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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Licuado de Nopal + VIDEO

    Published: Feb 27, 2019 · Updated: Aug 22, 2019 by Maggie Unzueta

    Cactus Pineapple Smoothie (Licuado de Nopal) is a yummy, healthy, and delicious drink. Said to help with weight loss, diabetics regulate blood sugar levels, and improve digestion.
    Jump to Recipe
    Licuado de Nopal (Cactus Pineapple Smoothie) is a yummy, healthy, and delicious drink that is said to help with weight loss, diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels, and improve digestion. By Mama Maggie's Kitchen
    Licuado de Nopal (Cactus Pineapple Smoothie) is a yummy, healthy, and delicious drink that is said to help with weight loss, diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels, and improve digestion. By Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    After the Holidays, I can’t eat another tamale In fact, I’m “all-tamaled-out.”

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    I have to remember to “SUCK IT IN” whenever we take family pictures, and the genius who invented leggings is my hero.

    This Licuado de Nopal (Cactus Pineapple Smoothie) is perfect for weight loss, my friends.

    I am not a doctor. I don’t even play one on TV. Lol.

    Over the years, I’ve heard success story after success story about this Cactus Pineapple Smoothie.

    People swear they lost weight just by drinking a glass of this miracle smoothie.

    Some say to drink it before bed. Some people say to drink it before eating breakfast.

    Weight loss or not, this healthy smoothie is incredibly good for you.

    Cactus paddle on a green cutting board with its thorns still intact.

    Table of Contents

    • 1 Instructions
      • 1.1 How to remove the thorns off of a nopal (cactus paddle)
    • 2 Benefits of Nopal Cactus
            • 2.0.0.0.1 Other Names for Licuado de Nopal:
    • 3 More Smoothie Recipes:
    • 4 Cactus Pineapple Smoothie (Licuado de Nopal)
      • 4.1 Ingredients
      • 4.2 Instructions
      • 4.3 Video
      • 4.4 Notes
      • 4.5 Nutrition

    Instructions

    It starts with fresh Cactus, or Nopal.

    First, I am going to show you how to remove the thorns from the nopal, or cactus paddle.

    I use an oven mitt to handle the nopal.

    You can also use a plastic bag. There are special mittens as well.

    For me, an oven mitt works well. Just check it at the end to see if there are any thorns on the mitt itself.

    A knife taking off the thorns of a cactus paddle (nopal).

    How to remove the thorns off of a nopal (cactus paddle)

    • Place the nopal on a clean surface.
    • Hold the end of the nopal with the oven mitt and a knife on the other.
    • Cut around the nopal, removing the sides.
    • Using a sharp knife remove the thorns.
    • Move the paddle around to remove all the thorns.

    Please be very careful. If you do this quickly, the thorns will fly around.

    Make sure no children are around. Also, you might need to sweep up the kitchen floor if any thorns go flying.

    To prevent the thorns from flying, scrape off the thorns close to the surface you are work on.

    A cactus paddle (nopal) with its thorns removed and sliced.

    Don’t forget to rinse the nopales… even if you buy them from a jar. It will clean the nopales and remove some of the baba.

    To dice: Cut perpendicular to the slices to create diced nopales.

    Nopal, nopales, nopalitos. These are words to describe cactus.

    Many stores sell them already diced and packaged. This is normally how I buy them.

    You can also find them in jar and already cooked. For our Licuado de Nopal, you need raw cactus.

    The Number 1 question I get asked is: What does Cactus taste like?

    It has the texture of asparagus but not as stringy.

    It has slime that comes out. We refer to it as “baba.” You won’t get the slime in this smoothie though.

    Drain nopales well if you are cooking cactus to remove as much of the cactus slime as possible.

    Diced nopales (or cactus) on a decorative and colorful bowl.

    Benefits of Nopal Cactus

    • It helps regulate blood sugar levels
    • High cholesterol
    • Very high in fiber.
    • It even decreases cellulite and fluid retention.
      Nopales help reduce the fat in your body by breaking down and getting rid of adipose tissue. (Nope, I’m still not a doctor).

    It’s no wonder why people refer to nopal cactus as a superfood.

    The benefits of cactus are seriously worth trying them out. Big time winner, for sure!

    If you are not a fan of this Licuado de Nopal, you can also add nopales into your diet.

    Try this Nopales con Huevos breakfast recipe or this light Ensalada de Nopales for lunch.

    Pineapple turned on its side showing the bottom on a green cutting board.

    How to Choose a Ripe Pineapple:

    • Turn the pineapple upside down.
    • Smell the bottom button-like area.
    • If it smells like pineapple, it is ripe and ready to eat.
    • If it does not quite smell like pineapple, it still needs a few days.

    For those of you looking for a Nopal Smoothie for Diabetes, please know that pineapple is a fruit that is high in sugar.

    However, there is no substitute for pineapple.

    Other Names for Licuado de Nopal:

    There are some who call the Cactus Pineapple Smoothie the “Quema Grasa” or the “Fat Burner.”

    Maybe it is because of the combination of cactus and pineapple.

    Cactus Pineapple Smoothie (Licuado de Nopal) is a yummy and delicious drink that is said to help with weight loss, diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels, and improve digestion. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    To ripen a pineapple faster, leave it outside of the fridge and by a window.

    If placed inside a fridge, it will take longer to ripen.

    Pineapple has great enzymes in it, is low in calories, high in water content, and high in fiber.

    All excellent for weight loss. I also like the sweetness that pineapple adds.

    If you have never tried cactus before, add more pineapple than cactus. Then add more cactus next time you make this Licuado de Nopal.

    Oranges

    Some people will use water to blend this smoothie, but I add freshly squeezed orange juice.

    It adds a level of sweetness that I love.

    Orange Juice has good Vitamin C and great for a healthy diet.

    The other thing that I usually add is tumeric. It is anti-inflammatory, and you really can’t taste it in the Cactus Pineapple Smoothie, Licuado de Nopal.

    If you don’t have tumeric, you can add cayenne. It is also a great immune system booster.

    Don’t go crazy with the cayenne. Just a dash. That stuff is spicy!

    More Smoothie Recipes:

    • Licuado de Platano
    • Green Ginger Smoothie
    • Mango Pineapple Smoothie
    • Jugo Verde
    Blender with diced pineapple and cactus on a wooden table.
    • Add everything – nopales, pineapple, and orange juice into the blender.
    • Blend until smooth.

    Your Licuado de Nopal (Cactus Pineapple Smoothie) will last only 1 day in the fridge.

    However, this freezes well. It will last up to 4 months in the freezer.

    When you defrost, you will need to stir, and it will taste just as yummy.

    You can also make it as a frozen afternoon treat during the summer months.

    Licuado de Nopal (Cactus Pineapple Smoothie) is a yummy, healthy, and delicious drink that is said to help with weight loss, diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels, and improve digestion. By Mama Maggie's Kitchen

    Cactus Pineapple Smoothie (Licuado de Nopal)

    Cactus Pineapple Smoothie (Licuado de Nopal) is a yummy, healthy, and delicious drink. Said to help with weight loss, diabetics regulate blood sugar levels, and improve digestion.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 107kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup fresh pineapple chopped
    • 1 cup fresh cactus chopped
    • 1 teaspoon ground tumeric
    • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice or water

    Instructions

    • Add all the ingredients to the blender.
    • Blend until smooth.
    • Pour and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    Use fresh ingredients. You will lose some of the nutrients if you use canned pineapple or jarred cactus. 
    If you are not used to cactus, add more pineapple and orange juice. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 474mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 492IU | Vitamin C: 105mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!
    Cactus Pineapple Smoothie (Licuado de Nopal) is a yummy and delicious drink that is said to help with weight loss, diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels, and improve digestion. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen
    Cactus Pineapple Smoothie (Licuado de Nopal) is a yummy and delicious drink that is said to help with weight loss, diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels, and improve digestion. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen
    Diced Cactus
    Cactus Pineapple Smoothie (Licuado de Nopal) is a yummy and delicious drink that is said to help with weight loss, diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels, and improve digestion. By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

    More Mexican Drinks

    • A chelada served in a glass with a lime wedge.
      Chelada (Mexican Beer Cocktail)
    • Licuado de Plátano (or Banana Smoothie) served in a glass cup next to banana slices.
      Licuado de Plátano (Banana Smoothie)
    • Two strawberry jalapeno margaritas topped with jalapeno slices and lime wedges.
      Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita
    • Spicy Mango Margarita with a rim of chili powder sitting on a wooden cutting board.
      Spicy Mango Margarita

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Tino Adame

      July 24, 2022 at 12:55 pm

      Thank you I am diabetic and overweight with high blood pressure,
      I’ve been drinking this for about two months everything has dropped,
      My doctor even said whatever I’m doing continue doing it, thank you so much.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        July 26, 2022 at 10:42 am

        Wow! That’s amazing. Congrats.

        Reply
    2. Sapphire Gimenez

      October 07, 2021 at 7:45 am

      5 stars
      Very helpful information besides which ingredients to use

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        October 07, 2021 at 10:40 am

        So happy you liked the recipe. I love this drink!

        Reply
        • Char

          November 18, 2021 at 12:35 pm

          Today I tried it for the first time I just say I’ve been missing out. Great taste I will try it again .

        • Maggie Unzueta

          November 21, 2021 at 11:12 am

          I’m glad you liked this. It tastes great and feels good drinking.

    3. Carol

      July 25, 2020 at 7:08 am

      5 stars
      Do I drink it at morning or before I go to bed?

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        April 18, 2023 at 10:35 am

        Nopal is high in fiber, which makes it a great addition to a morning smoothie or shake. Consuming high-fiber foods in the morning can help regulate digestion throughout the day and prevent constipation. It is not recommended to consume this licuado before going to bed, as the fiber content may cause discomfort or indigestion while sleeping.

        Reply
    4. Gracie Perez

      February 11, 2020 at 2:59 am

      How long do you do this for and how often.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        February 20, 2020 at 10:22 am

        I have only done with week at a time. Space it out between a few months. Also, it tastes good. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Judy

      July 08, 2019 at 8:14 pm

      Can you just make with Nopoles no pineapple

      Reply
      • Judy

        July 09, 2019 at 6:28 pm

        I made it with a packet of Steve and Nogales no pineapple it was delicious. Please leave comment

        Reply
    6. Michelle

      June 08, 2019 at 8:20 am

      Thank you for this receipe! If you add turmeric, I learned that it absorbs better when you add a little fat (like coconut oil) and pepper (just a small pinch will do!)

      Reply
    7. annie.starlight@me.com

      May 26, 2019 at 6:24 am

      Can I freeze the dethorned & cubed nopal by itself? Will the weight loss properties still hold? I’d like to bag it & add it to smoothies without the preparation steps every single time. Thank you for the recipe & backstory by the way, it was an enjoyable, informative read.

      Reply

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    iBienvenidos! I'm Maggie. Welcome to my blog! My passion is authentic Mexican food and traveling throughout Mexico to bring you the very BEST in culture and cuisine.

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