Description
Warm Fajita Steak Salad is a bold and satisfying Tex-Mex inspired dish featuring juicy seasoned flank steak, sautéed peppers and onions, crisp romaine and cabbage, and a zesty lime-cumin dressing. This healthy and flavorful salad is perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 pound flank steak
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (for steak)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium red or orange bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for vegetables)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium romaine lettuce heart (about 8 ounces), chopped
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage (about 1/4 small head)
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/3 cup lime juice, 1 teaspoon cumin, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper until emulsified. Set aside.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat for about 10 minutes until very hot.
- Season the flank steak on both sides with salt, black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and paprika.
- Place the steak in the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until a crust forms.
- Flip the steak and cook another 4–6 minutes until desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium).
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet.
- Add sliced onion and bell peppers, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 8 minutes until softened and slightly charred.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce and shredded red cabbage.
- Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain.
- Add steak, sautéed vegetables, tomatoes, and avocado to the salad base.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Let the steak rest before slicing to retain juices and tenderness.
- Slice steak against the grain for best texture.
- Keep dressing separate if making ahead to avoid soggy greens.
- Dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Undressed salad components can be stored for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg