Top Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe

Crisp greens become the canvas for a zesty fajita salad with cilantro lime dressing that dances with vibrant flavors.

Colorful bell peppers and tender grilled chicken create a southwestern symphony on your plate.

Crunchy textures blend seamlessly with tangy notes of fresh lime and bright cilantro.

Spices weave through each bite, promising a meal that feels like a culinary adventure.

Layers of robust ingredients tell a story of bold southwestern inspiration.

Marinated proteins and garden-fresh vegetables make this salad more than just a side dish.

You will want to savor every single remarkable combination of ingredients.

Dive into this delicious creation that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Perks Of Adding Fajita Salad With Cilantro Lime Dressing To Your Routine

• Protein-Packed Perfection: Tender, marinated steak delivers a powerful protein punch, transforming an ordinary salad into a satisfying and filling main course that keeps hunger at bay.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily swap steak for chicken or make it vegetarian by adding grilled portobello mushrooms, ensuring everyone can enjoy this versatile and adaptable recipe.
• Fresh and Vibrant Flavor Explosion: Zesty cilantro lime dressing adds a bright, tangy kick that elevates the fresh vegetables and juicy steak, creating a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Salad Mix for Fajita Bowl with Cilantro Lime Dressing

• Steak: Rich, flavorful meat that serves as the main protein for the salad, best when marinated for tenderness.
• Sour Cream: Creamy base for the dressing, adds richness and tanginess.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and tenderize the steak.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and helps break down meat fibers.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor to the marinade.

• Romaine Lettuce, Butter Lettuce: Crisp, fresh greens that provide a light and crunchy foundation.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts of freshness.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add crunch and slight sweetness.
• Avocado: Creamy, rich addition that provides healthy fats.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that gives a zesty, bright flavor to the dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy complexity to the dressing.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing taste.

• Water: Used to adjust dressing consistency as needed.

Assemble Fajita Salad With Cilantro Lime Dressing

Step 1: Marinate the Sizzling Steak

Toss the steak into a mixing bowl and coat it thoroughly with the marinade ingredients.

Let the flavors mingle and soak for at least half an hour.

If you’re planning ahead, pop it in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.

Before cooking, allow the meat to rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection

Fire up your grill, grill pan, or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side, aiming for your preferred level of doneness.

Once cooked, set aside to rest and let the juices redistribute.

Step 3: Create a Colorful Salad Base

• Crisp romaine lettuce
• Tender butter lettuce
• Juicy cherry tomatoes
• Vibrant bell peppers
• Creamy avocado slices

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

• Fresh cilantro
• Ripe avocado
• Tangy sour cream
• Zesty lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Add water gradually to reach your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust seasonings to make it sing with flavor.

Step 5: Assemble Your Flavor-Packed Salad

Gently toss the salad base with half the dressing.

Arrange the sliced steak on top and drizzle the remaining dressing.

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary creation!

Fajita Salad Tips With Fresh Cilantro Lime Dressing

• Allow steak to marinate longer for deeper, more intense taste, but don't exceed 8 hours to prevent meat from becoming too tough.
• Let meat rest after grilling to help juices redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.
• Gradually add water when blending to control thickness, creating a smooth, pourable dressing that coats salad ingredients evenly.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lower-fat alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Add sliced avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain crisp, vibrant appearance in the salad.

Keeping Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Crisp

• Store salad components separately in airtight containers to prevent sogginess. Keep steak, lettuce, veggies, and dressing in different sealed containers.
• Seal cilantro lime dressing in a jar and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Shake well before reusing.
• Warm sliced steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes to maintain tenderness. Avoid microwave to prevent toughening.
• Add fresh avocado and crisp lettuce just before serving to maintain texture and prevent wilting when reheating leftovers.

Crisp Combos For Fajita Salad

• Sip Margarita Magic: Pair this zesty fajita salad with a classic lime margarita that echoes the cilantro lime dressing's bright, tangy notes, creating a flavor harmony that dances on your palate.
• Complement with Corona Crisp: Crack open a cold Mexican beer like Corona, whose light, refreshing profile cuts through the rich steak and creamy avocado dressing, providing a perfect palate cleanser.
• Enhance with Red Wine Boldness: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Malbec, whose peppery undertones and robust character beautifully match the grilled steak's smoky, savory elements.
• Pour Sparkling Citrus Spritzer: Mix a homemade citrus spritzer with fresh lime juice, sparkling water, and a touch of agave, mirroring the salad's vibrant cilantro lime dressing while offering a non-alcoholic refreshment.

Fresh Fajita Salad Combinations

• Vegetarian Fajita Salad: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu, marinated in the same fajita spices for a plant-based protein option.
• Chicken Fajita Salad: Swap steak with grilled chicken breast, using the same marinade and cooking method for a lighter protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking marinades and dressing components to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Version: Omit bell peppers, replace lettuce with mixed greens, and increase avocado and protein portions to create a keto-friendly meal option.

FAQs

• Is this fajita salad spicy?

The marinade has mild spices like cumin, but the heat level depends on personal preference. You can add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra kick.

• Can I use a different protein instead of steak?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu work great as protein alternatives for this salad.

• Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

No, basic kitchen tools like a blender, skillet, and mixing bowls are all you need to create this delicious salad.

• Is the cilantro lime dressing tangy?

Yes, the combination of lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and fresh cilantro creates a bright, zesty flavor profile that complements the steak perfectly.

Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican-inspired Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing delivers a flavor explosion of grilled proteins, crisp vegetables, and zesty citrus notes. Cool salad greens meet spicy seasoned meat, creating a balanced dish that satisfies hunger and delights palates in one refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds top sirloin steak (or flank or skirt steak)

Steak Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Salad Ingredients:

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups butter lettuce or baby greens mix
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (whole or halved)
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 green or yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 Hass avocado (sliced or cubed)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely minced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup fresh cilantro (loosely measured)
• 1/2 large ripe avocado
• 1/4 cup sour cream or thick Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup water (or more for desired consistency)

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Instructions

1. Merge the marinade ingredients thoroughly in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring the steak is fully coated. Allow the protein to soak in flavor for a minimum of half an hour, or extend marination up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. When extended marinating, permit the meat to rest at ambient temperature for 15-30 minutes prior to cooking.
2. Activate a grill, grill pan, or robust skillet over robust heat. Position the marinated steak and sear for 2-3 minutes per surface, achieving desired internal temperature. Transfer meat to a resting platform and let proteins redistribute.
3. Construct the verdant foundation by artfully arranging crisp romaine and delicate butter lettuce. Scatter vibrant cherry tomatoes, multicolored bell peppers, and creamy avocado chunks across the leafy canvas.
4. Craft the zesty cilantro lime dressing by introducing fresh cilantro, ripe avocado, tangy sour cream, bright lime juice, pungent garlic, apple cider vinegar, earthy cumin, and seasoning into a blending apparatus. Pulse ingredients while incrementally introducing water to achieve optimal consistency. Taste and calibrate flavor profile.
5. Delicately cloak the salad with approximately half the prepared dressing, ensuring gentle, even distribution. Slice the rested steak into elegant strips and cascade across the salad. Drizzle remaining dressing over the composition and serve immediately for maximum gustatory pleasure.

Notes

• Tenderize the steak by pounding it gently before marinating to help break down muscle fibers and ensure a more tender bite.
• Experiment with different protein options like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the salad versatile for various dietary preferences.
• Let the steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
• For a lighter version, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt in the dressing and use a lean cut of meat like flank or sirloin steak.

• Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes marinating time)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg