Cactus Pasta Salad

Cactus Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the unique texture of cactus with colorful vegetables and a zesty lime dressing. This Paleo-friendly recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect light meal or side dish.

Ingredients

• Nopal cactus pads - 200 grams, diced
• Zucchini - 1 medium, spiralized
• Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams, halved
• Red onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Fresh cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Avocado - 1 medium, diced
• Lime juice - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon

Steps

1. Start by preparing the nopal cactus. Boil a pot of water, add the diced cactus pads, and cook for about 10 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to remove any slime.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked cactus, spiralized zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
5. Finally, fold in the diced avocado just before serving to keep it intact. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour for the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbs: 30 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• High in antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation.

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