Description
This dish is a fun twist on classic fajitas. It skips the flour tortillas completely. Instead, everything sits on fresh romaine lettuce. The star is juicy, spice-rubbed steak. The meat is sliced thin for maximum tenderness.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Steak
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Salad
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup grilled bell peppers, sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sweet corn (grilled or cooked)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Ranch Dressing
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Optional Toppings
- Tortilla strips
- Pickled jalapeños
- Crumbled cotija cheese
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the steak evenly and marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
Step 2: Cook the Steak
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the steak for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
- Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5–10 minutes.
- Slice thinly against the grain.
Step 3: Prepare the Ranch Dressing
Whisk together the ranch dressing, lime juice, cilantro, and smoked paprika until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Divide the romaine lettuce among four bowls.
- Arrange the tomatoes, grilled peppers, onion, corn, black beans, avocado, and cheddar cheese over the lettuce.
- Top with sliced steak.
- Drizzle with the ranch dressing.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Finish with cilantro, tortilla strips, jalapeños, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: High-Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 485 kcal
Keywords: fajita steak salad with ranch, tex-mex beef salad bowl, grilled steak fajita bowl