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Beef and Vegetable Salad
Light Meals

Beef and Vegetable Salad

About This Dish

I know what you're thinking—salad? Really? But hear me out. This isn't your typical sad, wilted lettuce situation. The beef is seared quickly so it stays tender and juicy, and when you pair it with fresh, crisp vegetables and a simple lemon vinaigrette, it's actually really good. It's light but still filling, and you'll feel good after eating it. Sometimes you need something that makes you feel healthy without making you feel deprived, you know?

Flavors

Fresh Light Savory Slightly tangy

Nutrition Information

225
Calories
28.5g
Protein
12.5g
Carbs
6.8g
Fat

Ingredients

  • Beef (sirloin or flank steak)
  • Lettuce
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Purple cabbage
  • Olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cut the beef into thin slices—the thinner, the better. Marinate with salt and black pepper for about 10 minutes.

  2. 2

    Heat a pan over high heat, add just a tiny bit of oil, then sear the beef slices quickly. You want them browned on the outside but still pink inside—maybe 30 seconds per side. Remove and let them cool completely.

  3. 3

    Wash and dry all your vegetables. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, and shred the purple cabbage.

  4. 4

    Combine all the vegetables in a large bowl. Make sure everything is dry—wet vegetables will make your dressing watery.

  5. 5

    Make a simple vinaigrette: whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste it and adjust—you want it bright and tangy but not overpowering.

  6. 6

    Arrange the cooled beef slices on top of the vegetables.

  7. 7

    Drizzle the dressing over everything, toss gently, and serve immediately.

Cooking Tips

  • Cut the beef thin. Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender. If they're too thick, they'll be tough and chewy.
  • Sear the beef quickly on high heat. You want it browned but still pink inside. Overcooked beef in a salad is just sad.
  • Make sure your vegetables are dry. Wet vegetables will water down your dressing and make everything soggy. Use a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels.
  • Make the dressing fresh. It only takes a minute, and fresh dressing tastes so much better than anything from a bottle. Plus, you can adjust it to your taste.

Quick Summary

Marinate and quickly sear thin beef slices, then combine with fresh vegetables. Dress with a simple lemon vinaigrette and serve immediately.