Desert Bloom Cactus Taco

Featured in: Seasonal Veggie Dishes

This Southwestern-inspired spread showcases tender nopales and a medley of roasted bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes combined with flavorful black beans seasoned with cumin and smoked paprika. Warm tortillas accompany an array of fresh salsas and creamy chipotle crema, complemented by tangy guacamole and crumbled queso fresco. A perfect sharing platter to customize with crisp radishes, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro, celebrating bold, fresh flavors and vibrant textures.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:22:00 GMT
Desert Bloom Cactus Taco Board with colorful roasted vegetables and fresh salsas, ready to eat. Save
Desert Bloom Cactus Taco Board with colorful roasted vegetables and fresh salsas, ready to eat. | forkina.com

A vibrant, Southwestern-inspired taco board featuring tender nopales (cactus paddles), roasted vegetables, zesty salsas, and all the fixings—perfect for sharing and celebrating bold flavors.

This vibrant taco board brings together tender nopales and roasted vegetables for a festive meal that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups nopales (cactus paddles): cleaned and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil:
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt:
  • 1 red bell pepper: sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper: sliced
  • 1 red onion: sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes: halved
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans: drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin:
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika:
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas:
  • 1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo:
  • 1/2 cup roasted corn salsa:
  • 1/3 cup chipotle crema: sour cream mixed with chipotle in adobo
  • 1/3 cup guacamole:
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta:
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro:
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes:
  • 1/4 cup pickled red onions:
  • 2 limes: cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2:
Arrange nopales, bell peppers, onion, and cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat.
Step 3:
Roast vegetables for 18–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly charred.
Step 4:
Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, add black beans, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Step 5:
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
Step 6:
Spread salsas, sauces, toppings, and garnishes in small bowls or directly on a large serving board.
Step 7:
Arrange roasted vegetables, nopales, black beans, and warm tortillas on the board.
Step 8:
Let guests assemble their tacos, customizing with desired toppings and garnishes.
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This dish is perfect for family gatherings, bringing everyone together around a colorful and flavorful taco board.

Notes

For extra crunch, include shredded cabbage or sliced jalapeños. Pair with a crisp, citrusy white wine or a classic margarita.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, chef&apost;s knife, cutting board, skillet, serving board or large platter, small bowls for toppings

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (queso fresco, crema). Gluten-free if using corn tortillas. Double-check labels on store-bought sauces for hidden allergens.

A visually enticing Desert Bloom Cactus Taco Board, showcasing vibrant toppings with smoky, roasted flavors and warm tortillas. Pin it
A visually enticing Desert Bloom Cactus Taco Board, showcasing vibrant toppings with smoky, roasted flavors and warm tortillas. | forkina.com

This vibrant taco board is sure to impress and satisfy guests with its bold Southwest flavors and variety of textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are nopales and how should they be prepared?

Nopales are cactus paddles with a slightly tangy flavor and tender texture. Clean and slice them before roasting with vegetables for the best taste and softness.

Can I use other vegetables besides bell peppers and onions?

Yes, feel free to add or substitute with vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to suit your taste and increase variety.

How can I keep the tortillas warm for serving?

Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave just before serving to keep them pliable and fresh for assembling.

Are there options for dairy-free variations?

Yes, replace queso fresco with vegan cheese and use a plant-based crema to maintain creamy textures without dairy.

What drinks pair well with this taco board?

Crisp, citrusy white wines or a classic margarita complement the fresh, bold flavors beautifully.

How do I add protein to this dish?

Incorporate grilled shrimp or chicken for added protein and a heartier variation while keeping the other flavors balanced.

Desert Bloom Cactus Taco

A colorful taco board featuring tender nopales, roasted vegetables, salsas, and fresh garnishes ideal for sharing.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes


Difficulty: Medium

Cuisine: Southwestern

Yield: 6 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Cactus & Vegetable Fillings

01 2 cups nopales (cactus paddles), cleaned and sliced
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 1 red bell pepper, sliced
05 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
06 1 red onion, sliced
07 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
09 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Tortillas

01 12 small corn or flour tortillas

Salsas & Sauces

01 1/2 cup fresh pico de gallo
02 1/2 cup roasted corn salsa
03 1/3 cup chipotle crema (sour cream blended with chipotle in adobo)
04 1/3 cup guacamole

Toppings & Garnishes

01 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
02 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
03 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes
04 1/4 cup pickled red onions
05 2 limes, cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 02

Prepare Vegetables: Arrange nopales, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt, then toss to coat evenly.

Step 03

Roast Vegetables: Roast the vegetables for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly charred.

Step 04

Warm Black Beans: While vegetables roast, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add black beans, ground cumin, and smoked paprika; stir and cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Step 05

Warm Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they become pliable.

Step 06

Arrange Accompaniments: Spread salsas, sauces, and garnishes into small bowls or arrange directly on a large serving board.

Step 07

Assemble Board: Arrange the roasted vegetables, nopales, black beans, and warm tortillas on the serving board.

Step 08

Serve and Customize: Invite guests to assemble their tacos, customizing with the desired toppings and garnishes.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet
  • Serving board or large platter
  • Small bowls for toppings

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from queso fresco and chipotle crema.
  • Gluten-free when using corn tortillas.
  • Check store-bought salsas for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 340
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Protein: 10 g