Zesty Southwest Steak Salad
Indulge in a vibrant and satisfying meal with this Zesty Southwest Steak Salad, perfect for meat lovers seeking a healthier option. Featuring succulent skirt steak seasoned with a delightful blend of spices, this salad boasts a refreshing combination of crisp romaine lettuce, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and juicy Roma tomatoes. The homemade tangy dressing, a luscious mix of fat-free sour cream and buttermilk with zesty garlic, complements the bold flavors of the salad beautifully. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also an impressive centerpiece for any gathering, earning rave reviews from your guests every time.
N/A
Servings
399
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
skirt steak
1 lb (trimmed and at room temperature)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
onion powder
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
cumin
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
romaine lettuce
8 cups (chopped)
corn kernels
2 cups (rinsed, fresh or frozen)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
green onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
roma tomatoes
2 cups (chopped)
fat free sour cream
1/2 cup (for dressing)
buttermilk
1/2 cup (for dressing)
garlic salt
1 teaspoon (for dressing)
white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (for dressing)
cilantro or parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped, for dressing)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for dressing)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (for dressing)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for dressing)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine onion powder, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the skirt steak and allow it to rest at room temperature while preparing the salad.
2
In a large salad bowl or four individual bowls, layer the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Evenly distribute the corn, black beans, green onions, and Roma tomatoes atop the lettuce.
3
To prepare the dressing, whisk together fat-free sour cream, buttermilk, garlic salt, white wine vinegar, cilantro or parsley, black pepper, and cumin in a separate bowl. Refrigerate the dressing while cooking the steak.
4
Heat the olive oil in a heavy iron skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Add the seasoned steak to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your desired doneness (medium rare is ideal). Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes on a cutting board.
5
Slice the steak into thin strips and arrange the slices over the salad bowls. Drizzle the chilled dressing generously over the steak and salad before serving.
6
Enjoy your nourishing and flavorful Zesty Southwest Steak Salad right away for the best taste and freshness!
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
43g
Carbs
28g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Southwest Steak Salad?
It is a vibrant and satisfying meal featuring succulent skirt steak, crisp romaine lettuce, sweet corn, black beans, and Roma tomatoes, topped with a homemade tangy dressing.
What type of steak is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of skirt steak, trimmed and kept at room temperature.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 399 calories per serving.
What are the main nutritional facts for this dish?
The salad contains 12g of fat, 43g of carbohydrates, and 28g of protein.
What spices are used for the steak seasoning rub?
The steak is seasoned with a blend of onion powder, salt, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
How do I prepare the salad base?
Layer 8 cups of chopped romaine lettuce in a bowl and distribute corn, black beans, green onions, and Roma tomatoes on top.
What ingredients are in the homemade dressing?
The dressing consists of fat-free sour cream, buttermilk, garlic salt, white wine vinegar, cilantro or parsley, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
Can I use frozen corn for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen corn kernels, provided they are rinsed.
What is the best way to cook the skirt steak?
Heat olive oil in a heavy iron skillet over high heat and sear the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side.
What is the recommended doneness for the steak?
Medium rare is the ideal doneness for this steak salad.
How long should the steak rest after cooking?
The steak should rest for about 5 minutes on a cutting board before slicing.
How should the steak be sliced for the salad?
The steak should be sliced into thin strips before being arranged over the salad bowls.
Is this recipe suitable for meat lovers?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying meal specifically perfect for meat lovers seeking a healthier option.
Can I substitute parsley for cilantro in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either chopped cilantro or parsley in the dressing.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifies using one tablespoon of white wine vinegar.
How many ingredients are needed for the Zesty Southwest Steak Salad?
There are 19 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What preparation is needed for the black beans?
One 15-ounce can of black beans should be drained and rinsed before adding to the salad.
Should the dressing be served warm or cold?
The dressing should be refrigerated while cooking the steak and served chilled.
How much romaine lettuce is required?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of chopped romaine lettuce.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is noted as being quick to prepare and a great option for a light dinner.
What equipment is recommended for searing the steak?
A heavy iron skillet is recommended for achieving a proper sear on high heat.
What is the fat content of the sour cream used in the dressing?
The recipe specifically calls for fat-free sour cream.
How much buttermilk is used in the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of buttermilk.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this salad?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chopped Roma tomatoes.
What provides the 'zesty' flavor in the steak rub?
The combination of cumin and cayenne pepper provides the signature zesty Southwest flavor.
How should the salad be served for a gathering?
It can be served as an impressive centerpiece in a large salad bowl or divided into four individual bowls.
Does the steak need to be at a specific temperature before cooking?
Yes, the steak should be at room temperature before you apply the spice rub and cook it.
What is the purpose of letting the steak rest?
Resting the steak for 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays succulent.
When should I drizzle the dressing over the salad?
Drizzle the dressing generously over the steak and salad right before serving for the best taste.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include steak salad, healthy meal, southwest flavors, one dish meal, and quick recipe.