What Are Nopales Tacos?

By Niam Hocaine, founder and food writer · Updated August 31, 2026

Nopales are Central Mexico tacos: cactus paddle, grilled or sautéed with onion, on corn tortillas.

Nopales Tacos

Nopales (Tacos de Nopales) is a vegetarian taco from Central Mexico, Mexico. The filling is cactus paddle, specifically prickly pear cactus paddle, grilled or sautéed with onion.

It is served on corn tortillas, usually with queso fresco, salsa. In the US it turns up most in nationwide.

Nopales (Tacos de Nopales) are Central Mexico tacos made with prickly pear cactus paddle, grilled or sautéed with onion, served on corn tortillas.

Also called: Tacos de Nopales
Family: Vegetarian
Filling: Cactus paddle
Cut / main ingredient: Prickly pear cactus paddle
How it is cooked: Grilled or sautéed with onion
Tortilla: Corn
Usually topped with: Queso fresco, salsa
From: Central Mexico, Mexico

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Last updated August 31, 2026. Venue details refresh with each data import.