If you want a steak salad that actually feels like a full meal, this air fryer chimichurri steak salad is it. The steak comes out juicy and perfectly medium in the air fryer, and the chimichurri is blended, so it’s quick, smooth, and beginner-friendly.
This is one of those recipes I tested in real life—figuring out how to cook steak in the air fryer and throwing together a chimichurri without overthinking it. It turned out way better than expected, and now it’s something I’d actually make again.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You've probably seen this recipe floating around on Tiktok recently and dense bean salads being popular. This salad is super healthy like my Tuna Rice Bowl or Mexican Street Corn Sweet Potato Bowls
- Air fryer steak = fast, no grill needed
- Blender chimichurri = no chopping forever - You can always buy some Chimichurri sauce at a grocery store that's made already. I know Trader Joes has some.
- High-protein and filling (not a sad salad)
- Easy to customize with what you already have
- Works for low carb / blood sugar–friendly meals
Ingredients Needed for Chimichurri Steak Salad
For the Steak:
- 1 steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip) - Use your favorite cut of steak; sirloin is lean and budget-friendly
- Salt and pepper (simple seasoning works best)
For the Chimichurri (Blender Style)
- Fresh parsley (main herb base) – The star of chimichurri, giving it that fresh, bright, herby flavor
- Garlic cloves – Adds bold, savory depth and a little bite
- Red wine vinegar – Brings acidity and balances out the richness
- Olive oil (or see substitution below) – Helps blend everything together and adds smooth richness
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors and ties the sauce together
For the Salad
- 1 can of beans such as Great Northern or Chick Peas
- Cherry tomatoes
- Optional: avocado, cucumbers, red onion
- Feta Cheese
Substitution Tip:
No oil? You can use a little melted butter instead. It won’t be traditional, but it still gives you that richness and actually works in a pinch.
How to Make Air Fryer Steak for Salad
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
- Season steak with salt and pepper
- Place steak in the air fryer
- For a full tutorial on how to air fry steak check out this post Air Fryer Steak (Medium Rare) or make it on a grill - How to Grill Top Sirloin Steak
Cook for:
- 6 minutes per side for medium (this is what I did)
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing
Pro Tip:
Preheating makes a big difference. It helps you get that better sear instead of just “baked steak.”
How to Make Blender Chimichurri
- Add parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil (or butter), and salt to a blender
- Blend until combined
Pro Tip:
If it’s too thick, add a splash more vinegar or a tiny bit of water to loosen it up.
Assemble the Salad
- Add greens to a bowl
- Top with sliced steak
- Add tomatoes and any extras
- Spoon chimichurri over the top
That’s it — super simple but tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with sourdough bread on the side
- Add roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Turn it into a wrap or steak bowl instead
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400–500
- Protein: ~30–40g
- Carbs: Low (depends on toppings)
- WW Points: ~6–9 (varies based on steak cut + oil/butter)
Recipe FAQS for Chimichurri Steak Salad
Yes — use melted butter or even skip it and thin with vinegar/water. Flavor will still be good.
Fresh is way better here. Chimichurri is all about that fresh flavor.
Sirloin is the most budget-friendly and works great in the air fryer.
No, but it makes it faster and easier—especially if you don’t feel like finely chopping everything.
This is one of those meals that feels way more impressive than it actually is. Once you realize you can cook steak in the air fryer and throw together a quick chimichurri in a blender, it becomes an easy go-to.
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Chimichurri Steak Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minu
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 22 min
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
This is one of those meals that feels way more impressive than it actually is. Once you realize you can cook steak in the air fryer and throw together a quick chimichurri in a blender, it becomes an easy go-to.
Ingredients
1 steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip)
Salt and pepper
1 cup Fresh parsley
3 Garlic cloves
2 to 3 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
¼ cup Olive oil (or see substitution below)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can of drained chick peas
1 pint of cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber sliced into quarters
Red Onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
- Season steak with salt and pepper
- Place steak in the air fryer
- 6 minutes per side for medium (this is what I did)
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing
- Add parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil (or butter), and salt to a blender
- Blend until combined
- Add greens to a bowl
- Top with sliced steak
- Add tomatoes and any extras
- Spoon chimichurri over the top
Notes
- Serve with sourdough bread on the side
- Add roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Turn it into a wrap or steak bowl instead
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
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