Nopalitos con Huevos
Nopalitos con Huevos is a classic Mexican breakfast dish featuring diced prickly pear cactus pads (nopalitos) scrambled with eggs. The tender, slightly tangy cactus is typically sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers before being combined with fluffy eggs, creating a simple yet flavorful staple. It's a beloved home-cooked meal found throughout Mexico and in Mexican-American communities.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a good source of protein from the eggs and offers significant dietary fiber and micronutrients like magnesium and vitamin C from the nopalitos. A typical serving (about 1 cup) is relatively low in carbohydrates and fat, with a calorie range of approximately 200-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 10 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin A | 250 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin K | 10 mcg |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 40 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
Per 1 cup (200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Nopalitos are a nutritionally unique ingredient, as the cactus pads are low in calories but high in fiber and antioxidants, and they have a long history in Mexican cuisine dating back to pre-Hispanic times. The dish is also culturally significant as a sustainable, plant-forward meal that showcases the use of native, drought-resistant ingredients.
