California Flank Steak Salad
This hearty salad is a meal in itself for lunch or a light dinner with friends. Serve with a sturdy bread and a bottle of rioja.
6 servings
- 3 pounds flank steak
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chile powder
- 3 quarts mixed salad greens
- ¾ cup sliced black olives
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- Chile-Lime Vinaigrette (recipe follows)
Place the steak in a non-reactive dish. Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, pepper, salt, and chile powder, and pour this mixture over the steak. Allow to marinate for 2 hours, turning the steak several times.
Heat the grill to medium-high. Drain the marinade and discard. Place the steak on the grill for about 5 minutes for medium, turning once. Remove from the grill and tent with foil to allow the steak to rest for 10 minutes.
On each of six plates, place a mound of mixed greens and top with black olives, tomato, red onion, and cucumber.
Holding the knife at a 45 degree angle, thinly slice the steak across the grain. Arrange a portion of the steak on each of the salads. Drizzle with Chile-Lime Vinaigrette and serve.
Chile-Lime Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chile powder
- 1 garlic clove, smashed into a paste
- Pinch of cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add the lime juice, olive oil, chile powder, garlic, cumin, and salt to a jar with a lid. Cover tightly and shake well until the mixture is emulsified.