If you’re craving a salad that sings with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a delightful creaminess, the Steak Fajita Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe is just what your taste buds need. This dish beautifully combines tender grilled steak seasoned with smoky spices, sautéed peppers and onions that add a fresh crunch, and a luscious cilantro lime dressing that ties everything together with a tangy, herbaceous kick. It’s not just any salad—it’s a fiesta in every bite, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to a satisfying, healthy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this salad truly shine. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding a burst of flavor, a vibrant pop of color, or a satisfying texture that makes every mouthful unforgettable.
- 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak: Choose a cut that’s perfect for quick grilling and slicing thinly for maximum tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sear the steak beautifully and sauté the vegetables to capture their natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Adds warm, smoky flavor that’s essential to fajita seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Deepens the smoky aroma with a subtle earthy touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory notes for a well-rounded spice blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors of steak and veggies.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Delivers a mild heat that balances the spiced profile.
- 1 red bell pepper sliced: Offers a beautiful red hue and crisp sweetness.
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced: Adds bright color and a mellow flavor contrast.
- 1 small red onion sliced: Provides a sharp, slightly sweet bite that caramelizes perfectly when sautéed.
- 6 cups mixed salad greens: Creates a fresh, leafy base that balances the richness of the steak.
- 1 avocado sliced: Brings creamy texture and richness, rounding out the flavors elegantly.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved: Adds bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese: Sprinkles a salty, tangy finishing touch that elevates the salad.
- Dressing Ingredients: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 clove garlic minced, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and 1–2 tablespoons water to thin as needed.
How to Make Steak Fajita Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Season the Steak
Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, which will give your steak that perfect sear. Rub the flank or skirt steak evenly with olive oil and a blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice mix infuses the meat with irresistible fajita flavors, setting the stage for a delicious main component.
Step 2: Grill to Perfection
Place the steak on the hot grill and cook it for 4 to 5 minutes per side, aiming for a juicy medium-rare. This timing helps keep the steak tender and flavorful. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes—this step is crucial for juicy slices—then cut thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and make each bite melt-in-your-mouth.
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
While the steak is resting, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and toss in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the red onion. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re tender but still slightly crisp, preserving their natural sweetness and crunch that contrasts beautifully with the steak.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add one tablespoon of water at a time to reach your perfect dressing consistency. This creamy dressing brings a tangy freshness that’s packed with herbal goodness, making it the soul of this salad.
Step 5: Assemble Your Steak Fajita Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe
Lay out your mixed salad greens as the base either on a large serving platter or individual plates. Top with the sautéed peppers and onions, sliced steak, fresh avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija or feta cheese. Drizzle generously with the creamy cilantro lime dressing and serve immediately to enjoy all the flavors at their freshest.
How to Serve Steak Fajita Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro or a wedge of lime on the side adds brightness and a pop of green that’s as tasty as it is pretty. If you love a bit of heat, a few slices of jalapeño or a dash of smoked paprika on top can elevate each bite even more.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with warm, soft tortillas or crunchy tortilla chips for scooping up the delicious toppings. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a simple Mexican rice or black bean salad to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try serving the salad in individual mason jars for a portable, picnic-friendly presentation. Alternatively, place the components in separate bowls for a taco salad bar where everyone can customize their own, making it a fun and interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep the steak, sautéed veggies, salad greens, and dressing stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess, allowing you to enjoy the salad just as vibrant the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the fresh salad greens and creamy dressing won’t hold up well after thawing. However, you can freeze extra cooked steak separately for future meals without any loss in quality.
Reheating
Reheat the sliced steak and sautéed vegetables gently in a skillet or microwave, just until warmed through. Then assemble the salad fresh with cool greens, avocado, and dressing to keep the textures and flavors bright and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak are ideal for their texture and flavor, sirloin or ribeye can also work well; just adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness and tenderness.
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this salad?
Yes! Swap the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu to keep the hearty feel while enjoying all the fajita flavors and creamy cilantro lime dressing.
How long can I store the creamy cilantro lime dressing?
The dressing keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before using to remix any separated ingredients.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?
You can prep all components in advance but assemble shortly before serving to keep textures lively, especially the fresh greens and creamy avocado.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet or under a broiler, just watch carefully to sear the meat well and avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the juicy, spiced steak paired with crisp, colorful veggies and a creamy cilantro lime dressing bursting with tang and freshness. The Steak Fajita Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe is a stellar choice whether you’re after a nourishing weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests. Trust me, once you try it, this salad will earn a beloved spot in your recipe collection, ready to brighten any mealtime with bold flavors and vibrant charm.
Print
Steak Fajita Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Steak Fajita Salad topped with sautéed bell peppers, red onions, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled cotija cheese, all drizzled with a creamy and tangy cilantro lime dressing. This Mexican-American inspired dish combines perfectly grilled steak with fresh salad greens, making it a healthy, satisfying meal ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Steak and Vegetables
- 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled cotija or feta cheese
Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons water, to thin if needed
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Rub the steak evenly with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper ensuring it is well coated.
- Grill the steak: Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, or longer if desired. Once cooked, remove the steak from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Sauté the vegetables: While the steak rests, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and red onion, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until they become tender-crisp but still vibrant in color.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add water one tablespoon at a time until the dressing reaches your desired creamy consistency.
- Assemble the salad: On a large serving platter or on individual plates, spread the mixed salad greens as a base. Top with the sautéed peppers and onions, thinly sliced steak (cut against the grain), sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled cotija or feta cheese.
- Serve: Drizzle the creamy cilantro lime dressing generously over the assembled salad and serve immediately for the best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak for 30 minutes in lime juice, olive oil, and spices before cooking.
- You can add black beans or corn to the salad for additional heartiness and texture.
- Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
