This Easy Trader Joe’s Carne Asada Salad is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender, marinated carne asada from Trader Joe’s, fresh greens, and a delicious combination of toppings, this salad is both satisfying and packed with flavor. It’s a healthy, no-fuss option that comes together in minutes, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings and dressing for a fresh, vibrant meal every time!
This Carne Asada Salad Recipe is a delicious and vibrant dish that combines tender, marinated carne asada with fresh greens and flavorful toppings.
Perfectly cooked and sliced beef is paired with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and your choice of dressings, creating a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and filling.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this salad is packed with bold flavors and textures that everyone will love.
It’s easy to make, customizable, and a great way to enjoy the flavors of carne asada in a fresh, light way!
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Flavorful Carne Asada: Trader Joe’s marinated carne asada brings a bold, savory flavor that elevates the entire salad.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the toppings and dressing to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Any Meal: Whether it’s a light lunch, dinner, or a side dish, this salad is versatile and can be enjoyed at any time!
Ingredients Needed
- Flank or skirt steak: Tender beef for juicy, flavorful protein base.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh, aromatic garlic for bold flavor.
- Lime juice: Tangy citrus to brighten the marinade.
- Orange juice: Sweet, citrusy flavor to balance the marinade.
- Olive oil: Rich, healthy fat to enhance the marinade.
- Ground cumin: Warm, earthy spice to season the meat.
- Chili powder: Adds a mild heat and smoky depth.
- Chopped cilantro: Fresh, herbaceous flavor to garnish and season.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to taste, enhancing flavors.
- Mixed salad greens: Fresh greens like romaine, arugula, or spinach.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Avocado: Creamy, rich avocado for texture and flavor.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced, zesty onion for crunch.
- Queso fresco or feta cheese: Crumbled cheese for a salty, creamy finish.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Lime wedges: Zesty lime for a citrusy finishing touch.
How To Make Carne Asada Salad
Step One: In a bowl, mix garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Place the steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the steak is well-coated and marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Step Two: Preheat the air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (205°C). Remove the steak from the marinade (discard the marinade) and place it in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 12-14 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through, or adjust the time based on your preferred level of doneness. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.
Step Three: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step Four: In a large salad bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, red onion, and Carne Asada strips. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine. Divide the salad among serving plates. Garnish with queso fresco, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Carne Asada Salad Recipe Tips
- Marinate the Steak Longer: For the best flavor, marinate the carne asada for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the meat will be.
- Grill for Extra Flavor: While air frying is convenient, grilling the carne asada adds a smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the salad, such as corn, bell peppers, or radishes, for extra crunch and color.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to your salad for a spicy kick.
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: The key to a great salad is using fresh, crisp greens and ripe, flavorful tomatoes and avocado.
- Add Toppings: Top the salad with crumbled tortilla chips, sliced olives, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and texture.
- Rest the Meat: Let the carne asada rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices and keep it tender when slicing.
Storing
Store any leftover Easy Trader Joe’s Carne Asada Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. For best results, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
Carne Asada Salad Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, while flank or skirt steak is ideal, you can use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye. Just make sure to adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the steak.
How long should I marinate the carne asada? For the best flavor, marinate the carne asada for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the meat will be.
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just add the dressing and carne asada before serving to keep everything fresh.
Can I use a different protein instead of carne asada? Absolutely! You can swap out the carne asada for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
How can I make the salad spicier? For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the salad or the dressing.
What type of dressing should I use? A zesty lime dressing works best, but you can also try a cilantro-lime dressing, vinaigrette, or even a creamy avocado dressing to complement the flavors.
Can I grill the carne asada instead of using the air fryer? Yes! Grilling the carne asada adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh salad ingredients. Just be sure to cook it to your desired level of doneness.
More Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes
- Air Fryer Oat Protein Balls
- Trader Joe’s Santa Maria Tri-Tip Roast Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Raspberry Chocolate Puffs
- Air Fryer General Tso’s Pork
- Trader Joe’s Sausage Pasta
- Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels
- Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Korean Short Ribs
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Easy Trader Joe’s Carne Asada Salad
Description
Ingredients
Carne Salad Ingredients:
- 2 pounds flank or skirt steak
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup lime juice
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, to taste
- 3 teaspoons chili powder, to taste
- 1 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
Salad Carne Salad Ingredients:
- 6 cups Mixed salad greens, like romaine, arugula, or spinach
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 whole avocados, sliced
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 Lime, wedges for garnish
Carne Salad Dressing Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Place the steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and ensure the steak is well-coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Remove the steak from the marinade (discard the marinade) and place it in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-14 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through, or adjust the time for your desired level of doneness. Once done, let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, red onion, and Carne Asada strips. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Divide the salad among serving plates and garnish with crumbled queso fresco, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Enjoy your flavorful, fresh meal!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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