Name: Shrimp and Nopal Cactus Salad
Yield: Makes 16 (1-cup) servings
Ingredients: 1 pound cactus paddles or fresh green beans; 1 cup thinly sliced onion; 2 cloves minced garlic; 2 medium tomatoes, diced small; 3 radishes, julienned; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 teaspoons leaf oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese; 2 pounds small cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp

Editor's note: The recipe below is part of a healthy and delicious spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Lake Austin Spa Resort.

As a way of helping you to meet your daily cactus requirements, we offer you this absolutely delicious and completely refreshing salad inspired by the cooking of coastal Mexico. Cactus paddles are available in Latin or Mexican markets.

Recipe notes

Frijoles de la Olla Ramen (Mexican Stewed Beans)

Traditionally, this Mexican staple is simmered for hours in an olla, or clay pot. You can achieve a similar result by using canned beans and instant ramen.

Oven-Fried Shrimp

Kewpie Mayonnaise is the ultimate secret ingredient to creating a perfect oven-baked battered-and-fried crunch without a deep fryer.

Creamy Fondue Beans

All the cozy vibes of the classic gooey-cheesy dish, made into a 20-minute meal.

Brussels Sprouts Latkes

Who says latkes have to be potato? Brussels bring a delicious cruciferousness.

Wampanoaug Clam Fritters

The clams’ natural briny sweetness serves as a surprising foil for the tender fritter batter—just be sure to pull off the tough outer coating of the siphon.

Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Spaghetti)

Spaghetti is a common variation in modern Thai cooking. It’s so easy to work with and absorbs the garlicky, spicy notes of pad kee mao well.

Green Curry Mussels

The mussels here add their beautiful, briny juices into the curry, which turn this into a stunning and spectacular dish.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Cajun-Creole shrimp is combined with a light cream sauce, and two together are off-the-charts delicious. It’s full of flavor without being too spicy.