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

This Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing {Whole30, Keto} is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. Packed with juicy steak, crispy turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and a rich avocado dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also adheres to Whole30 and Keto guidelines. Serve it at gatherings, meal prep for the week, or simply enjoy a nourishing meal any day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious and Satisfying: This salad is loaded with protein from steak and eggs, ensuring you feel full and energized.
• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your dietary preferences while keeping it Whole30 and Keto-friendly.
• Deliciously Creamy Dressing: The creamy avocado dressing adds a luscious touch without any dairy.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make this salad ahead of time for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing seamless, gather your tools beforehand. This preparation will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or grill: Provides even heat for perfect steak cooking.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise slicing of vegetables and steak for an appealing presentation.
• Blender: Makes creating the creamy dressing quick and easy.

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 Base

• 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 – see notes for my oven Turkey Bacon method)
• 4 large eggs (hardboiled and peeled – see notes for my hardboiling method)
• 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 Avocado 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}

Creating this flavorful salad is straightforward! Follow these steps to assemble your dish.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Cook the turkey bacon until crispy; crumble it into pieces.
2. Hardboil the eggs using your preferred method; let them cool before peeling.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

1. Season the flank steak generously on both sides with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
2. Heat your cast iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add oil once hot.
3. Cook the steak about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare or about 4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Adjust based on thickness; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. Once cooked, remove the steak from heat and cover it with aluminum foil to rest for about 10 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, layer chopped romaine lettuce with cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, hardboiled eggs, crumbled turkey bacon, and sliced avocado.
3. If desired, sprinkle blue cheese crumbles over the salad.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. In a blender, combine ingredients for the dressing: ripe avocado, almond milk yogurt or sour cream, almond milk or water, cilantro leaves, garlic powder, sea salt, and lime juice.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Serve Your Salad

1. Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain.
2. Arrange sliced steak on top of your vibrant salad.
3. Serve dressing on the side or drizzle over each serving right before enjoying!

Enjoy this delicious Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing that meets both your dietary needs and taste buds!

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

Serving your steak cobb salad is all about presentation and complementing the flavors. This dish can be enjoyed as a main course or shared among friends. Here are some great ideas for serving up this delicious salad.

Individual Bowls

• Serve individual portions in bowls for a personal touch. This allows each guest to have their own serving of the creamy avocado dressing on top.

Family Style

• Present the salad in a large bowl at the center of the table. Let everyone help themselves, adding their desired amount of dressing for an interactive dining experience.

Lettuce Wraps

• Use large romaine leaves as wraps filled with salad components. This fun twist makes it easy to eat and adds a crunchy texture.

Picnic Delight

• Pack the salad into mason jars for a portable picnic option. Layer ingredients carefully to keep them fresh, adding dressing just before serving.

Meal Prep Option

• Prepare several servings at once and store them in airtight containers for easy lunches throughout the week. Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.

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

To make your steak cobb salad shine, consider these tips for perfecting your dish every time you prepare it.

• Choose Quality Steak: Opt for grass-fed beef if possible. It not only tastes better but also offers more nutrients compared to conventional beef.

• Proper Cooking Time: Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. Aim for 130°F-145°F depending on your preference for medium rare or medium steak.

• Chill Your Ingredients: For a refreshing crunch, chill your lettuce and toppings before assembling the salad. This enhances the overall flavor and texture.

• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Make Ahead Dressing: Prepare the creamy avocado dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This allows flavors to meld and saves time when assembling the salad.

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

Pairing sides with your steak cobb salad can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic side dishes that complement this hearty salad perfectly.

1. Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast until tender for a vibrant addition.

2. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A creamy low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, seasoned with garlic and herbs for flavor.

3. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sauté zucchini noodles with olive oil and seasonings for a refreshing side that keeps things low-carb.

4. Grilled Veggie Skewers: Mix bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms on skewers; grill until charred for a smoky flavor.

5. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roast Brussels sprouts until crispy and golden brown; toss with balsamic vinegar for added zing.

6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with cauliflower rice mixed with spices; bake until tender as a satisfying side dish.

7. Avocado Tomato Salad: Combine diced avocados and tomatoes drizzled with lime juice; this fresh side balances out rich flavors.

8. Pickled Vegetables: Offer tangy pickled veggies as a crunchy contrast that can cut through the richness of the steak cobb salad.

Enjoy creating your perfect meal around this flavorful steak cobb salad!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning your steak properly can lead to a bland taste. Always season generously with sea salt and cracked black pepper before cooking.
• Overcooking the steak: Cooking the steak too long will make it tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for 130°F-145°F depending on your preference.
• Using unripe avocados: Unripe avocados won’t have the creamy texture you want in your dressing. Choose ripe avocados for a smooth and flavorful dressing.
• Forgetting about ingredient temperatures: Adding cold ingredients like hardboiled eggs or bacon can cool down your salad. Ensure they are at room temperature or slightly warm for the best experience.
• Not allowing steak to rest: Cutting into the steak immediately after cooking can cause juices to run out. Let it rest covered for about 10 minutes before slicing.
• Neglecting customization options: This recipe is versatile! Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs, but be mindful of Whole30 guidelines.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate from the salad until ready to eat.

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

• This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to a month without the dressing.
• Use freezer-safe containers and label them with the date.

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

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare components like hardboiled eggs and bacon ahead of time but assemble the salad just before serving for best freshness.

Is this Steak Cobb Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad works well for meal prep if you store components separately and combine them when ready to eat.

What can I use instead of Turkey Bacon?

You can substitute Turkey Bacon with regular bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version while keeping it Whole30 compliant.

How do I make this salad dairy-free?

Simply skip the blue cheese crumbles and enjoy the creamy avocado dressing as a delicious alternative that fits within dietary guidelines.

Can I use another type of meat?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp would work wonderfully as alternatives in this delicious salad.

Final Thoughts

This Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. Its vibrant flavors from fresh ingredients and creamy dressing make it a perfect meal any time of day. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins to suit your tastes!