nutritious on its own, adding B&W Watercress elevates the dish even further. Watercress, with its crisp texture and peppery flavor, brings a refreshing twist to the traditional recipe. It’s not a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine, but it pairs beautifully with the earthy flavors of nopales, enhancing the overall dish without overpowering the original elements.
- Not only does watercress add a new flavor profile, but it also boosts the nutritional value of the salad. B&W Watercress is a superfood packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune health, promote glowing skin, and strengthen bones. The antioxidants in watercress help fight inflammation and protect the body from free radicals. By adding watercress to this classic salad, you’re infusing your meal with an extra dose of nutrients that promote overall health.
Storage Tips for Nopalitos Salad
- If you’ve made a big batch of Nopalitos Salad, you’re in luck! This dish stores well in the refrigerator for a couple of days, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Here are some tips for storing and maintaining its freshness.
- Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. While the cactus holds its texture well, I recommend waiting to add the watercress and queso fresco until just before serving. This ensures that the greens remain crisp and the cheese stays fresh.
- Refreshing the Salad: If you’re serving the salad the next day, consider adding a bit more fresh watercress or tomatoes to liven it up before serving. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of lime juice can also refresh the flavors.
Nutritional Benefits of Watercress and Nopales
- This salad is not only a celebration of flavor but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Both nopales and watercress are nutrient-dense, making this dish a smart choice for those looking to boost their intake of vitamins and minerals.
- Nopales are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health. They’re also packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins like A and C, which help protect the body against inflammation and oxidative stress.
- B&W Watercress is a superfood that’s loaded with nutrients. It’s a fantastic source of vitamin K, which supports bone health, and vitamin C, which boosts the immune system. Watercress also contains calcium and antioxidants that benefit the skin and overall wellness.
- Together, these ingredients create a salad that’s not just delicious but also incredibly good for you.
Variations on Nopalitos Salad
While the addition of watercress is essential to this modern take on Nopalitos Salad, there are plenty of ways to customize the dish based on your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas for how you can make it your own:
- Add Avocado: Creamy avocado is a fantastic complement to the peppery watercress and tangy cactus. Slice or cube some ripe avocado and toss it into the salad for an extra layer of richness.
- Spice It Up: Want to give the salad a bit of a kick? Add chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers for heat. You can also drizzle a spicy hot sauce over the top for a burst of flavor.
- Protein Power: To turn this salad into a more filling meal, try adding some grilled shrimp, black beans, or chickpeas. For a non-vegetarian option, shredded chicken or grilled fish would also pair nicely.
- Make It Vegan: If you’re looking to make the dish vegan, simply omit the queso fresco or substitute it with a plant-based cheese. You can also add toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a crunchy, nutritious topping.
FAQs
Nopales have a mild, slightly tart flavor and a texture that’s somewhat similar to green beans or okra. When cooked, they become tender and absorb the flavors of the ingredients they’re paired with.
You can typically find fresh nopales in Mexican grocery stores or in the produce section of larger supermarkets. They’re often sold with the thorns removed, but you may still need to trim them at home.
Watercress isn’t a traditional ingredient in Mexican cuisine, but its fresh, peppery flavor makes it a versatile addition to many dishes. In this case, it adds a modern twist to a classic recipe without compromising its authenticity.
Yes! You can prepare the cactus and other vegetables ahead of time, but I recommend adding the watercress and queso fresco just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Embrace Tradition with a Fresh Twist
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, this Nopalitos Salad with Watercress and Queso Fresco is the perfect dish to bring to the table. It honors the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine while embracing a fresh, modern twist with the addition of watercress. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a celebration, or simply as a nutritious meal, this salad is a wonderful way to connect with your roots while nourishing your body.
Print
Nopalitos Salad with Watercress and Queso Fresco
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Traditionally made with tender cactus, juicy tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco, this beloved Mexican dish now features a new star: Watercress. The peppery bite of watercress adds a refreshing layer of flavor, while also bringing a powerhouse of nutrients to the table.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds cactus pads, thorns removed and chopped
- 1/3 piece white onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cilantro bunch, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 bunch B&W Watercress, chopped
- 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 5 ounces queso fresco, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Tostadas or corn tortilla chips to serve with
Instructions
- Combine cactus, onion, garlic cloves, ½ cilantro bunch and 1 teaspoon salt in a 5-quart pot over medium heat. Cook for 35 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Remove onion, garlic cloves and cilantro sprigs and discard. Transfer cactus to a strainer and run under cold water. Drain.
- Chop remaining cilantro and transfer cactus to a large salad bowl. Add watercress, tomatoes, onion, queso fresco, remaining chopped cilantro, olive oil, remaining salt and black pepper. Toss until evenly combined. Serve with tostadas or corn tortilla chips.
