Zesty Steak Pasta Salad with Feta and Lime is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring tender slices of steak, cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy lime dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is light, nutritious, and full of bright flavors. It’s perfect for warm weather, meal prep, or a hearty lunch that feels both satisfying and fresh.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
steak (sirloin or flank)
pasta (penne or fusilli)
feta cheese
cherry tomatoes
cucumber
red onion
lime juice
olive oil
garlic
salt
black pepper
fresh cilantro
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and cool.
- Grill or pan-fry steak to desired doneness; let rest and slice thinly.
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, sliced steak, vegetables, and feta.
- Pour dressing over the salad; toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Use chicken or shrimp instead of steak.
- Add avocado for creaminess.
- Substitute goat cheese for feta.
Storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Best served cold; no reheating required.
FAQs
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini or bow tie works.
How do I make it spicier?
Add sliced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes, assemble and chill; add dressing just before serving.
What steak cut is best?
Flank, sirloin, or skirt steak are ideal.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit steak or replace with grilled tofu.
What herbs work well?
Cilantro, basil, or parsley are great choices.
Is this gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free pasta.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, try bell peppers, corn, or spinach.
Does feta have to be used?
No, try goat cheese or shredded cheddar.
How long does it keep?
Up to 2 days in the fridge.
Conclusion
Zesty Steak Pasta Salad with Feta and Lime is a fresh, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners.
Print
Zesty Steak Pasta Salad with Feta and Lime
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
Zesty Steak Pasta Salad with Feta and Lime is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring tender slices of steak, cooked pasta, fresh vegetables, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy lime dressing.
Ingredients
- 300 g steak (sirloin or flank)
- 250 g penne or fusilli pasta
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 150 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Grill or pan-fry steak over medium-high heat to desired doneness; let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced steak, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu as alternative proteins.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess or bell peppers for crunch.
- For more heat, add sliced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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