Tex-Mex Steak Salad

Tex-Mex Steak Salad: A Weeknight Winner

Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling meetings, school pick-ups, and making sure everyone gets a decent dinner on the table, there's rarely time for elaborate cooking. That's why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious enough to satisfy the whole family. This Tex-Mex Steak Salad fits the bill perfectly. I initially created it as a way to use up leftover London Broil, but it's quickly become a regular in our dinner rotation. The vibrant flavors, satisfying textures, and customizable elements make it a true winner.

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. The dressing is whipped up in minutes – a vibrant blend of lime juice, honey, olive oil, and fresh cilantro. A hint of jalapeño adds a delightful kick (feel free to omit it for the little ones!), while the ginger and garlic add warmth and depth. The salad itself is a colorful mix of crisp lettuce, sweet corn, hearty black beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender slices of steak. Topped with a generous sprinkle of Mexican cheese and served alongside creamy avocado slices and crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a fiesta of flavors in a bowl.

What I love most about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to your preferences and what you have on hand. Don't have London Broil? Use leftover grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions, or swap out the Mexican cheese for your favorite variety. The possibilities are endless!

For my kids, the best part is the ability to customize their own salads. They love crumbling tortilla chips on top for extra crunch. It’s a fun and engaging way for them to get involved in the dinner process. It's also a great way to get them to eat their veggies—sneaking in those healthy ingredients is always a win in my book.

This Tex-Mex Steak Salad is more than just a quick meal; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and family time. It's a testament to the idea that delicious, healthy meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. So next time you're short on time but craving something flavorful and satisfying, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.

Pro Tip: Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes meal prep a breeze!

Variations:

• Spicy it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for an extra kick.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the steak with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
• Add some crunch: Include chopped nuts or seeds for added texture.

Enjoy this easy and delicious Tex-Mex Steak Salad! Let me know in the comments how you customize it to your liking.

Step-by-step

• In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, mix olive oil, juice, honey, vinegar, cilantro, garlic, ginger, and salt.
• Add chopped jalapeno if using, shake well, and refrigerate if not serving immediately.
• When ready to serve, mix approximately 8 tablespoons of the dressing with the lettuce in a large bowl and toss well.
• Add corn, beans, and tomatoes and toss again to combine.
• Divide between four plates and top with steak and cheese.
• Place remaining dressing on the side for people to add if they like.
• Serve with avocado slices and chips on the side. (My kids like to crumble tortilla chips over their salads for an extra crunch.)