Air Fryer Garlic Butter Sirloin Steak Salad with Cilantro Dressing
A fresh and satisfying main course salad featuring perfectly seasoned air-fried sirloin steaks served over crisp romaine lettuce with tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and creamy avocado. The homemade cilantro-yogurt dressing adds bright, tangy flavors that complement the savory garlic butter steak. This protein-packed salad works well for lunch or dinner and comes together quickly using the air fryer for perfectly cooked steak in just 6 minutes. The combination of warm, seasoned meat with cool, fresh vegetables creates a balanced and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cilantro, fresh
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 1 large lemon
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey, add more if needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce, or arugula
- 1 cup tomato, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 4 7 ounce sirloin steaksribeye or strip steak1:1
similar cooking time
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons butter, unsalted
Instructions
- 1
Preheat air fryer to 400°F and grease basket or line with parchment paper
- 2
Marinate steaks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, and olive oil in a shallow bowl, rubbing both sides
- 3
Cover steaks and set aside while air fryer heats
- 4
Place steaks in air fryer basket and cook for 3 minutes
- 5
Flip steaks and cook for another 3 minutes
- 6
Combine all dressing ingredients in blender or food processor and blend until creamy
- 7
Transfer dressing to bowl or jar and refrigerate
- 8
Combine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, feta cheese, and avocado in large salad bowl
- 9
Refrigerate salad while preparing steak
- 10
Remove cooked steak and place on salad with butter
- 11
Drizzle salad with cilantro dressing
- 12
Plate and serve
Tips
Let steaks rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking for more even results
Pat steaks dry before seasoning to help achieve better browning in the air fryer
Adjust honey in dressing to taste preference for desired sweetness level
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled salad for up to 2 days. Store dressing separately for up to 1 week.
Prepare dressing up to 3 days ahead. Marinate steaks up to 4 hours in advance.
Serve immediately after plating for best texture contrast between warm steak and cool salad.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook steaks in air fryer to avoid tough, dry meat
Add dressing just before serving to prevent lettuce from wilting
Substitutions
similar cooking time
FAQ
Can I use frozen steaks for this recipe?
Thaw steaks completely before marinating and cooking. Frozen steaks will cook unevenly and may not develop proper seasoning penetration.
How long will the cilantro dressing keep?
The dressing stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week in a sealed container. Stir before using as separation may occur.
What if I don't have an air fryer?
Cook steaks in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or grill for similar timing until desired doneness.