Nopales have been traditionally used in Mexican dishes. Either as a side dish or consumed in a taco, Nopales are a delicious and healthy meal. This tutorial will show you how to make a Nopal salad using only fresh ingredients.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

For this dish you will need the following items/ingredients:

1 pound of Nopales (prickly pear cactus)

2 Roma Tomatoes

2 Fresh Jalapeños

1 Clove Of Garlic

1/4 Cup Of Diced Onion

4-5 Arbol Chili Pods

Salt (As desired)

Sauce Pan

Cutting Board

Knife

Strainer

Fork

Step 2: Remove the Thorns

Nopales are sold ready to cook, but if you really want a fresh dish, then start of by removing the thorns off of each stem. Use a fork or tongs to hold on with a grip. Continue to slide a knife across at an angle in order to remove all the thorns.

Step 3: Rinse Your Ingredients

Make sure to rinse all ingredients carefully.

Step 4: Dice the Nopales

Stack up at least two Nopales at a time. Begin by cutting the Nopales lengthwise and then make perpendicular cuts. Once you've diced your Nopales, place them in a strainer to give them a second rinse. Nopales can have a slimy texture to them.

Step 5: Cook the Nopales

Bring some water to a boil. Place a clove of garlic in the sauce pan and the diced Nopales. Boil in high heat for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Dicing the Fresh Ingredients

Dice the tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, and chili pods as shown on the pictures.

Step 7: Nopales Are Ready to Be Cooled Down

After the Nopales have boiled for 10 minutes, pour the contents of the saucepan into the strainer and remove all the water. Allow the Nopales to cool down for 10-15 minutes.