Name: Cactus, Chayote, and Green-Apple Salad
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 1/4 hr
Yield: Makes 6 to 8 first-course servings
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh nopales (prickly pear cactus paddles; about 5; see cooks' note, below); 2 chayotes (1 pound total), peeled, halved lengthwise, and seeds discarded, then cut into 1/4-inch-thick sticks (3 to 4 inches long); 1 Granny Smith apple, left unpeeled, halved, cored, and thinly sliced lengthwise; 2 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced; 4 navel oranges; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1/3 cup raw (green) hulled pumpkin seeds; 5 tablespoons olive oil; Rounded 1/8 teaspoon cayenne

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Cactus, Chayote, and Green-Apple SaladMikkel Vang

A bright citrus flavor and crunchy texture make this salad truly refreshing — a delicious balance of savory and sweet with the bonus of a little heat.

Cooks' note:

If you can't find fresh nopales, use blanched thin green beans.

Recipe notes

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