New Zealand-style Beef Salad

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Mexican flavors of Salpicón de res are infused with the fresh and vibrant ingredients commonly found in New Zealand cuisine. The original dish typically includes ingredients like lime juice, cilantro, and chili peppers, which are replaced with a citrus-based dressing, mixed greens, and other locally available vegetables to suit the New Zealand palate. We alse have the original recipe for Salpicón de res, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups mixed salad greens 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
2. 2.
   Place the beef slices in a separate bowl and pour half of the dressing over them. Toss to coat the beef evenly and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
3. 3.
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated beef slices. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. 4.
   In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked beef slices to the salad bowl and drizzle the remaining dressing over the top. Toss gently to combine.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For a more tender result, slice the beef against the grain.
• Mixed salad greens — Use a combination of your favorite greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula for added flavor and texture.
• Cherry tomatoes — If cherry tomatoes are not available, you can substitute them with diced regular tomatoes.
• Red onion — Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its flavor if desired.
• Fresh parsley — Feel free to substitute parsley with cilantro or mint for a different herbaceous note.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice over the salad before serving.
• Customize the salad by adding avocado slices, crumbled feta cheese, or toasted nuts for added texture and richness.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Make sure to let the beef rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.
• If you prefer a warm salad, you can serve the beef slices slightly warm instead of letting them cool completely.

Serving advice

Serve the New Zealand-style Beef Salad as a light lunch or dinner. It can also be a refreshing appetizer or a side dish for a larger meal. Pair it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the salad on a large platter, placing the beef slices on top of the mixed greens and vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the colors vibrant and fresh. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added touch of green.