Fajita Steak Salad

Oh my goodness, this salad was SO delicious!!!!! I know what some of you are thinking - yes, I am a vegetarian, so no, I did not eat the flank steak. But, my husband and son did and they just loved it - it smelled incredible. I actually marinated tofu for myself in the same steak marinade and baked it in the oven. I loved it!  The cilantro dressing is just flat out yummy. I hope you enjoy this salad as much as we all did!!

I found the recipe on the blog Damn Delicious. You must check this blog out - she has so many yummy recipes posted! 

Here is the recipe word for word from Damn Delicious:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and thinly sliced

For the cilantro lime dressing

• 1 cup loosely packed cilantro, stems removed
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lime
• Pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar <I only used 2 tsp>
• 1 tsp pure maple syrup <my own addition to balance out the tartness of the vinegar>

For the steak

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds flank steak <I also used firm tofu - read the intro above>

Directions:

1. To make the cilantro lime dressing, combine cilantro, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lime juice, maple syrup (if using), and salt in the bowl of a food processor. With the motor running, add olive oil and vinegar in a slow stream until emulsified; set aside.
2. To make the steak, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, oregano and onion powder in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine steak and marinade; marinate for at least 30 minutes, turning the bag occasionally. Drain the steak from the marinade, discarding the marinade.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a grill pan over medium high heat. Working in batches, cook steak, flipping once, to preferred temperature, about 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing against the grain.
5. Add onion to the skillet, and cook, stirring often, until onions have become translucent and slightly caramelized, about 7-8 minutes; set aside.
6. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the skillet. Add bell peppers, and cook, stirring often, until soft and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes; set aside.
7. To assemble the salad, place romaine lettuce in a large bowl; top with arranged rows of onion, peppers, steak and avocado.
8. Serve immediately with cilantro lime dressing.