Sizzling Fajita Steak Salad Recipe: A Zesty Bowl of Flavor

Sizzling and packed with bold southwestern flavors, this warm fajita steak salad bursts with mouthwatering goodness.

Tender strips of perfectly seasoned steak dance across a bed of crisp greens and vibrant vegetables.

Each forkful delivers a zesty punch of smoky spices and fresh ingredients.

The salad combines classic Mexican-inspired elements with a lighter, protein-rich approach to comfort food.

Colorful bell peppers and onions caramelize beautifully, adding depth to every delicious bite.

Drizzled with a tangy lime dressing, this salad promises a satisfying meal that goes beyond ordinary dinner routines.

You’ll want to savor every single flavorful moment of this culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Warm Fajita Steak Salad

• Steak: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or flank for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring even marbling for rich taste.
• Salt: Enhances natural meat flavors and helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, sharp kick to complement the steak's richness.
• Cumin: Brings earthy, smoky undertones that elevate the meat's complexity.
• Paprika: Contributes subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the seasoning blend.

• Onion: Provides sweet, caramelized depth when charred in the skillet.
• Bell Peppers: Adds crisp texture and bright, fresh flavor to the salad.
• Lettuce, Cabbage: Creates a crunchy, refreshing base with complementary textures.
• Tomatoes: Brings juicy, tangy brightness to balance the rich steak.
• Avocado: Offers creamy, buttery element that adds luxurious mouthfeel.

• Oil: Acts as the emulsifying base that helps blend and smooth out flavors.
• Additional Dressing Ingredients (not specified in original recipe): Will help create a zesty, cohesive coating for the salad components.

Equipment for Making Fajita Steak Salad

• Cast Iron Skillet: Heavy-duty pan essential for achieving a perfect golden-brown crust on the steak.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing steak and preparing vegetables.
• Whisk: Small kitchen tool for blending and emulsifying dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Large Bowl: Spacious container for mixing salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing steak against the grain and chopping vegetables precisely.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to tent and rest the cooked steak, keeping it warm.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of seasonings and spices.

Cooking Instructions for Fajita Steak Salad

• Flavorful Preparation

Select a high-quality steak and gather fresh ingredients for a vibrant salad experience.

• Pan Heating

Heat a cast iron skillet until it’s smoking hot, creating the perfect surface for searing.

• Steak Seasoning

Generously coat the steak with a blend of spices, ensuring deep flavor penetration.

• Perfect Sear

Cook the steak undisturbed, developing a rich golden-brown crust that locks in juiciness.

• Veggie Transformation

Sauté onions and peppers until they soften and caramelize, adding sweet and smoky notes.

• Salad Assembly

Layer crisp lettuce and cabbage with tender sliced steak, caramelized vegetables, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado.

• Dressing Finale

Drizzle a zesty homemade dressing over the salad, tossing gently to blend all flavors.

• Warm Serving

Plate immediately to enjoy the salad at its peak temperature and flavor intensity.

Flavor Additions for Fajita Steak Salad

• Personalize the Warm Fajita Steak Salad
• Replace steak with grilled chicken, shrimp, or portobello mushrooms for a versatile meal that keeps everyone happy and satisfied.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun, Mexican, or Mediterranean spice mixes to transform the flavor profile and add exciting new dimensions to your salad.
• Toss in extra superfoods like quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, or black beans to increase protein and create a more filling, nutrient-dense meal.
• Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, allowing quick assembly of a fresh salad whenever hunger strikes.

How to Serve Fajita Steak Salad

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Serve the salad on a large, colorful platter to highlight the vibrant mix of steak, vegetables, and greens, creating an inviting and appetizing display.
• Southwest Accompaniment Pairing: Complement the salad with warm flour tortillas or crispy tortilla chips on the side, allowing guests to add extra texture and customize their meal.
• Garnish Explosion: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, or sliced jalapeños on top to boost flavor complexity and add a beautiful finishing touch to the warm fajita steak salad.
• Beverage Harmony: Pair with a chilled Mexican beer, zesty margarita, or refreshing lime-infused sparkling water to enhance the meal's southwestern flavors and cool down the spicy elements.

Storage Tips for Fajita Steak Salad

• Advance Prep Power: Chop vegetables and make dressing up to 2 days before serving to streamline meal assembly and save precious cooking time.
• Leftover Magic: Store steak, vegetables, and salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping ingredients crisp and fresh.
• Smart Reheating Strategy: Gently warm sliced steak in a skillet over low heat or use room temperature meat to maintain tenderness and avoid overcooking delicate protein.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked steak slices in sealed containers for future quick meal additions, lasting up to 2 months when properly wrapped.

Sizzling Fajita Steak Salad

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling lime-marinated steak makes this Mexican-inspired warm fajita steak salad a delightful meal. Crisp greens, caramelized peppers, and tender beef create a satisfying dish perfect for spice enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) flank steak
• 2 medium red or orange bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (340 g) grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups (330 g) shredded red cabbage (from ¼ small head of cabbage)
• 1 medium romaine lettuce heart (about 8 oz/227 g), chopped
• 1 medium avocado, sliced
• ½ medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ tbsps (22 mL) olive oil
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning

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Instructions

1. Vinaigrette Preparation: Vigorously blend dressing ingredients until a smooth emulsion forms, allowing mixture to rest and develop flavor complexity.
2. Skillet Preparation: Heat cast iron skillet intensely until reaching smoking point, creating ideal searing environment.
3. Steak Seasoning: Thoroughly coat steak with a robust spice mixture of salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika, ensuring complete surface coverage.
4. Steak Searing: Place seasoned steak onto scorching skillet, creating a caramelized exterior without movement for approximately 4 minutes.
5. Cooking and Resting: Continue cooking, flipping steak to achieve desired internal temperature, then transfer to cutting surface and tent with foil, allowing meat to rest and redistribute juices.
6. Vegetable Sautéing: Reduce skillet temperature, add oil, and sauté onions and peppers until softened with delicate charred edges.
7. Salad Assembly: Create a vibrant base using crisp lettuce and cabbage, then slice steak against its natural grain for maximum tenderness.
8. Final Composition: Layer sliced steak, caramelized vegetables, tomatoes, and avocado atop greens, drizzle vinaigrette, and gently toss to ensure uniform coating before serving immediately while ingredients remain warm.

Notes

• Meat Mastery: Choose a high-quality cut like flank or skirt steak for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Heat Control: Use a cast iron skillet for superior heat retention and perfect caramelization of meat and vegetables.
• Resting Ritual: Always let the steak rest after cooking to ensure juicy, tender meat with redistributed internal moisture.
• Slicing Technique: Cut steak against the grain to break down muscle fibers, guaranteeing a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg