Grilled Steak Fajita Salad

Alright, let's talk about this Grilled Steak Fajita Salad. I first made this when I was craving steak fajitas but wanted something a little lighter, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The steak gets this amazing flavor from a simple marinade of lime and fajita seasoning, while the veggies are grilled to a perfect char and bring in that smoky goodness you know and love. But the real secret is that honey-lime dressing. It's just sweet enough, with a nice tang, and it pulls everything together perfectly.

This steak salad is seriously the easiest thing to whip up, and it's become one of my favorites for those nights when I'm craving something fresh and full of flavor but without the heavy feeling. Whether you're making it for dinner, prepping for the week, or bringing it to a get-together, it's a total crowd-pleaser. I've even thrown in a little extra heat with jalapeños, and the whole thing just sings. You've gotta try this. It's everything you want in a fajita but in salad form!

Steak Salads Are the Bomb

Never had a steak salad before? Here are some great reasons to try it:

• Sizzling flavor: The marinated steak, grilled peppers, and onions pack a flavor punch you won't forget. It's like your favorite fajitas but in a salad bowl!
• Tasty time saver: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes (not counting the marinade), making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something fresh and filling without the fuss.
• Customizable: Swap out the veggies, use a different dressing, play around with toppings–the choice is up to you!
• Meal prep friendly: Prep the steak, veggies, and dressing in advance, and you've got an easy and healthy lunch or dinner ready to go for the week.
• Perfect for summer: This salad has all the smoky, grilled flavors that scream summer BBQ vibes!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here are the main ingredients you'll want to grab for this steak salad recipe:

• Flank steak: If you're looking for an alternative, skirt steak or sirloin can also work well. Make sure to cook it medium-rare or medium to keep it juicy!
• Lime (juice and zest): Adds brightness and a fresh tang to both the marinade for the steak and the salad dressing. The zest gives an extra punch of lime flavor, so don't skip it!
• Fajita seasoning: This blend of spices brings all the classic fajita flavors. If you want to make it from scratch, use my Fajita Seasoning recipe!
• Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce): This adds depth and umami to the steak's marinade. Worcestershire brings a little more tang, while soy sauce gives a more salty richness. Both are great, but use what you have on hand!
• Bell peppers (any color): Opt for fresh peppers for the best texture, but if you're in a pinch, frozen peppers work too. Poblano peppers are also a great option!
• Romaine lettuce: The base for our salad. You can use any type of lettuce you like! Sometimes, I like to swap in Grilled Romaine for a smokier flavor!
• Honey: Adds sweetness to the dressing! If you're vegan, you can swap it out for maple syrup or agave instead.

How to Make Fajita Steak Bowls

These bowls are super simple and quick! Here's how to make them:

1. Prep the steak

Toss steak with lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, oil, and fajita seasoning. Let it soak up those flavors for a bit.

Pro tip: Marinate longer if you have time. It'll be even tastier!

2. Grill the steak

Cook steak on a hot grill, flipping once, until it's seared and cooked how you like it.

Alternative: You can also use a cast iron skillet indoors if grilling isn't an option!

3. Grill the veggies

Brush peppers and onions with oil and seasoning. Grill until they're tender with tasty char marks.

4. Make the dressing

Quickly whisk lime juice, oil, honey, and spices together until smooth.

5. Build your salad

Layer lettuce, grilled veggies, steak slices, tomatoes, corn, black beans, cheese, and cilantro. Finish with a generous drizzle of the honey lime dressing.

Serving and Swaps

These steak bowls are super customizable and so easy to serve with your favorite sides! Here's some inspiration for you:

• Veggies: If you want to mix it up, try adding grilled zucchini, tomatoes, or even corn. Avocado also makes a great addition, adding creaminess and richness to the dish.
• Toppings: Have fun with toppings like sour cream, Guacamole or avocado, Pickled Red Onions, cherry tomatoes, tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, or anything else you like!
• Dressing: You can swap the honey lime dressing for Southwest Salad Dressing, Jalapeno Ranch Dressing, Creamy Avocado Dressing, or Skinny Ranch!
• Beans: Swap the black beans for pinto beans, kidney beans, white beans, or even refried beans!
• Grains: Add some Garlic Cilantro Brown Rice or Mexican Quinoa for some healthy grains! To keep things low-carb, you can add Cauliflower Rice instead.

Storage and Reheating

To store your Grilled Steak Fajita Salad, keep the salad components separate. Store the cooked steak, grilled vegetables, and honey-lime dressing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The lettuce, tomatoes, and other fresh ingredients should be stored separately to keep them crisp.

When reheating, it's best to warm the steak and veggies in the microwave or on the stove until heated through, but don't heat the fresh veggies and lettuce. Add the dressing after reheating to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Make ahead: If you want to prepare this ahead of time, you can marinate the steak and grill the veggies in advance. Store them in the fridge, and when you're ready to eat, assemble the salad and drizzle with the dressing. This makes for an easy weeknight dinner when you're short on time.

Leftover Ideas:

1. Taco filling: Use the leftover steak and veggies for Steak Tacos or burritos. Add some salsa, cheese, and a squeeze of lime for an easy lunch or dinner.
2. Steak salad wraps: Take the leftover salad ingredients, wrap them up in a tortilla, and drizzle with dressing for a quick and satisfying wrap.