Steak Fajita Salad
A vibrant salad featuring grilled steak, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a creamy cilantro lime dressing, perfect for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1 lb top sirloin steak High-quality meat for juiciness and flavor.
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil Adds richness and aids marinating.
- 2 tbsp lime juice Brightens the dish with acidity.
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning Infuses the steak with bold taste.
- 2 cloves garlic cloves Enhances overall flavor.
- 1 tbsp chili powder Adds heat and depth.
- 1 tsp paprika Brings smokiness and color.
- 1 tsp salt Essential for amplifying flavors.
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper Provides slight kick.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Optional; for extra heat.
For the salad
- 4 cups romaine lettuce Crisp base for texture.
- 2 cups butter lettuce or baby greens Adds tenderness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes Juicy and sweet.
- 1 medium red bell pepper Adds color and sweetness.
- 1 medium green or yellow bell pepper Additional crunch and flavor.
- 1 large Hass avocado Rich creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro Fresh herbal note.
For the dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt Base of the creamy dressing.
- 2 tbsp lime juice Enhances dressing flavors.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Adds tanginess.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin Provides earthy depth.
- 2-3 tbsp water To adjust consistency.
Instructions
Marinate the steak
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, fajita seasoning, minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the steak strips, coating them well. Cover and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
Cook the steak
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated steak for about 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and browned.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Prepare the salad
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, butter lettuce, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, avocado, and cilantro.
- Toss gently to mix.
Make the dressing
- In a blender, add cilantro, avocado, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, vinegar, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water gradually for desired consistency.
Toss and serve
- Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad, tossing to combine.
- Top with sliced steak and drizzle remaining dressing before serving.
Notes
For best results, marinate steak longer for deeper flavor. Consider adding tortilla strips or crumbled queso for extra texture. Store the salad components separately for meal prep.