Cheesy Mexican Steak Salad

This Cheesy Mexican Steak Salad recipe with Chipotle Lime Dressing is so easy to make, but still packed with flavor. It's the perfect salad for a light dinner, lunch, or appetizer!

When I was in college, we would go to this Mexican restaurant where I would almost always order a salad. I fell in love with the way they tossed their house salad, added steak or chicken to the top, and then added another sprinkling of a blended shredded cheese.

The cheese would always melt ever so slightly and create the most creamy salad that always seemed so decadent.

Today, I'm bringing you a riff on that salad I loved so long ago!

I think you will love this Cheesy Mexican Steak Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing as much as I do. It's a meal that is perfect for easy entertaining or your next grill out!

Mexican Steak Salad Ingredients

This grilled steak salad is easy to make! Just grill your steak, make the chipotle lime dressing recipe, and assemble the salad.

For the Grilled Steak

• Steak: I used skirt steak because it is a relatively inexpensive cut (typically), but you can use whatever cut that you like. Flank or ribeye would also work well.
• Seasonings:  I used garlic powder and chili powder for a simple and subtle southwestern flair. Chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin would also be good options.

For the Chipotle Lime Dressing

• Lime Juice: Fresh squeezed has the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
• Oil:  Salad dressing are one place where I splurge for a good extra virgin olive oil
• Chipotle Chile in Adobo Sauce: You can find this in small cans, typically in the ethnic section of the grocery store.
• Garlic:  Fresh minced is best.
• Cilantro: I love cilantro, but if you are one of those who doesn't, you can leave it off. If you like, you could use two tablespoons of fresh Mexican oregano in its place.
• Sweetener: I used honey; feel free to use whatever sweetener you like. Either liquid or powdered will work.
• Seasonings:  A simple blend of cumin and salt works well here. Adjust the amount to your taste.

For the Salad

• Lettuce:  Romaine is my preference, but iceberg or butter lettuce would also work here.
• Cheese:  Pre-shredded Mexican cheese blend keeps things simple.
• Black Beans:  If you want to cook your own, use this recipe for Slow Cooker Black Beans.
• Onion:  If you aren't a fan of raw red onion, try soaking it for a bit in a bowl of ice water. This can help to mellow out the bite.
• Corn:  If you happen to have cooked fresh corn kernels on hand, they work great too.
• Tomato:  Grape tomatoes are what I used, but cherry or even diced tomatoes work as well.
• Avocado: Make sure you wait until just before serving to cut it so it doesn't turn brown!

How To Make Mexican Steak Salad

For the Steak

• Mix garlic powder, chili powder and sea salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle over steak and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Heat a grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Grill steak to desired doneness.
• Remove from heat, and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Slice, and set aside before assembling your salad.

For the Chipotle Lime Dressing

• Combine the lime juice, olive oil, chipotle chile, garlic, cilantro, honey, cumin and sea salt in a blender.
• Process until smooth, and set aside.

For the Salad

• Combine romaine, all but ¼ cup of the cheese, black beans, onion, corn and tomatoes in a large bowl.
• Toss the salad with desired amount of dressing. Top with steak, avocado, and remaining cheese. Serve, and enjoy!

Variations

• Char your veggies for a minute or so on the grill for added flavor! You can even grill your romaine lettuce.
• Add some sliced green onions.
• Add a dollop or two of your favorite salsa, along with some sour cream or crema.
• Add my favorite homemade citrus slaw!
• Add some slice fruit or berries like strawberries or mango for sweetness.
• Swap the grilled steak for grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or tofu. Or omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian option!
• Make it vegan by omitting the meat and using plant-based dairy options.

More Recipes To Try

• Zucchini Chips with Sriracha Dipping Sauce
• Steak with Mushrooms
• Mexican Quinoa Salad
• Citrus Slaw
• Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Cheesy Mexican Steak Salad

This Cheesy Mexican Steak Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing is so easy to make and packed with flavor. The perfect Mexican Salad for a light dinner.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time50 mins

Total Time1 hr

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: American, Gluten Free, Healthy

Keyword: salad

Servings: 6

Calories: 437kcal

Author: Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

Steak

• 8 ounces skirt steak or cut of choice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Dressing

• ¼ cup lime juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ⅓ cup fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons honey or sweetener of choice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Salad

• 8 ounces romaine lettuce chopped
• 8 ounces Mexican Cheese blend
• 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
• ½ red onion sliced thin
• 1 cup frozen corn thawed
• 1 cup grape tomatoes halved
• 1 avocado diced

Instructions

Steak

• Mix garlic powder, chili powder and sea salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle over steak and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Heat a grill or grill pan to medium high heat.
• Grill steak to desired doneness. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Slice.

Dressing

• Meanwhile, make dressing by combining lime juice, olive oil, chipotle chile, garlic, cilantro, honey, cumin and sea salt in a blender. Process until smooth.

Salad

• In a large bowl combine romaine, all but ¼ cup of the chees, black beans, onion, corn and tomatoes.
• Toss salad with desired amount of dressing. Top with steak, avocado and remaining cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 1050mg | Potassium: 688mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4085IU | Vitamin C: 14.4mg | Calcium: 307mg | Iron: 2.7mg