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- 1 lb flank steak - Mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, romaine) - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Juice of 2 fresh limes - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish In this salad, the main star is the flank steak. It brings rich flavor and a great texture. The mixed salad greens add freshness and crunch. I love using a mix of arugula, baby spinach, and romaine. This blend gives the salad a nice depth. For the marinade, we use simple spices that pack a punch. Chili powder gives heat, while cumin adds a warm, earthy taste. Garlic and onion powder enhance the overall flavor. Fresh lime juice adds brightness, making everything come alive. Olive oil helps blend it all together and adds a smooth finish. The toppings are where the salad shines. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. Avocado adds creaminess, while red onion gives a bit of sharpness. Finally, fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor. This combination makes every bite a delight. You can see how each ingredient plays a role in this dish. It's not just a salad; it's a celebration of flavors! {{ingredient_image_2}} Whisk together the following ingredients in a bowl: - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Juice of 2 fresh limes - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Mix until you see a smooth blend. This marinade adds a zesty kick to the steak. Take 1 lb flank steak and coat it evenly in the marinade. Ensure every part has flavor. Place the steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Seal the dish or bag, and refrigerate. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, let it sit for up to 2 hours. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure it is hot before cooking. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting the extra drip off. Place it on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak. Adjust the cooking time based on how you like it cooked. After cooking, set the steak aside to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. In a large bowl, mix together the salad greens. Use about 4 cups of mixed greens like arugula, baby spinach, and chopped romaine. Add in: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced Toss everything gently to mix. Now, slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Arrange the steak on top of the salad mixture. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the steak if you like. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a colorful touch. This salad is now ready to impress! For great steak, cook it to your desired doneness. Here are some cooking times: - Medium-Rare: 4-5 minutes per side - Medium: 5-6 minutes per side - Medium-Well: 6-7 minutes per side Always let the steak rest after cooking. This step is key for juicy meat. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to move back into the meat. To boost flavor, consider adding spices. Try smoked paprika, oregano, or cayenne for extra kick. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme work well too. If you have leftover marinade, use it wisely. You can drizzle it over the salad. Just make sure to heat it first to kill any bacteria. Plating is important for a great look. Use a large, shallow bowl. Neatly arrange the steak slices on top of the salad. This creates a beautiful layer. Add garnishes for extra appeal. Fresh cilantro leaves add a nice touch. Lime wedges also brighten the dish. These simple steps make your meal look restaurant-worthy! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, let the steak marinate for at least 2 hours. If time allows, marinating overnight will enhance the taste even more. Let the Steak Rest: After grilling, always let the steak rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak. Slice Against the Grain: When slicing the steak, be sure to cut against the grain. This will ensure each slice is tender and easy to chew. Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients for your salad will elevate the dish. Opt for ripe avocados and vibrant greens for the best results. {{image_4}} You can switch flank steak with other proteins. Chicken is a great option. It cooks fast and absorbs flavor well. Just marinate it like the steak. Shrimp also works nicely. It cooks quickly on the grill, too. For a vegetarian choice, try grilled tofu. Tofu takes on flavors from the marinade, making it tasty and filling. Dressings can change the salad's taste. A citrus vinaigrette adds a zesty kick. It pairs well with the steak's spices. Creamy avocado dressing is another choice. It adds a rich, smooth flavor that complements the salad. You can also try a yogurt-based dressing for a fresh twist. Using seasonal ingredients can enhance your salad. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus. In summer, ripe peaches or berries can brighten the dish. Fall brings in roasted squash, and winter calls for hearty greens. Adjust your salad based on what is fresh and available. This not only tastes better but also supports local farms. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure you separate the greens from the steak. This way, the greens stay crisp. You can keep the salad in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the greens may wilt. You can freeze the cooked steak but not the salad greens. Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place the steak in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side. This warms it up without drying it out. Avoid reheating the greens. Instead, serve them fresh for the best taste. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reassemble the salad. Place fresh greens in a bowl, add the steak, and top with tomatoes and avocado. You can drizzle lime juice for extra flavor. Pair this salad with simple sides like crusty bread or corn on the cob. These sides balance the meal while keeping it light. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant meal! You can boost the marinade with herbs and spices. Try adding: - Cumin - Paprika - Fresh garlic - Fresh cilantro - Oregano These additions add depth and warmth. You can also use lime zest for a bright kick. Adjust to your taste and enjoy the extra flavor. Yes, you can make the salad in advance. Here are some tips: - Prepare the salad greens and toppings separately. - Store them in airtight containers. - Assemble the salad just before serving. This keeps the greens crisp. The flavors will mix well when combined later. There are many great sides to pair with this salad. Here are a few ideas: - Grilled corn on the cob - Black bean quesadillas - Rice or quinoa - Fresh fruit salad - Light beers or citrus drinks These sides complement the salad's flavors well. Choosing the right steak cut is key for this salad. Here are some good options: - Flank steak: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for grilling. - Skirt steak: Tender and great for marinating. - Sirloin: Leaner but still tasty when cooked well. Each cut has its unique taste. Pick one that you enjoy! This recipe for Chili Lime Steak Salad highlights key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. From marinating the flank steak to choosing the best toppings, you can create a delicious meal. Remember to store and reheat properly for maximum flavor. Experiment with alternative proteins and dressings to make the dish your own. With simple adjustments, you can enjoy a fresh and tasty salad every time. Embrace these ideas, and you’ll impress your family and friends!

Chili Lime Steak Salad

A refreshing salad featuring marinated flank steak, mixed greens, and a zesty lime dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb flank steak
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 fresh limes Juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, baby spinach, and chopped romaine lettuce)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • to garnish Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the marinade is well blended.
  • Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Cover the dish or seal the bag, and refrigerate. Allow the steak to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
  • Preheat your grill or a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat until it reaches the desired temperature. Once hot, carefully remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off, and place it on the grill. Cook the steak for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness.
  • Once cooked, take the steak off the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • In a large serving bowl, gently combine the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss the ingredients together with care to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
  • Neatly arrange the sliced steak on top of the salad mixture. If desired, drizzle any remaining marinade over the steak for added flavor.
  • Finish with a garnish of fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and flavor just before serving.

Notes

For maximum flavor, marinate the steak for up to 2 hours.
Keyword chili lime, healthy salad, steak salad