Recipe Drop- Steak Pesto Salad

Yea yea- salads suck. Except this one (I promise!) The vinaigrette is perfect, the veggies give it the warmth & heft that's missing from standard salads, and... it's got steak! Try it out to load up on healthy fats, pure protein and tons of micronutrients.

PESTO VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS:

1 cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

3 cloves garlic, peeled

1/4 cup raw pine nuts

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp pink Himalayan salt or sea salt

1/4 tsp crushed black pepper

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

GRILLED VEGGIE & STEAK INGREDIENTS:

1 red bell pepper, stemmed, halved, and seeded

1 yellow bell pepper, stemmed, halved, and seeded

1 large zucchini, quartered lengthwise

1 bunch green onions, trimmed

10 radishes, halved

1 large avocado, pitted, peeled, and quartered

1 small red onion, quartered

2 fennel bulbs, cored and quartered

2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as maitake, King Trumpet, or others)

1 1/2 lbs grassfed sirloin steak

6 Tbsp avocado oil, divided

1 tsp pink Himalayan salt or sea salt, divided

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

SALAD INGREDIENTS:

6 cups fresh organic arugula

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup hemp seeds (also called hemp hearts)

Directions

1 For the vinaigrette: Combine the basil, mint, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse several times until a coarse mixture forms.

2 Add the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.

3 Turn on the food processor, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil and blend until incorporated; set aside.

4 To grill the veggies: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high.

5 While the grill or grill pan is warming, prep the veggies: In a large bowl, toss the peppers, zucchini, green onions, radishes, avocado, red onion, fennel, and mushrooms with 4 tablespoons of the avocado oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.

6 Place the vegetables on the grill rack or pan and grill 4 minutes on each side, or until slightly blackened.

7 Remove the vegetables from the grill and cool slightly.

8 Cut into 1-inch pieces and set aside.

9 To grill the steak: Heat the grill or grill pan to high.

10 Coat the steak with the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper.

11 Grill the steak 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness.

12 Transfer to a cutting board and allow to rest for 2 to 3 minutes, then cut into slices.

13 To assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the grilled vegetables with the arugula, tomatoes, and hemp seeds.

14 Add the vinaigrette and toss gently.

15 Transfer the salad to a serving platter and place the steak slices on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of hemp seeds and enjoy.