Steak and Avocado Keto Salad

Looking for some Southwest flavor? Then this steak and avocado keto salad is perfect for you.

We have to admit: there's a lot going on in this recipe. You've got juicy steak, creamy avocado, acidic flavors from the dressing (that are made with healthy fats and all-natural ingredients), a little heat from the steak seasoning and garlic, and to top it all off, delicious Monterey Jack cheese.

It might sound complicated, but it's not. In just thirty minutes, you can cook, carve, whisk, and toss everything. (We promise!) 

We're sure that, keto or not, your friends and family are going to love this recipe. And because of its many health benefits (scroll down), you'll feel good about serving it to them.

If you make this recipe, be sure to post a photo on Instagram and tag @ketologic!

Why You Should Choose This Over Other Southwest Salad Recipes

Southwest-inspired salad recipes are popular at restaurants and as pre-made options at grocery stores. The bold and spicy flavors appeal to many people, which is why it's such a common option. 

You'll probably want to stay clear of those options if you're on a keto diet, though.

There are at least two major differences between this Steak and Avocado Keto Salad recipe and the ones you might find at restaurants and grocery stores.

First, this recipe uses a simple but flavorful homemade dressing. All of the ingredients in it -- olive oil, avocado oil, lime juice, garlic, and apple cider vinegar -- are natural and healthy.

Store-bought dressings are almost always made with less-healthy oils, packed with sodium, preservatives, and added sugar. 

Second, most Southwest salad recipes come with non-keto ingredients (tortilla strips, beans, etc.) that are likely to put you over your daily carb limit.

This recipe has only 9 grams of net carbs per serving, which makes it perfect for the keto diet (people on keto generally aim to eat 20-50 grams of net carbs per day).

Now let’s take a closer look at some of the healthiest ingredients in this salad.

5 Healthy Ingredients In This Recipe

Here are some of the individual health benefits of five "superstars" in this recipe.

Steak 

Steak is the centerpiece of this salad, and it's also full of health benefits. Red meat is packed with protein, B vitamins, iron, and other trace minerals like zinc and phosphorus [1]. 

B vitamins help keep your brain and cardiovascular system healthy. And because they play a role in metabolic function, they help you stay energized throughout the day [2].

Protein helps rebuild muscles, tendons, and other tissues in the body. Steak can be especially beneficial if you're trying to add lean muscle through exercise, as it gives your body the raw materials it needs to recover from training and become stronger than it was before [3].

Avocados

Avocados are packed-to-the-brim with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Among their many benefits, studies show people who eat lots of these fats can decrease their risk of heart disease [4].

In fact, avocados are so healthy that they are routinely referred to as superfoods [5]. That label is reserved only for whole-foods that are packed with nutrients and health benefits. 

And for what it's worth: there are multiple sources of these healthy fats in this recipe.

Olive oil and avocado oil

Instead of using vegetable oils and salt to bring flavor to this salad, we use two types of heart-healthy fats and all-natural acids (apple cider vinegar and lime juice) to help bring out the flavors in the steak and veggies. 

Like avocados, both olive oil and avocado oil have been linked to better heart health, as well as reduced inflammation and even longevity [6][7]. 

Tomatoes

Besides the acidic "zing" tomatoes bring to this salad, tomatoes are full of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can protect your skin, improve heart health, and ward off certain types of cancers [8].

As you can see, the ingredients in this keto salad recipe can do a lot of good for your body.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil (try FBOMB Avocado Oil!)
• 2 (8-ounce) NY Strips or Ribeye Steaks
• 1 tablespoon steak seasoning or kosher salt
• 1 pound spring mix salad
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium cucumber, sliced into half moons
• 2 avocados, peeled, cored and diced
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice from 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Preparation:

1. Drizzle two tablespoons olive oil over steaks and season evenly with steak seasoning or kosher salt. Rub into the steaks.
2. Preheat a grill or cast iron skillet over high heat and sear steaks 4 minutes on each side for medium rare. Remove steaks from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into strips.
3. In a large bowl, combine the spring mix, tomatoes, cucumber, avocados, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, avocado oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce, if using.
5. Toss the salad with the dressing and serve with the strips of steak on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Yield: 4