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Steak Chimichurri & Dense Bean Salad


  • Author: Mia McKenny
  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Steak Chimichurri & Dense Bean Salad is an easy dinner that eats like a restaurant meal, with juicy grilled steak, a quick chimichurri sauce, and a hearty bean salad all on one plate. This high-protein recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or when you need fresh dinner ideas that still feel comforting. The bright herbs, tangy vinegar, and colorful veggies keep every bite light and vibrant, while the beans make it satisfying enough to double as a quick lunch, easy dinner, or wholesome “food ideas” option any day of the week.


Ingredients

1 ½ pounds flank steak (or skirt/sirloin)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped

¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon fine sea salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups cooked red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 ½ cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup red onion, finely diced

¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


Instructions

1. Blanch the green beans by boiling them in salted water for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender, then transfer to an ice bath to cool and drain well.

2. Prepare the chimichurri by combining the chopped parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, fine sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl, then stirring in the extra-virgin olive oil until the sauce is glossy and well mixed.

3. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, rub it with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

4. Spoon 3–4 tablespoons of the chimichurri over the steak, rubbing it in to coat evenly, and let the steak marinate at room temperature for 20–30 minutes while you assemble the bean salad.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the kidney beans, blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped parsley or cilantro.

6. Drizzle the bean mixture with olive oil, add red wine vinegar or lemon juice, season with kosher salt and black pepper, and toss gently until everything is coated and glossy.

7. Preheat a grill, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot.

8. Cook the steak for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your desired doneness (about 130–135°F for medium-rare).

9. Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5–10 minutes so the juices redistribute.

10. Spread the dense bean salad over a large serving platter or divide among individual plates.

11. Slice the rested steak against the grain into thick strips and arrange over the bean salad.

12. Spoon the remaining chimichurri generously over the steak and beans, garnish with extra herbs if desired, and serve immediately with any extra sauce on the side.

Notes

For the juiciest results, cook the steak to medium-rare or medium and always slice it against the grain so each bite is tender.

Make the chimichurri and bean salad up to a day ahead and keep them chilled; cook the steak fresh and assemble right before serving for easy entertaining or meal prep.

Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes, or add a finely minced fresh chili to the chimichurri if you like extra spice.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling / Pan-searing
  • Cuisine: Latin American–inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 900
  • Fat: 35
  • Saturated Fat: 9
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 9
  • Protein: 48
  • Cholesterol: 120

Keywords: steak chimichurri, bean salad, high protein dinner, easy dinner, gluten free recipe