Skip to Main Content
Test Kitchen Approved

Manni's Steak Fajita Salad

Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

About

Manni knows how to make more than just boring salads; he can make them the best part of your day, no contest! Take Manni's Steak Fajita Salad, as just an example. The steak is rosy and juicy, coated in zesty fajita seasonings and just so savory and satisfying. When the salad is piled high with that steak, the blistered fajita vegetables, and a tangy and creamy vinaigrette, you have more than a salad — you have a full meal! Manni's Steak Fajita Salad is a salad star!

Recommended Articles

Ingredients

  • For the steak:
  • 1 (1-pound) skirt steak
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • For the cilantro-lime vinaigrette:
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, smashed
  • 1 cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed
  • 2 teaspoons honey or agave, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • For the salad:
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 (16-ounce) carton cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • 4 tablespoons queso fresco, optional, crumbled

Directions

Step 1 -Place the steak on a plate or cutting board and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Step 2 -In a small bowl, add the cumin, the paprika, 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of the ground pepper, the chili powder, the onion powder, the garlic powder, and the dried oregano and whisk to combine. Set the dry rub mixture aside.

Step 3 -In a food processor or blender, add the vinegar, the lime juice, the garlic, the cilantro, the honey, the remaining salt, and the remaining pepper.

Step 4 -Cover the blender and pulse the vinegar mixture until the ingredients are combined and smooth.

Step 5 -While the processor or blender runs on its low setting, slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil and process until the dressing is emulsified. Set the cilantro-lime vinaigrette aside.

Step 6 -Evenly coat all sides of the steak with the dry rub mixture, pressing it in with your hands to ensure it adheres. Set the remaining dry rub mixture aside.

Step 7 -In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the avocado oil, while swirling to ensure the skillet is evenly coated.

Step 8 -Add the steak to the hot oil and cook, flipping it once, until the steak reaches an internal temperature of 130 degrees F for medium-rare, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 9 -Transfer the steak to a cutting board to rest until it comes up to an internal temperature of 135 degrees F for medium-rare, about 5 minutes.

Step 10 -Add the remaining avocado oil to the skillet and allow it to heat.

Step 11 -Add the onions, the red bell peppers, and the green bell peppers to the hot oil and toss to coat.

Step 12 -Add the reserved dry rub mixture to the veggie mixture and toss to coat.

Step 13 -Allow the veggie mixture to sear for 2 minutes.

Step 14 -Toss the veggie mixture and continue to cook until the vegetables are blistered in spots and are tender, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 15 -Transfer the skillet from the heat.

Step 16 -Thinly slice the steak against the grain.

Step 17 -Divide the romaine evenly between four serving plates.

Step 18 -Evenly add the tomatoes and the avocados to the salads.

Step 19 -Evenly add the veggie mixture and the steak slices to the salads.

Step 20 -Sprinkle the salads with the queso fresco.

Step 21 -Serve the salads with the cilantro-lime vinaigrette.

Explore More Favorites