Grilled Nopales
Grilled Nopales is a popular Mexican dish featuring the pads of the prickly pear cactus, which are cleaned, sliced, and grilled until tender and slightly charred. Typically seasoned with lime, salt, cilantro, and onions, it is often served as a side dish, taco filling, or salad ingredient. The dish is deeply rooted in Mexican culinary tradition and is enjoyed for its unique texture and flavor.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Nopales are low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. A typical serving of grilled nopales (about 1 cup) contains roughly 25-40 calories, with minimal fat and a modest amount of protein.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 22 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbs | 3.9 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Fiber | 3.2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 12 mg |
| Vitamin C | 14 mg |
| Vitamin A | 455 IU |
| Vitamin K | 12.5 mcg |
| Folate | 45 mcg |
| Magnesium | 35 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Calcium | 105 mg |
| Iron | 0.6 mg |
Per 1 cup (149 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, nopales have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, valued for their versatility and nutritional benefits. Nutritionally, they are unique for their high fiber content and potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
