Cactus grows in backyards throughout California, and is a delicious way to eat your veggies! It has a citrusy, green bean-like flavor. Eating cactus can decrease blood sugar, making it an ideal food for people with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces cholesterol and is packed with vitamins like C, E, A, and iron. This hearty super food is drought-tolerant, making it a climate-friendly option for dinner. Cactus is slimy like okra, which can be reduced by roasting, as we have done in our recipe. Our salsa pairs the cactus paddles of the nopal cactus with cilantro and fresh corn. The salsa is perfect for tacos, on scrambled eggs, or served fresh with tortilla chips for dipping. Tip: cactus paddles can be purchased fresh at farmers markets spring through fall, and are also available in Latin grocery stores, often pre-sliced with thorns removed, in the refrigerator section.

Cactus and Corn Salsa Recipe

Yield: 2 1/2 cups salsa
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Printable Recipe
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Ingredients

• 1 small cactus paddle, spikes removed
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 1 jalapeno pepper, stem removed
• 1/2 large white onion, peeled
• 1 cup cilantro
• 1 cup green onions
• Juice from 1 lime
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen (or fresh) corn 

Instructions for Adults

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Have kids cut cactus and onions into large chunks and the jalapeno in half. On a lightly greased baking sheet, place cactus, garlic, jalapeno, onion. Roast until the veggies are deep golden on all sides, about 15-20 minutes. Flip veggies halfway through. Remove from oven and let cool.

Instructions for Kids

Cut cactus and onion into large chunks and the jalapeno in half. Adults will help you roast them.

With the help of an adult, place roasted veggies into a food processor with cilantro, green onion, lime juice, water, salt and pepper. Puree until smooth. 

Pour salsa into a bowl and add corn.  Mix, serve with veggies, and enjoy!

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