Seared Steak and Strawberry Salad
Let’s be real — salads can sometimes get a bad reputation for being boring. But this one? Oh no, this is not your average salad. It’s vibrant, fresh, and packed with the perfect mix of textures and flavours: tender steak, sweet strawberries, peppery rocket, creamy avocado, and a silky maple tahini dressing to bring it all together.
This isn’t just about taste, though. This salad is a nutrition powerhouse that:
Delivers a protein boost to keep your energy steady
Balances blood sugar with fibre and healthy fats
Nourishes your hormones with nutrient-rich whole foods
Feels light yet satisfying (no “I’m still hungry after a salad” vibes here)
It’s the kind of meal you can throw together in under 30 minutes, but still feel like you’re treating yourself to something restaurant-worthy.
THE STAR PLAYERS: WHY EACH INGREDIENT MATTERS.
One of my favourite things about recipes like this is how each ingredient brings its own benefits. Let’s break it down:
Ribeye Steak
Rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins, steak isn’t just about flavour — it supports muscle repair, oxygen transport in the blood, and hormone production. Ribeye, in particular, has great marbling, meaning it stays tender and juicy even with a quick sear.
Strawberries
Bright, sweet, and antioxidant-packed, strawberries provide vitamin C (great for immunity and skin) and polyphenols that support heart health. Their natural sweetness also balances the savoury richness of the steak.
Avocado
Creamy, dreamy, and full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocado adds both flavour and satiety. Plus, it provides fibre and potassium, making it a perfect hormone- and energy-supporting food.
Rocket (Arugula)
Peppery and slightly bitter, rocket is more than just a leafy green — it’s part of the cruciferous veggie family, meaning it supports liver detox pathways and hormone balance. It’s also rich in vitamin K for bone and heart health.
Maple Tahini Dressing
Tahini (made from sesame seeds) is a source of plant-based calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats. Paired with maple syrup for natural sweetness and a hint of Dijon mustard for zing, this dressing is creamy, nourishing, and ties everything together beautifully. You can find the recipe here.
THE RECIPE: SEARED STEAK & STRAWBERRY SALAD.
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Ingredients
600 g (21 oz) ribeye steaks, boneless
170 g (6 oz) rocket (arugula)
200 g (7 oz) strawberries, quartered
2 ripe avocados, sliced
6 servings Maple Tahini Dressing (get the recipe here)
½ tsp olive oil
Sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper
METHOD.
Prep the steaks: Pat the steaks dry and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let them come to room temperature while you prep the salad ingredients.
Sear the steaks: Heat a large skillet or frypan over medium-high heat. Sear the steaks for 4–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness and your preferred doneness. Remove from heat and let them rest for 5–10 minutes.
Build the salad base: Toss the rocket in 2 tablespoons of the Maple Tahini Dressing and divide between four plates.
Add toppings: Arrange strawberries and avocado slices on top of the greens.
Slice and serve: Thinly slice the rested steak against the grain and layer over each salad. Drizzle with the remaining Maple Tahini Dressing and serve immediately.
Pro tip: Always rest your steak! It locks in juices so every bite stays tender.
VARIATIONS & SWAPS.
The beauty of this salad is its flexibility. Here are some fun twists:
Change the protein: Swap steak for grilled chicken, lamb, or even pan-seared salmon.
Make it vegetarian: Try grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, or marinated tofu instead of steak.
Mix up the fruit: Blueberries, raspberries, or even grilled peaches pair beautifully with steak.
Play with greens: Spinach, kale, or mixed baby greens all work well.
Add crunch: Toasted walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds add texture and extra healthy fats.
WHY THIS SALAD SUPPORTS ENERGY & HORMONE HEALTH.
This isn’t just about flavour — the nutrient synergy in this salad makes it perfect for steady energy and balanced hormones:
Protein from steak → supports muscle repair, blood sugar balance, and hormone production.
Fibre and antioxidants from strawberries + rocket → support gut and liver health.
Healthy fats from avocado and tahini → keep you satisfied and support hormone regulation.
TIPS FOR MAKING IT EFFORTLESS.
Meal-prep the dressing: Make a batch of Maple Tahini Dressing at the start of the week — it’s delicious on everything.
Cook once, eat twice: Grill extra steak for quick wraps, bowls, or breakfast eggs the next day.
Prep ahead: Slice strawberries and wash greens in advance so the salad comes together in minutes.
Make it portable: This salad travels well — just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
WHEN TO ENJOY THIS SALAD.
Honestly? Anytime. But here are a few perfect moments for it:
A quick weeknight dinner that feels fancy but takes under 30 minutes.
A summer BBQ dish that’ll wow your guests.
A nutrient-packed lunch to take the edge off your afternoon slump.
A post-workout meal with the perfect mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs.
FINAL THOUGHTS: NOURISHMENT THAT FEELS LIKE A TREAT.
This Seared Steak and Strawberry Salad is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrifice. It’s flavourful, nutrient-dense, and genuinely satisfying — the kind of meal that makes you excited to eat well.
So next time you’re craving something fresh, colourful, and a little indulgent, give this salad a go. Pair it with a crisp glass of sparkling water, enjoy it outdoors if you can, and savour every bite knowing you’re fuelling your body in the best possible way.
Want to understand why meals like this are so powerful for your health? Don’t miss The Power of Protein: Easy Ways to Boost Energy and Support Hormones.
ALSO UP ON THE BLOG
The Power of Protein: Easy Ways to Boost Energy and Support Hormones — why steak (and other proteins) matter so much.
Maple Tahini Dressing — the recipe that takes this salad from good to unforgettable.
Green Goodness Smoothie Bowl — another fresh, protein-boosted meal idea.
Liver Health Guide — learn how cruciferous greens like rocket support detox and hormones.
