Steak Salad With Cilantro Lime Dressing

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This steak salad won’t leave you hungry! Fresh salad greens, tomatoes, and crunchy corn, topped off with slices of grilled ribeye, make every bite of this salad crispy and delicious. Add a hearty drizzle of homemade cilantro lime dressing for a zesty burst of flavor!

What’s To Love About This Recipe 

• This is a tasty alternative to a traditional steak meal, and still meets all your cravings for juicy, flavorful steak! Grilled strips of ribeye pair perfectly with crisp salad ingredients and fresh, creamy dressing.
• A simple steak salad is filling and easy to customize with veggie toppings, cheese, or alternative dressings.
• Even the dressing is easy to whip up at home! The creamy, homemade cilantro lime dressing adds a bright, tangy finish.
• This is a great recipe for using leftover steak or a meal-prep-friendly option. I like to make extra steak on purpose just for this salad.
• This salad is a perfect choice for warm weather as a lighter dinner option. It’s just as satisfying, and full of fresh summery flavors!

Ingredients Needed 

steak:

• Ribeye steak – Use ribeye steak, cooked in the air fryer or on the grill. Ribeye is the best cut for this salad since it contains a nice amount of marbling and buttery, delicious flavor. 

salad:

• Romaine hearts – Chop up 2 heads of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. This sturdy lettuce variety makes a crispy base for the salad toppings.
• Corn kernels – Fresh corn adds a sweet and crunchy element that pairs well with steak. Slice the kernels from 2 ears of corn.
• Grape tomatoes – Slice grape tomatoes into halves for easy distribution into every bite. Paired with the corn, these bring the best flavors of summer to the salad!
• Avocado – Slice an avocado to add healthy fat and flavor to the salad.
• Baby sweet peppers – Thin slices of baby sweet peppers round out the crunchy veggies.

dressing:

• Greek yogurt – Not only is Greek yogurt a super creamy dressing base, but it also adds plenty of protein to the salad.
• Lime juice – Lime juice creates a tangy flavor to complement the sweetness of the veggies and richness of the steak.
• Cilantro – Get fresh herbal flavor with cilantro, finely chopped in the food processor or blender.
• Salt – Tie the dressing together with salt to taste.

How To Make A Steak Salad

1. Grill or air fry the steak to desired doneness, and let it rest before slicing. (Find detailed instructions here on how to grill the BEST ribeye steak.) 
2. While the steak cooks, prepare the salad base and toppings.
3. In a food processor or blender, add yogurt, cilantro, and lime juice. Blend until smooth, and add salt to taste.

4. Add steak slices on top of the salad veggies and drizzle with dressing just before serving.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Use other cuts of beef for similar results! Sirloin, strip steak, flat iron, or flank steak are all great choices for grilling. Simply cook until desired doneness and slice into thin strips to top the salad.
• Vary the toppings to customize your salad. Swap fresh corn for roasted sweet potatoes or bell peppers, and add cheese such as cotija, queso fresco, or shredded cheddar. Top it off with crispy tortilla strips or pepitas for crunch!
• Test different dressings on the steak salad, such as homemade dairy-free ranch, chipotle ranch, avocado dressing, or a simple lime vinaigrette.

What To Serve With Steak Salad

Steak salad makes a hearty meal all on its own, but extra sides can level up your salad experience! Add Crispy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips or toasted tortilla strips, or grill some bread and serve a slice on the side with plenty of butter. 

For extra yummy additions, add a side of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes or Air Fryer French Fries (because what meal won’t improve with fries?). 

For a cozier meal, pair steak salad with a cup of soup or even your favorite sandwich.

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers 

Store steak, toppings, and dressing separately in the fridge to keep everything fresh. Keep the salad base in a sealed container or bag with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture.

Store steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Dressing can be refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Steak can be served on salads cold or gently reheated. Reheat briefly in the air fryer, skillet, or microwave – just enough to warm it and not overcook.

Assemble the salad right before eating to maintain the crispiest texture.

More Salad Recipes

• Instant Pot Potato Salad
• Shredded Chicken Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Salad
• Southwest Pasta Salad
• Wedge Salad with Herbed Buttermilk Dressing
• Orzo Salad

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