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

This Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients and robust flavors. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this salad is not only nutritious but also visually appealing. The juicy steak, crispy turkey bacon, and creamy avocado dressing make it a standout choice for anyone following Whole30, Keto, or simply looking for a delicious meal. Enjoy this salad at family gatherings, meal prep for the week, or as a satisfying light dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and healthy fats while being low in carbs, this salad supports your dietary goals.
• Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 41 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the salad with your favorite greens or toppings while keeping it compliant with Whole30 and Keto diets.
• Flavorful Dressing: The creamy avocado dressing adds rich flavor without dairy, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or grill
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Blender
• Large bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or grill: Ideal for getting that perfect sear on your steak.
• Blender: Essential for creating the creamy avocado dressing that ties all the flavors together.
• Knife: A sharp knife will make slicing steak and veggies 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 Steak

• 1.25 lbs flank steak (or strip steak)
• Sea salt and cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon avocado (or olive oil)

For the Salad

• 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 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 Bacon and Eggs

First, have your turkey bacon cooked and crumbled. Also, ensure your eggs are hardboiled and cooled first. See the notes sections for my methods.

Step 2: Season 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 oil in the skillet or brush the grill with oil.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Once smoking hot, add the steak to the skillet or grill. Cook about 3 minutes on each side for medium rare or about 4 minutes for medium. Cook time may vary based on thickness. Use a meat thermometer for doneness: 130°F-135°F is medium rare; 135°F-145°F is medium.

Step 4: Rest the Steak

Remove the steak from heat to a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes while you arrange the salad.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, layer chopped romaine lettuce with sliced cherry tomatoes, sliced onions, diced hardboiled eggs, and crumbled turkey bacon. Peel and slice one avocado; arrange around the salad. Add blue cheese crumbles if desired (not Whole30).

Step 6: Slice Steak

With a sharp knife, slice the rested steak against the grain. Arrange slices on top of your assembled salad.

Step 7: Make Dressing

Add all dressing ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Serve

Serve dressing on the side or spooned over your salad right away. Enjoy!

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

Serving your Steak Cobb Salad is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Family Style

• Serve the salad in a large bowl for everyone to help themselves. This encourages sharing and makes it a perfect dish for gatherings.

Individual Plates

• Present the salad on individual plates for a more formal dining experience. This is ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.

With Extra Dressing

• Offer extra creamy avocado dressing on the side. Guests can add as much dressing as they like, ensuring everyone enjoys their preferred level of creaminess.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top each serving with additional cilantro or parsley. This adds a fresh pop of color and enhances the flavor profile of the dish.

Pairing with Grilled Veggies

• Serve alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. The smoky flavors complement the salad beautifully and add more nutrients.

With Crunchy Toppings

• Add nuts or seeds, such as sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds, on top of the salad for an extra crunch and healthy fats.

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

To achieve the best version of your Steak Cobb Salad, consider these helpful tips that will enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, organic vegetables and high-quality cuts of steak for the best flavor and nutrition.
• Let Steak Rest: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, resulting in a more flavorful bite.
• Customize Greens: Feel free to mix different greens like spinach or arugula with romaine for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with Proteins: While steak is delicious, you can also use grilled chicken or shrimp as variations if desired.
• Make Ahead: Prep components like hardboiled eggs and dressing in advance to save time during serving.
• Chill Your Bowl: For a refreshing touch, chill your salad bowl before serving. It keeps the ingredients crisp and cool.

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

Pairing delicious side dishes with your Steak Cobb Salad can create a complete meal. Here are some great options that complement this hearty salad perfectly.

1. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus spears add a smoky flavor that pairs well with the richness of the salad.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These provide a sweet contrast to the savory elements of your salad and are easy to prepare.
3. Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb alternative to pasta, these noodles can be served raw or lightly sautéed for added texture.
4. Cauliflower Rice: This versatile dish is great as a low-carb option that absorbs flavors from dressings beautifully.
5. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until golden brown, these sprouts add crunch and a nutty flavor that enhances your meal.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with quinoa or cauliflower rice, these can be made ahead of time and are fun to eat alongside your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing, it’s easy to overlook key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overcooking the steak: Cooking the steak too long can make it tough. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy and aim for medium-rare (130°F-135°F) or medium (135°F-145°F).
• Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season your steak properly can lead to bland flavors. Generously season both sides with sea salt and cracked black pepper before cooking.
• Using unripe avocados: Unripe avocados can ruin the creamy texture of your dressing. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed.
• Not cooling hardboiled eggs: If you don’t cool hardboiled eggs quickly, they can become rubbery. After boiling, place them in ice water to stop the cooking process.
• Forgetting the dressing: A delicious salad needs a great dressing! Don’t skip blending your creamy avocado dressing; it adds richness and flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.

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

• Steak Only: Freeze sliced steak in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Avoid Freezing: It’s best not to freeze the salad as fresh ingredients like lettuce and avocado do not thaw well.

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

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place steak on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place the steak on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals (30 seconds), checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low heat, add a bit of oil, and warm the steak slices gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components like cooked steak, hardboiled eggs, and chopped veggies ahead of time. Assemble just before serving for freshness.

What can I substitute for turkey bacon?

You can use regular bacon or omit it entirely if you prefer a lighter salad without meat.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep; just keep dressing separate until ready to eat.

How do I customize this Steak Cobb Salad?

Feel free to add other veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers. You can also swap proteins based on preference!

Can I use store-bought dressing?

While homemade dressing enhances flavor, feel free to use store-bought if you’re short on time. Just ensure it’s compliant with Whole30 or keto if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various diets like Whole30 and keto. It’s packed with flavors and nutrients that everyone will love. Customize it by adding different toppings or proteins to suit your taste!