Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing {Whole30, Keto}

This Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing {Whole30, Keto} is a delightful dish that brings vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients together. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad showcases juicy steak, crispy turkey bacon, and creamy avocados, all topped with a luscious dairy-free dressing. It’s not just nutritious but also an excellent choice for gatherings, meal prep, or simply a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein and fresh veggies, this salad is a guilt-free meal option.
• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of under 45 minutes, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Low Carb and Keto-Friendly: Ideal for those following low-carb diets or keto lifestyle.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This salad can be made ahead, making it perfect for weekly lunches or dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or grill
• Meat thermometer
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or grill: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked steak.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your steak reaches the desired doneness without guesswork.
• Blender: Easily blends the creamy avocado dressing to a smooth consistency.

Ingredients

This easy steak cobb salad is just as healthy as it is delicious! Loaded with all the goodies including juicy sliced steak, turkey bacon, tomatoes, avocados, and hardboiled eggs, served with a creamy dairy-free avocado cilantro lime dressing. It’s paleo-friendly, Whole30 compliant, keto, and low carb.

For the Salad

• 1.25 lbs flank steak (or strip steak)
• Sea salt and cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon avocado (or olive oil)
• 8 slices nitrate free turkey bacon (sugar free for Whole30 if needed)
• 4 large eggs (hardboiled and peeled)
• 8 cups romaine lettuce (roughly chopped, or preferred greens)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
• 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 large avocado (thinly sliced)
• Blue cheese crumbles (only if dairy is okay – not for Whole30)

For the Creamy Dressing

• 1 medium ripe avocado
• 1/3 cup Kite Hill almond milk Greek yogurt (or Kite Hill sour cream)
• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons plain almond milk (or water)
• 1/3 cup cilantro leaves
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

How to Make Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing {Whole30, Keto}

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

• Have your turkey bacon cooked and crumbled and eggs hardboiled and cooled first.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

• Season the steak liberally on both sides with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
• Heat a large cast iron skillet or grill to medium-high/high heat. Drizzle the oil in the skillet or brush the grill with oil.
• Once smoking hot, add the steak and cook about 3 minutes on each side for medium rare or about 4 minutes for medium.

Step 3: Rest the Steak

• Remove the steak from the skillet or grill to a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes while you arrange the salad.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, layer the greens with sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced onions, sliced hardboiled eggs, and crumbled turkey bacon.
• Peel and slice the avocado and arrange around the salad. Add blue cheese crumbles if desired.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

• With a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain. Arrange on top of the salad.
• Add all dressing ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Enjoy!

• Serve the dressing on the side or spooned over the salad immediately. Enjoy!

How to Serve Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing {Whole30, Keto}

Serving this delicious Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is all about presentation and pairing. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this vibrant salad.

Plated Presentation

• Arrange the salad ingredients in a large bowl and drizzle the dressing over the top just before serving. This keeps the greens crisp and fresh.

Individual Bowls

• Serve in individual bowls for a personal touch. Guests can mix their own salad and add as much dressing as they like!

Pair with Grilled Vegetables

• Complement the salad with grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.

Use as a Meal Prep Option

• Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for a quick lunch option. The salad stays fresh for several days if stored properly.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Serve with additional toppings such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added texture and crunch.

How to Perfect Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing {Whole30, Keto}

Perfecting your Steak Cobb Salad is about enhancing flavors and maintaining freshness. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality produce and grass-fed steak for the best flavor and nutrition.
• Let the Steak Rest: Allowing your steak to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, leading to a more tender bite.
• Experiment with Greens: While romaine is traditional, try mixing in arugula or spinach for a different taste profile.
• Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients according to your taste preferences by adding herbs or spices.
• Store Separately: If making ahead of time, store the dressing separately from the salad to keep everything fresh until serving.

Best Side Dishes for Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing {Whole30, Keto}

Pairing side dishes with your Steak Cobb Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy for a savory side.
2. Cauliflower Rice: Lightly sauté cauliflower rice with garlic and herbs for a low-carb grain alternative.
3. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralize zucchini into noodles and toss with pesto for a refreshing pasta-like side.
4. Grilled Asparagus: Drizzle asparagus spears with olive oil and grill until tender for a flavorful addition.
5. Greek Cucumber Salad: Combine diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives drizzled with olive oil for a light accompaniment.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with quinoa or cauliflower rice mixed with herbs for an eye-catching dish.
7. Sweet Potato Wedges: Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, season them, and bake until crispy for a hearty side dish.
8. Avocado Tomato Salsa: Mix diced avocados, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and sea salt for a zesty topping that pairs well with any meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly every time.

• Skipping the seasoning: Seasoning your steak properly enhances its flavor. Always use sea salt and cracked black pepper for best results.
• Overcooking the steak: Cook times can vary based on steak thickness. To achieve the perfect doneness, consider using a meat thermometer.
• Not letting the steak rest: Allowing your steak to rest for 10 minutes after cooking keeps it juicy. This step is essential for optimal texture.
• Using unripe avocados: Ripe avocados add creaminess and flavor to your salad. Always check for ripeness before slicing.
• Ignoring the dressing consistency: A creamy dressing should blend smoothly. Adjust almond milk or yogurt amounts to achieve the desired thickness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep dressing separate until ready to serve for maximum freshness.

Freezing Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing {Whole30, Keto}

• Freezing is not recommended due to the avocado and salad greens’ textures changing when thawed.
• If necessary, you can freeze cooked steak in a separate container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing {Whole30, Keto}

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place steak in a baking dish and cover with foil, heating until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish; heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat; add sliced steak and cover until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing.

Can I customize my Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing {Whole30, Keto}?

Yes! You can add or substitute ingredients like grilled chicken or different greens based on your preference.

How do I choose ripe avocados for this recipe?

Look for avocados that yield slightly when pressed gently. They should be dark green and smooth.

What can I use instead of Turkey Bacon?

You can skip it altogether or use a plant-based bacon alternative if you prefer a vegetarian option.

How long does it take to prepare the Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing {Whole30, Keto}?

The total prep time is about 15 minutes, while cooking takes around 26 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Feel free to customize it by adding other vegetables or proteins you enjoy. It’s perfect for meal prep or serving at gatherings!