Creamy Avocado Steak Salad – a protein packed, creamy and good salad that is solid to use up leftover steak!

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Creamy Avocado Steak Salad

While we were on a recent trip in Europe (which was good, and full of good food) we were talking to our husband back at home, asking how everything was going. He was letting us know how everything with the kids was going well, and how things were good at home – when he dropped a bombshell on us. Here we were, stuffing our face full of carbs and sugar – and he reveals that since starting a slow carb diet he was down a pant size.

This was literal moments after we pretty much cried putting our jeans on…. vacation body in full effect. We knew then we needed to step it up a bit when we got back home – and get back into the groove with healthy food that wouldn't be boring. This Creamy Avocado Steak Salad is anything but!

Since coming home, we've been trying to get back on track and get back into a fresh and healthy diet with him, and it has been going great!

While we will always love wandering around new cities and eating tons of good food, at home (and when not also walking several miles a day while touring around a city), we feel SO much better if we eat low-carb and emphasize fresh, healthy proteins.

How to Make Steak Salad

First assemble the following ingredients:

Steak (4-6 ounces) – Juicy and tender, cooked steak adds a rich, savory flavor and satisfying protein punch to the salad.
Kalamata olives (1 tbsp) – These deep purple olives bring a briny, rich flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado.
Capers (1/2 tsp) – Tiny but mighty, capers offer a tangy lemony flavor that brightens the overall taste of the salad.
Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup) – Bursting with sweetness and juiciness, cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and a fresh, vibrant flavor.
Feta (1/4 cup) – Crumbly and tangy, feta cheese introduces a creamy texture and a salty kick that complements the salad's ingredients.
Olive oil (1/4 cup) – A drizzle of olive oil provides a smooth, fruity base for the dressing, enhancing the salad with its rich mouthfeel.
Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup) – Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty, refreshing acidity that balances the creaminess of the avocado and feta.
Champagne vinegar (2 tbsp) – With its delicate and slightly sweet profile, champagne vinegar lends a unique brightness to the dressing.
Italian seasonings (1 tbsp) – A blend of Italian seasonings brings together aromatic herbs that infuse the salad with a touch of the Mediterranean.
Avocado (1) – Creamy and buttery, avocado not only adds luxurious texture but also healthy fats, making the salad more satisfying and nutritious.

Use this Method

Make Dressing. In a blender combine all the dressing ingredients till spoon.

Combine. Combine the salad and drizzle with dressing.

Kitchen notes

Add Nuts or Seeds: Toasted nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds add texture and a nutty flavor.

Use a Flavorful Dressing: Whether it's a homemade vinaigrette or a creamy blue cheese dressing, choose something that complements the flavors of your salad and steak.

Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley can add a burst of freshness and elevate the overall flavor profile.

Balance Your Plate: Consider the balance of flavors and textures in your salad. Aim for a harmony between savory, sweet, acidic, and creamy elements.

Dress Smart: Dress the greens lightly with the dressing before adding the steak to ensure even coating without making the salad soggy.

Warm Steak or Cold: Depending on your preference, you can add the steak warm directly after slicing it (ensuring a nice contrast with the cool salad) or let it cool to room temperature.

Slicing the Steak: Cut the steak against the grain into thin slices to ensure it's easy to eat and maximizes tenderness.

Season to Finish: After assembling your salad, give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt, pepper, or dressing, if needed.

Use Fresh Greens: A mix of fresh greens like arugula, spinach, and romaine adds texture and flavor variety. Ensure they're washed and dried thoroughly.

Incorporate Color and Crunch: Add vibrant veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. For a crunch, consider quick-pickled vegetables or crispy shallots.

Add a Sweet Element: Fruit components like sliced pears, apples, or a handful of berries can offer a refreshing contrast to the savory steak.

Don't Forget the Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese, shaved Parmesan, or chunks of blue cheese add creaminess and depth.

FAQ's

What type of steak is best for a steak salad?

For a steak salad, you want a cut that is flavorful and can be cooked to be tender. Popular choices include ribeye, sirloin, flank, or skirt steak. These cuts offer a great balance of flavor and tenderness, suited to slicing thin and adding to a salad.

How should the steak be cooked for the salad?

Ideally, the steak should be cooked to medium-rare or medium, depending on personal preference, to ensure it remains tender and juicy. Let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking before slicing it against the grain for the best texture.

Can the salad be made ahead of time?

You can prepare components of the salad ahead of time, like washing and drying the greens or making the dressing. However, for the best taste and texture, it's recommended to slice the avocado and cook the steak before serving to prevent the avocado from browning and to enjoy the steak warm.

What additional ingredients can we add to the salad?

To add texture and flavor, consider including cherry tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, corn, roasted bell peppers, or nuts like almonds or walnuts. Cheese such as feta or goat cheese can also enhance the salad with a creamy tang.

How can we make the salad dressing creamy without adding too many calories?

For a lighter creamy dressing, blend part of the avocado with yogurt, lime juice, garlic, and herbs.

Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms, tempeh, or a hearty plant-based protein alternative. Use dairy-free yogurt or omit cheese for a vegan version of the dressing if needed.

How should we serve the salad?

Serve the salad on a large platter or in a bowl, layering the greens with slices of steak and avocado on top. Drizzle with the dressing before serving, and offer extra dressing on the side for guests to add to their liking.

What To Enjoy with Steak Salad

Grilled Vegetables:

Charred corn on the cob or grilled zucchini slices can add a smoky flavor that pairs well with the creamy avocado and savory steak. Try grilled carrots!
Grilled cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness and acidity.

Breads:

Warm, crusty ciabatta bread, suited to dipping into the dressing or assembling small bites with steak and avocado. Try good focaccia!
Garlic breadsticks for a flavorful crunch that complements the creaminess of the avocado.

Starchy Sides:

Sweet potato frieslightly seasoned and baked until crispy, offer a sweet and savory contrast to the salad.
Quinoa or couscous salad with lemon vinaigrette can serve as a light, refreshing side that doesn't overpower the main dish.

Beverage Pairings:

A light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the freshness of the avocado and the richness of the steak.
For red wine lovers, a Merlot with its soft, fruity profile can balance the salad's flavors without overwhelming them.
Sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Desserts:

Lemon sorbet for a light, refreshing palate cleanser after the meal.
Chocolate mousse with a hint of sea salt to contrast the creamy avocado and add a luxurious end to the dining experience. Or try our favorite silky chocolate tart!

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Ingredients

4-6 ounces steak, sliced thin
1 tbsp kalamata olives
½ tsp capers
½ cup cherry tomatoes
¼ cup feta
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp champagne vinegar
1 tbsp Italian seasonings
1 avocado

Method

Assemble salad.
In a small food processor or blender, add dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. If too thick, add additional olive oil.
Drizzle over salad.
Toss and serve.