Chili Lime Steak Salad

$For this fresh and tasty Chili Lime Steak Salad, you will need: - 1 lb flank steak - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, romaine) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - Fresh cilantro for garnish Each of these ingredients plays a key role. The flank steak gives a hearty flavor. The mixed greens add freshness and crunch. The tomatoes offer sweetness, while the avocado brings creaminess. The red onion adds a nice sharp bite, and cilantro gives a bright finish. To make the steak flavorful, the marinade is essential. You’ll need: - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Juice of 2 limes - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste This marinade adds a spicy kick. Lime juice helps tenderize the meat. Olive oil keeps it moist while cooking. The spices create a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh salad. You can customize your salad with extra toppings like: - Crumbled feta cheese - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Corn for sweetness - Black beans for extra protein These additions let you play with flavors and textures. They can make your salad even more exciting and satisfying. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. In a small bowl, mix these items together. This mix makes a tasty marinade. The lime juice adds a nice tang. The spices bring the heat and flavor. Stir until all ingredients blend well. Next, take your flank steak. Place it in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak. Make sure the steak is well coated. This step is key for flavor. Cover the dish and let it sit. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, two hours is even better. This gives the steak a deeper taste. Now, it's time to cook the steak. Preheat your grill or a stovetop grill pan. Set it to medium-high heat. Once hot, take the steak out of the marinade. Place it on the grill. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. This will get you a medium-rare steak. Adjust the time if you like it cooked more. When done, take the steak off the grill. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy. While the steak rests, prepare the salad. Take a large bowl and add mixed salad greens. Use arugula, spinach, and romaine for a nice mix. Add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss everything gently. Once the steak is sliced, arrange it on top of the salad. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the top. Finish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Chili Lime Steak Salad! To cook steak just right, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F. Let the steak rest after grilling. This helps the juices stay inside. Slice against the grain for tender bites. If you like it more cooked, go for 140°F for medium. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. A squeeze of lime juice brightens the taste. Consider mixing in a pinch of chili flakes for a kick. This adds depth without overwhelming the salad. Try to serve the salad fresh for the best taste. Make the salad look great with a simple layout. Start with greens at the bottom. Add vibrant cherry tomatoes and avocado slices. Place the steak neatly on top. Finish with cilantro for a pop of color. A lime wedge on the side adds charm. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the steak to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 hours, to enhance the flavor profile of the meat. Grill at the Right Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat; this helps achieve a perfect sear while keeping the inside tender. Slice Against the Grain: Always slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness in each bite. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh salad greens and ripe avocados for the best taste and texture in your salad. {{image_2}} You can switch the flank steak for other meats. Chicken breast works great. You can also use shrimp for a lighter dish. Just marinate and grill them like the steak. If you like fish, try salmon. It pairs well with the chili lime flavors too. Each choice adds a unique twist to your salad. For a plant-based meal, swap the steak for grilled tofu or tempeh. Firm tofu absorbs the marinade well. Cut it into thick slices and grill until crispy. You can also use chickpeas. They add protein and a nice texture. Just toss them in the marinade and grill or roast them for extra flavor. Using seasonal ingredients can make your salad even better. In summer, add fresh corn or bell peppers for crunch. In fall, roasted sweet potatoes are sweet and filling. Winter calls for hearty greens like kale or brussels sprouts. You can mix in fruits like pomegranate seeds or sliced apples for a sweet touch. Always look for what's fresh to keep your salad vibrant and tasty. To store leftover salad, place it in an airtight container. Use a container that fits well. Make sure to keep the steak and salad greens separate. This helps maintain freshness. The salad greens can wilt quickly. Store the steak in a different container. This keeps it juicy and tender. You can also add any toppings later. When you reheat steak, do it slowly. Use low heat to prevent drying it out. You can use a microwave, but it may not be the best choice. Instead, try a skillet or oven. Heat the steak in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes. You can cover it to help keep moisture. If using the oven, wrap the steak in foil. Heat at 250°F for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps your steak tasty and safe to eat. The salad stays fresh for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Make sure it’s in a sealed container. The mixed greens can lose their crunch after a day. If the salad looks or smells off, it's best to toss it. The steak can last about 3-4 days if stored well. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can use other cuts. Sirloin or ribeye work well. These cuts are tender and flavorful. They can hold up to the marinade just like flank steak. Choose cuts that are not too thick. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. You can add many vegetables to this salad. Bell peppers give a nice crunch. Cucumbers add freshness. Grated carrots bring sweetness and color. You can also use corn for a pop of flavor. Mix and match based on what you like. To make this salad gluten-free, check your ingredients. Use gluten-free soy sauce in your marinade. Avoid using any sauces that might contain gluten. Stick to fresh veggies and the right seasonings. This way, you can enjoy the salad without worry. You can prep parts of the salad ahead. Marinate the steak a few hours before cooking. Chop the veggies and store them in the fridge. Just wait to mix the salad until you're ready to eat. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. This blog post covered how to make a tasty chili lime steak salad. You learned about key ingredients and marinade components. I also shared step-by-step instructions for preparing the dish. Tips on steak doneness and flavor were provided too. Don’t forget the variations for protein and veggies! In the end, this salad is fun to prepare and enjoy. Try different options to make it your own. Happy cooking!$

A refreshing salad featuring marinated flank steak, mixed greens, and a zesty lime dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 limes Juice of
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste Salt and pepper
4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
to garnish Fresh cilantro

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Place the flank steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the steak is well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the steak from the marinade and add it to the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness is reached.
Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
Arrange the sliced steak on top of the salad and drizzle any leftover marinade over if desired.
Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve the salad in a large bowl with steak slices arranged beautifully on top. Add a lime wedge on the side for extra visual appeal.

Keyword chili lime, healthy salad, steak salad