If you want a steak salad that truly satisfies, this air fryer chimichurri steak salad delivers. The steak comes out juicy and nicely medium in the air fryer, and the blender chimichurri is smooth, fast, and approachable for beginners.
I tested this recipe to figure out how to cook steak in the air fryer and make a quick chimichurri in a blender without overcomplicating things. It turned out better than expected and is now a recipe I’ll happily make again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad has been all over social media lately and hits the mark when you want a healthy, filling meal. It’s similar in spirit to hearty bowls like a tuna rice bowl or Mexican street corn sweet potato bowls but with a steak-forward twist.
- Air fryer steak cooks quickly—no grill required
- Blender chimichurri eliminates long chopping—store-bought chimichurri also works if you prefer
- High in protein and satisfying
- Easy to customize with pantry staples or fresh produce
- Suitable for lower-carb or blood sugar–friendly meals
Ingredients Needed for Chimichurri Steak Salad
For the steak:
- 1 steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip) — choose your preferred cut; sirloin is lean and budget-friendly
- Salt and pepper — simple seasoning lets the beef and chimichurri shine
For the chimichurri (blender-style):
- Fresh parsley — the main herb that gives chimichurri its bright, fresh flavor
- Garlic cloves — for savory depth
- Red wine vinegar — adds acidity to balance richness
- Olive oil (or substitute, see below) — helps emulsify the sauce and adds richness
- Salt — to taste
For the salad:
- 1 can of beans (Great Northern beans or chickpeas work well)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Optional: avocado, cucumber, red onion
- Feta cheese (optional)
Substitution tip:
If you’re out of oil, a little melted butter works in a pinch. It’s not traditional but provides richness and blends well.
How to Make Air Fryer Steak for Salad
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook about 6 minutes per side for medium (adjust time for thickness and preferred doneness).
- Let the steak rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Pro Tip:
Preheating gives a better sear and prevents the steak from turning out like baked meat.
How to Make Blender Chimichurri
- Place parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil (or melted butter), and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor.
- Pulse or blend until combined but still a bit textured. Add a splash more vinegar or a little water if it’s too thick.
Pro Tip:
Adjust acidity and salt to taste—chimichurri should be bright and balanced.
Assemble the Salad
- Lay a bed of greens in a bowl.
- Top with sliced steak.
- Add cherry tomatoes, beans, and any optional extras like avocado, cucumber, or red onion.
- Spoon chimichurri over the steak and salad, then crumble feta if using.
This combination is simple but tastes elevated—like something from a restaurant.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside sourdough or crusty bread
- Pair with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Or transform it into a wrap or a grain bowl
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: approximately 400–500 (varies by steak cut and toppings)
- Protein: roughly 30–40 g
- Carbohydrates: low to moderate depending on additions
- WW Points: roughly 6–9 (depends on cut and amount of oil/butter)
Recipe FAQs for Chimichurri Steak Salad
Yes. Use a small amount of melted butter or thin the chimichurri with vinegar or water. The flavor will still be good.
Fresh herbs are best for chimichurri. Dried herbs won’t deliver the same bright, vibrant flavor.
Sirloin is a budget-friendly, reliable choice for the air fryer. Ribeye or strip also work well if you prefer more marbling.
No—you can finely chop the herbs and garlic by hand, but a blender speeds things up and keeps the texture uniform.
This meal looks and tastes more impressive than the effort required. Once you know how to cook a steak in the air fryer and make a quick blender chimichurri, it becomes a reliable, go-to dinner.
Ingredients (summary)
1 steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip)
Salt and pepper
1 cup fresh parsley
3 garlic cloves
2–3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
¼ cup olive oil (or melted butter)
1 can drained chickpeas
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber, sliced (optional)
Red onion (optional)
Instructions (summary)
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Season steak and air fry about 6 minutes per side for medium; rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Blend parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil, and salt until combined.
- Assemble greens, sliced steak, beans, tomatoes, and extras; spoon chimichurri over the top.
Enjoy this easy, flavorful chimichurri steak salad as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a simple dish to serve guests.