Steak Salad with Beans: A Fresh, Protein-Packed Lunch or Dinner That Satisfies
Samantha
A bold and hearty steak salad with beans that’s packed with lean protein, fiber, and vibrant flavor. This high-protein meal is perfect for clean eating, weight management, or post-workout recovery. Quick to prep, naturally gluten-free, and full of satisfying crunch, it’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or make-ahead meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, High-Protein
Servings 4 servings
Calories 460 kcal
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup canned black beans rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- 1 avocado sliced (optional)
- Crumbled feta optional
For the Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp honey or maple syrup
- ¼ tsp salt
- Fresh ground pepper
Prep the SteakRub steak with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it rest at room temp for 10–15 minutes. Cook the SteakHeat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Cook steak for 3–4 minutes per side (medium-rare to medium). Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Make the VinaigretteWhisk all vinaigrette ingredients in a bowl or shake them in a mason jar until combined. Assemble the SaladIn a large bowl, layer mixed greens, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Top It OffAdd sliced steak and drizzle with vinaigrette. Sprinkle with feta if desired.
Secret Tips for the Best Steak Salad with Beans
1. Let the steak rest before slicing: After grilling or pan-searing, let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes to keep all those natural juices locked in. Cutting it too soon makes it lose moisture, which is key for a tender bite in your steak salad with beans.
2. Always slice against the grain: This is a game-changer. Slicing steak against the grain shortens muscle fibers and gives you that melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s especially important when using lean cuts like flank steak or sirloin.
3. Use a mix of greens for texture: Don’t rely solely on romaine. A mix of arugula, spinach, or spring mix adds variety and enhances the freshness of every bite, especially when paired with high-protein toppings like beans and lean steak.
4. Add the dressing just before serving: To keep everything crisp, especially the leafy greens, only toss the salad in dressing right before you eat. This tip is essential for meal prepping steak salad with beans.
5. Use canned beans but rinse well: Canned black beans or kidney beans are super convenient, but always rinse them to remove excess sodium and improve the salad’s clean eating profile. According to FDA guidelines, rinsing can reduce sodium by up to 40%.
6. Grill or sear for flavor depth: Grilling the steak adds smoky char, while pan-searing gives a delicious crust. Either method works well depending on what texture and depth you’re after in your steak salad with beans.
7. Customize it with nutrient-dense extras: Toss in sliced avocado for heart-healthy fats, roasted corn for sweetness, or even pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch and added magnesium. This gives the salad more balance and a nutrient boost.
8. Make it a balanced macro meal: Pairing lean steak with fiber-rich beans and greens creates a meal that supports satiety, stable blood sugar, and post-workout recovery—great for clean eating and healthy meal prep goals.Keyword clean eating steak salad, easy steak salad with black beans, gluten free steak salad, healthy steak and bean salad, high protein steak salad, low carb steak salad recipe, meal prep steak salad, post workout steak salad, quick steak salad for lunch, steak salad with beans
