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Steak Fajita Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe

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3.8 from 1 review

A vibrant and flavorful Steak Fajita Salad featuring marinated top sirloin steak, fresh bell peppers, mixed greens, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy cilantro lime dressing. This easy-to-make recipe combines the smoky taste of fajita-seasoned steak with a refreshing, zesty dressing, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

  • Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Steak and Marinade

  • 1 1/2 pounds top sirloin steak, sliced against the grain into 1/2-inch strips (flank or skirt steak can be substituted)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (or use the following spices)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Salad Ingredients

  • 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, seeded and sliced into thin vertical strips
  • 1/2 green or yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin vertical strips
  • 1 Hass avocado, sliced or cubed
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely minced (or to taste)

Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

  • 3/4 to 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (about one heaping handful, loosely measured)
  • 1/2 large ripe avocado
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (or thick Greek yogurt as a substitute)
  • Juice of half a lime
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)
  • 1/4 cup water (or more as needed for desired consistency)

Instructions

  1. Marinate Steak: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced steak with olive oil, lime juice, fajita seasoning or spices, minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Toss everything to coat the steak evenly. Cover and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For short marinating times, you can leave it at room temperature; for longer marinating (up to 8 hours or overnight), refrigerate the bowl. Before cooking, remove the steak from the fridge and let it rest on the counter for 15-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Cook Steak: Heat a grill, indoor grill pan, or a large heavy-bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak strips and cook for about 5-6 minutes total, flipping occasionally to achieve even browning and desired doneness. Steak cooks quickly—roughly 2-3 minutes per side—so watch carefully to avoid overcooking. Remove steak from heat and let it rest on a plate to retain juices.
  3. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, butter lettuce or baby greens, cherry tomatoes, red and green/yellow bell pepper strips, sliced avocado, and finely minced cilantro. Toss gently to mix all the fresh ingredients together while the steak rests.
  4. Blend Dressing: In a blender or food processor, add fresh cilantro leaves, half an avocado, sour cream, lime juice, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Pulse or blend on high until smooth and creamy. Add water gradually to reach your desired dressing consistency.
  5. Adjust Dressing: Taste the dressing and adjust salt, pepper, or water as needed. Cilantro, avocado, and lime flavors benefit from a little extra salt to brighten them up. Add more water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
  6. Toss Salad with Dressing: Add about half of the creamy cilantro lime dressing to the salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all the salad ingredients evenly with the dressing.
  7. Add Steak and Serve: Add the cooked steak on top of the dressed salad, drizzle the remaining dressing over the steak and salad, and serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Marinate steak for at least 30 minutes; for best flavor and tenderness, marinating 4-8 hours or overnight is ideal.
  • Let steak rest after cooking to retain its juices and achieve better texture.
  • Use fajita seasoning or make your own blend with chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
  • The dressing consistency can be adjusted with water depending on your preference for thickness.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free dressing, substitute sour cream with a vegan alternative or use Greek yogurt for richer taste.
  • Feel free to use flank or skirt steak as alternatives to top sirloin for authentic fajita flavor.
  • For a spicier salad, increase crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade.
  • To make meal prep easier, marinate the steak the night before and prepare the dressing in advance.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/steak-fajita-salad-with-creamy-cilantro-lime-dressing-recipe/