This Steak Fajita Salad is a fresh and vibrant twist on your favorite steak fajitas, served in a crisp salad form. Sliced sirloin steak, bell peppers, onions, and juicy tomatoes are piled high on a bed of lettuce and topped with a creamy, tangy cilantro lime dressing. It’s the perfect combination of bold flavors and textures, making for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Steak:

  • 1 ½ pounds top sirloin steak, sliced against the grain into ½-inch strips (flank or skirt steak may be substituted)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (or homemade blend)

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• For the Salad:

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

  • 2 cups chopped butter lettuce or baby greens mix

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (whole or halved)

  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced

  • ½ green or yellow bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 Hass avocado, sliced or cubed

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely minced

  • Lime wedges for garnish

• For the Dressing:

  • ¾ to 1 cup fresh cilantro (about 1 heaping handful)

  • ½ large ripe avocado

  • ¼ cup sour cream (or thick Greek yogurt as substitute)

  • Juice of half a lime

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • ½ to 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • ¼ cup water (or more as needed for consistency)

Directions

1. Marinate the Steak: Combine olive oil, lime juice, fajita seasoning, garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Add the steak, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours).

2. Cook the Steak: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it.

3. Prepare the Dressing: Blend cilantro, avocado, sour cream, lime juice, garlic, apple cider vinegar, cumin, salt, pepper, and water in a blender or food processor until smooth. Adjust the water for consistency.

4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, baby greens, tomatoes, bell peppers, and avocado. Add half of the cilantro lime dressing and toss again.

5. Serve: Top the salad with sliced steak, drizzle with the remaining dressing, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Nutrients

• Calories: 480 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Protein: 42g

• Fat: 28g

  • Saturated Fat: 6g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 16g

• Cholesterol: 109mg

• Sodium: 1302mg

• Potassium: 1459mg

• Fiber: 9g

• Sugar: 5g

• Vitamin A: 7212 IU

• Vitamin C: 73mg

• Calcium: 139mg

• Iron: 6mg

This fresh and flavorful salad makes a perfect summer dish, offering a delightful combination of tender steak, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing. Enjoy it as a satisfying main dish!

Why Steak Fajita Salad is a Perfect Meal

Steak fajitas are a favorite for many because they offer a combination of tender beef, vibrant veggies, and an irresistible smoky flavor from the seasoning. However, serving it in a salad form gives it an entirely new dynamic, making it both nutritious and refreshing. The ingredients are simple yet flavorful, and the salad format makes it easier to enjoy while still capturing the heart of the fajita experience.

This salad is a wonderful choice for those who want a low-carb option without sacrificing taste. The combination of fresh greens, lean steak, and avocado provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber. The cilantro lime dressing is a perfect complement, tying all the ingredients together with a tangy and creamy bite. Unlike traditional fajitas, which are often served with tortillas or rice, this salad provides all the flavor without the extra carbs, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

The Key Ingredients in the Steak Fajita Salad

The steak is the star of this dish, and the marinade plays a crucial role in bringing out its full flavor. By marinating the steak in a mix of lime juice, fajita seasoning, garlic, and chili powder, you infuse the meat with a deep, smoky taste. The combination of paprika and crushed red pepper flakes adds an extra layer of heat, allowing the steak to stand out as a flavorful base for the salad.

The fresh vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to the dish. Bell peppers, tomatoes, and avocado not only provide a refreshing crunch but also deliver essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium. The romaine lettuce serves as a crisp base, while the butter lettuce or baby greens mix adds extra freshness. The sliced avocado brings creaminess to the salad, balancing the zesty flavors of the dressing and the marinated steak.

Finally, the cilantro lime dressing brings everything together with its creamy, tangy, and herbaceous notes. The avocado in the dressing adds richness, while the lime juice and apple cider vinegar provide a tart contrast to the richness of the steak and vegetables. The dressing can be adjusted for consistency, making it as creamy or as light as you prefer.

The Marinade: Key to Flavorful Steak

The marinade is what sets this steak apart. A good marinade infuses the meat with flavor and helps tenderize it, ensuring the steak is both juicy and flavorful. The combination of lime juice and fajita seasoning creates a zesty base that enhances the steak’s natural flavors. The garlic and chili powder add aromatic and spicy notes, while paprika lends a smoky undertone.

Marinating the steak for at least 30 minutes (and up to 8 hours) ensures that the flavors have time to penetrate the meat, resulting in a steak that is both tender and bursting with flavor. The oil in the marinade also helps to keep the steak moist while cooking, ensuring that the meat doesn’t dry out on the grill pan or skillet.

The Cilantro Lime Dressing: A Creamy, Zesty Addition

The cilantro lime dressing is the finishing touch that makes this salad extraordinary. Made with fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and lime juice, it provides a creamy yet tangy contrast to the savory steak and fresh vegetables. The garlic and apple cider vinegar enhance the overall flavor profile, while cumin adds depth.

This dressing is not only a complement to the steak but also a way to tie the flavors of the salad together. The creamy texture of the avocado makes it smooth, while the lime juice keeps it light and bright. If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can adjust the amount of water, making it as runny or thick as you like. The dressing can be stored for a few days in the fridge, making it a convenient addition to salads, tacos, or grilled meats.

Assembling the Steak Fajita Salad

Once the steak is cooked and rested, it’s time to assemble the salad. Start by tossing the romaine lettuce, baby greens, tomatoes, and bell peppers in a large bowl. Add half of the cilantro lime dressing and toss to combine, ensuring that the vegetables are evenly coated. The combination of fresh veggies adds a vibrant mix of colors and textures, from the crisp lettuce to the juicy tomatoes.

After the salad base is ready, top it with the sliced steak and drizzle with the remaining cilantro lime dressing. The steak provides a hearty element to the salad, while the creamy dressing enhances the overall flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a final burst of freshness.

Nutritional Benefits of the Steak Fajita Salad

This Steak Fajita Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The steak is a great source of protein, providing 42 grams of protein per serving, which is essential for muscle building and overall body repair. The combination of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce contributes a variety of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and promotes healthy skin.

The avocado in both the salad and the dressing adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which are known for their benefits in lowering cholesterol and supporting cardiovascular health. Additionally, the fiber from the vegetables and avocado helps with digestion and supports a healthy gut.

While the dressing is creamy, it is also relatively light, making the dish a balanced option that doesn’t feel too heavy. The lime juice and apple cider vinegar in the dressing provide digestive benefits, further enhancing the healthfulness of the dish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

The Steak Fajita Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with a side of rice or beans. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you could serve it alongside a cauliflower rice or quinoa salad for added texture and nutrients.

For those who prefer a spicier salad, you can increase the amount of chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes in the steak marinade. Alternatively, you can add sliced jalapeños to the salad itself for an extra kick. If you’re a fan of cheese, a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar can be added for a rich, savory note.

This salad also works well as a meal prep option. You can prepare the steak and dressing in advance and assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat, making it a great option for busy weeks.

Conclusion

The Steak Fajita Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy meal that offers all the flavors of classic steak fajitas with the added benefit of being a lighter, more refreshing option. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it is a well-balanced dish that satisfies your cravings for something bold and flavorful while still being nourishing. The combination of marinated steak, fresh vegetables, and the creamy cilantro lime dressing makes this salad a standout meal that is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to more formal gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this Steak Fajita Salad is sure to impress.