Steak Salad

Why This Recipe Works

I love making this Steak Salad when I want something fresh, colorful, and satisfying. It’s packed with juicy steak, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing that ties it all together.

• Grilled Flavor: The steak and corn bring that smoky, charred taste that makes this salad stand out. It’s the same kind of grilled goodness you’ll find in the Easy Italian Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing, but with a heartier twist.
• Fresh and Colorful: Every bite is full of texture – crunchy cucumber, sweet corn, and creamy avocado. It’s bright, refreshing, and perfect for any time of year.
• Zesty Homemade Dressing: The cilantro lime dressing is tangy, garlicky, and full of citrus flavor. It gives the salad a fresh kick, much like the sweet and nutty balance in the Spinach Strawberry Salad with Pecans.
• Customizable and Easy: You can swap in your favorite veggies, add grains like quinoa or rice, or even wrap it up in a tortilla. It’s simple to adjust and always turns out delicious.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this salad always feels fresh and satisfying. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and just as good the next day.

Ingredients

• New York Steak – A flavorful and tender cut that grills beautifully. You can also use ribeye, top sirloin, or flank steak if you prefer.
• Montreal Steak Spice – A bold seasoning blend that gives the steak a savory, peppery crust. Any favorite steak rub will work too.
• Corn – Adds sweetness and a touch of smokiness when grilled. Canned or frozen corn can be used if fresh isn’t available.
• English Cucumber – Brings a crisp, refreshing crunch to the salad. Regular cucumber works fine as well.
• Black Beans – Add heartiness and extra protein, making the salad more filling. Be sure to rinse and drain them well.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Juicy and slightly sweet, they balance the savory steak. Grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes also work.
• Red Onion – Adds a sharp bite and color contrast. For a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes.
• Orange Bell Pepper – Adds color and a subtle sweetness. Any bell pepper color works here.
• Avocados – Creamy and rich, they add texture and healthy fats. Use ripe avocados for the best flavor.
• Romaine Lettuce – Optional, but it adds crunch and freshness. You can also use mixed greens or spinach.
• Red Wine Vinegar – Adds a little extra tang. You can use more lime juice instead if you prefer.
• Garlic – Gives the dressing a bold, savory kick. I like using three cloves for extra flavor.
• Chili Flakes – Add a light touch of heat. Adjust to taste or skip if you prefer a milder dressing.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

Instructions

1. Season the Steak: Pat the steak dry, spray with avocado oil, and season generously with Montreal Steak Spice.
2. Prep the Salad: Add the cucumber, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, avocado, and lettuce to a large serving bowl.

3. Grill the Steak: Cook the steak to your preferred doneness, then let it rest before slicing.
4. Grill the Corn: Cook the corn until lightly charred, then cut the kernels from the cob.

5. Make the Dressing: Combine the cilantro, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili flakes in a jar and shake well.
6. Add the Steak and Corn: Top the prepared salad with the sliced steak and grilled corn.

7. Dress and Toss Salad: Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together and serve immediately.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:

• Protein Options: I usually make this with New York steak, but ribeye, flank steak, or grilled chicken work great too. You can even swap in shrimp or tofu for a lighter option.
• Grain Add-Ins: I like to add cooked quinoa, brown rice, or farro to make the salad more filling. They soak up the dressing and add a nice texture.
• Veggie Swaps: Use what you have on hand – zucchini, roasted sweet potatoes, or grilled asparagus are all delicious. You can also toss in spinach or arugula instead of romaine.

FAQs

More Salad Recipes You'll Enjoy

• Easy Shrimp Avocado Quinoa Salad – Shrimp Avocado Salad with Quinoa - This fresh, filling, and zesty shrimp salad is perfect as a light lunch or flavorful appetizer.
• Tomato Salad with Greek Yogurt and Cheese – Tomato Salad - super easy and delicious salad recipe. Made of Greek yogurt, fresh tomato, grated cheese, garlic and freshly..
• Cucumber Tomato Salad – Best Cucumber Tomato Salad - perfect for summer. This easy cucumber salad recipe is enhanced with yummy lemon vinaigrette.
• Creamy Avocado Salad with Homemade Avocado Dressing – Try this quick avocado salad recipe for a healthy and delicious meal. Perfect for lunch or as a side dish for dinner.

If you make this Steak Salad recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a rating and review in the comments below, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @munchkintimeblog