Best 2 Prickly Pear Salsa Recipes

**Discover the Vibrant Flavors of Prickly Pear Salsa: A Culinary Journey Through Sweetness, Tanginess, and Uniqueness**

In a world of salsas, there exists a hidden gem that tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant hues and captivating flavors: the prickly pear salsa. Hailing from the arid regions of the Americas, this extraordinary condiment is a testament to the culinary ingenuity of those who dared to venture beyond the ordinary. Made from the fruit of the prickly pear cactus, this salsa boasts a captivating interplay of sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of earthiness that sets it apart from its tomato-based counterparts. As you embark on this culinary journey, you'll encounter a diverse collection of prickly pear salsa recipes, each offering a unique twist on this delectable creation. From the classic preparation that celebrates the fruit's natural flavors to variations that incorporate roasted tomatillos, spicy habaneros, and refreshing cilantro, these recipes cater to a wide range of palates. Prepare to be enthralled by the vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas that await you as you explore the world of prickly pear salsa.

Let's cook with our recipes!

PRICKLY PEAR SALSA

Prickly Pear Salsa image

I developed this recipe for my special diet after living in Mexico for a couple of years. You can find prickly pear cactus at your grocery store in the specialty food section.-Hope T. Woodhead, Tecate, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 15m

Yield 8 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

3 large tomatoes, chopped
3 medium Golden Delicious apples, grated
2 cups diced cactus pads
2 small zucchini, grated
1 medium onion, chopped
Juice of 2 limes or lemons

Steps:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 14 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 4mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 0 protein.

GREAT AMERICAN SOUTHWEST SLIDERS WITH PRICKLY PEAR AND GRILLED AVOCADO SALSA

Great American Southwest Sliders with Prickly Pear and Grilled Avocado Salsa image

Provided by Food Network

Categories main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings or 18 sliders

Number Of Ingredients 22

Ingredients

1 small red onion
2 ripe avocados
2 tablespoons tender cactus, diced (see note)
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chipotle pepper sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 fresh Roma tomato, seeded and diced
1 lime, juiced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds 80 percent fresh ground chuck
5 ounces finely ground fresh Mexican chorizo
1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
2 teaspoons salt
2/3 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Oil, for grill rack
12 ounces aged Monterey jack cheese, sliced
18 fresh bakery yeast rolls, about 2 1/2-inches square, cut in 1/2 horizontally
1 cup crema Mexicana, for garnish
Chipotle pepper sauce
6 ripe prickly pears, hollowed, for garnish
Fried tortilla strips, for garnish

Steps:

Heat an oiled grill to 400 degrees F or heat an oiled grill pan.
For the salsa: Slice the red onion into thick slices, about 1/2-inch thick. Cut avocado in half and remove the pits. Grill the onion and avocado halves on an oiled grill until slightly charred. Remove the onion to a cutting board and dice. Scoop avocado flesh into a bowl and add 1/2 cup of diced grilled red onion. Stir in the diced cactus, cilantro, cumin and chipotle pepper sauce. Mash the mixture and mix well. Add the garlic, tomato and lime juice and combine well. Season with kosher salt and pepper, to taste. Press plastic wrap onto the surface of the salsa and cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
For the sliders: In a large bowl, combine the beef, chorizo, tortilla chips, 2 teaspoons salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper and mix gently. Form into 18 golf ball-size rounds, then flatten and shape into a size to fit the buns.
Oil the grill and put the burgers on the grill. Tent the burgers with foil or a hotel pan and squirt with water to create steam. Grill the burgers until desired doneness, about 3 minutes per side for medium. After turning, divide the slices of Monterey jack among the burgers. Put the rolls on the grill and close the lid until the cheese is melted and the rolls are toasted.
For the crema: In a small bowl, whisk together the crema and chipotle hot sauce, to taste.
Put the burgers on the roll bottoms and top with salsa and crema. Cover with the roll tops. Stuff the prickly pears with tortilla strips and serve alongside the sliders.

Tips:

Select ripe prickly pears: Choose prickly pears that are fully ripe and have a deep red or purple color. Avoid fruits that are green or have blemishes.
Handle prickly pears with care: Prickly pears have sharp spines, so handle them carefully. Use a pair of tongs or a knife to remove the spines before handling the fruit.
Use a sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the prickly pears into small pieces. This will help to prevent the fruit from becoming mushy.
Add some heat: If you like spicy salsa, add some chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers to the recipe. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a more subtle heat.
Experiment with different flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors in your prickly pear salsa. Try adding some chopped cilantro, mint, or basil. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of honey.

Conclusion:

Prickly pear salsa is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. It is especially popular in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. With its vibrant color and unique flavor, prickly pear salsa is sure to add a touch of excitement to your next meal. So next time you're looking for a new salsa recipe, give prickly pear salsa a try. You won't be disappointed!