Char-Grilled Chilli Beef Salad (Paleo)

I love the combination of lime and chili – it gives this salad a bit of a kick. The dressing will last in a jar for a day or so in the fridge, so shake it well and add it to the salad at the last minute. I used Lebanese cucumber, but continental would work just as well in this Char-Grilled Chili Beef Salad.

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5 from 1 vote

Recipe: char-grilled chili beef salad

This Char-Grilled Chili Beef Salad combines the zesty flavours of lime and chili with fresh herbs and vegetables. Perfect for a light and flavourful Paleo meal, this salad is refreshing and has just the right amount of kick.

Prep Time3 hours hrs

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course: Salads

Cuisine: Paleo

Keyword: Char-Grilled Chili Beef Salad, Chili Lime Beef Salad, Paleo Salad, Zesty Beef Salad

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 300kcal

Cost: $20

Equipment

• Grill or Barbecue
• Bowl
• Jar

Ingredients

• 500 g beef I used rump steak
• Juice of 1 lime
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 400 g sliced cucumber
• 4 fresh chillies thinly sliced (seeds removed)
• 4 spring onions thinly sliced
• 4 green onions thinly sliced
• 250 g grape tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup fresh coriander cilantro leaves
• Dash coconut aminos
• I clove garlic minced

Instructions

• Marinate the Beef: First, in a bowl, coat the beef in half of the lemon and lime juice. Allow to marinate overnight in the fridge. This step ensures the beef absorbs all the zesty flavours.
• Prepare the Beef: Drain the beef and discard the marinade. Barbecue the beef until it’s cooked to your liking. Alternatively, you can cook it on the stove or under the grill. Allow the beef to rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
• Mix the Vegetables: In a bowl, mix the sliced cucumber, chili, spring onions, green onions, grape tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This creates a fresh and vibrant base for your salad.
• Make the Dressing: In a jar, add the remaining lemon and lime juice, coconut aminos, and minced garlic. Shake thoroughly to mix well. This dressing adds a refreshing and tangy flavour to the salad.
• Combine Everything: Add the sliced beef and dressing to the vegetable mix. Toss well to ensure everything is well coated and mixed in.
• Serve: Finally, serve your Char-Grilled Chili Beef Salad immediately and enjoy the refreshing combination of flavours.

Enjoy making and eating this Zesty Char-Grilled Chili Beef Salad. The combination of lime, chili, and fresh herbs provides a delightful flavour that’s perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This salad is not only delicious but also aligns with a Paleo lifestyle, making it a nutritious and satisfying choice.

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or herbs to suit your taste preferences. This salad is versatile and can be customised to include your favourite ingredients. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Char-Grilled Chili Beef Salad

This salad brings together bold flavours, vibrant colours, and nutrient-rich ingredients in one easy-to-make dish. The char-grilled beef adds smokiness and depth, while the lime-chili dressing lifts everything with its zingy kick. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping salad to serve at a barbecue.

Unlike many standard salads that can feel bland or uninspired, this dish delivers big on flavour without relying on dairy, grains, or processed sauces. It’s perfect for warm days when you want something refreshing, yet filling.

Paleo-Perfect and Packed with Goodness

Every ingredient in this recipe is Paleo-friendly. Grass-fed beef offers high-quality protein and healthy fats. Fresh herbs like coriander and mint provide antioxidants, while cucumber, capsicum, and other raw vegetables deliver crunch and fibre. The lime and chili dressing contains no added sugars or preservatives – just real, clean ingredients.

It’s an excellent way to enjoy meat in a fresh, light way without the heaviness that can come from traditional roasts or stews. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from refined oils or sweeteners, which makes it a great option for those with intolerances or following a strict Paleo protocol.

Choosing the Best Cut of Beef

For this recipe, tender cuts of beef work best. Scotch fillet, sirloin, flank steak or rump all grill beautifully and are easy to slice thinly after resting. Aim for grass-fed or organic if possible, as the flavour is far superior and aligns with the Paleo principle of eating as cleanly as possible.

Marinating the beef briefly in lime juice and spices before grilling will enhance the flavour and help tenderise the meat. Even just 20 minutes will make a difference, but if you have time to marinate for an hour or more, it’ll be even better.

Grilling Tips for Flavourful Beef

• Preheat your grill: Make sure your pan or barbecue is hot before the beef goes on. This helps create a nice sear without overcooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the meat.
• Let it rest: Once grilled, allow the beef to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in the meat and results in more tender slices.

The Dressing: Zesty, Spicy and Simple

This lime and chili dressing is a major highlight of the dish. It combines citrusy freshness with a subtle heat, balancing perfectly with the richness of the beef and the cooling crunch of cucumber. If you like a spicier salad, feel free to add more chili or even a few slices of fresh red chilli to the mix.

Make a double batch of the dressing and store it in a glass jar in the fridge – it also works well as a marinade or drizzle for grilled chicken or prawns.

Make It Your Own: Salad Variations and Add-Ins

This salad is easily customisable. Here are a few ideas to mix it up depending on what’s in your fridge:

• Leafy greens: Add a handful of baby spinach, rocket, or shredded cos lettuce to make it more of a main meal.
• Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess and a dose of healthy fats.
• Fresh herbs: Swap coriander for Thai basil or add some spring onions for a different herbal note.
• Crunch: Toss in a few toasted almonds or crushed macadamias for added texture and nutty richness.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

This salad works beautifully for meal prep. Grill the beef and prepare the vegetables ahead of time. Store the dressing separately and drizzle over just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh. The cooked beef will last up to 3 days in the fridge and can also be sliced cold for a lunchbox salad or wrap alternative.

If you’re planning to serve this for guests, everything can be prepped in advance, then assembled quickly just before serving. The bold flavours mean it pairs well with grilled seafood or even as a side to a main dish at a larger gathering.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

• Beef: A fantastic source of complete protein, iron, B12, zinc, and other essential nutrients. Grass-fed varieties are higher in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Chili: Contains capsaicin, known to support metabolism and heart health.
• Lime: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, lime adds both flavour and immune support.
• Fresh herbs: Mint and coriander are known for their digestive benefits and natural antibacterial properties.
• Cucumber: Hydrating and low-calorie, cucumber adds crunch and helps balance the heat from the chili.

Perfect for Entertaining

This is one of those dishes that looks as good as it tastes. With vibrant colours, fresh herbs, and those beautiful slices of grilled beef, it makes an elegant addition to a summer lunch or dinner party. Plate it up on a large serving platter, drizzle with dressing and garnish with extra herbs and lime wedges for an effortless but impressive centrepiece.

Tips for Success

• Slice the beef against the grain for the most tender result.
• Keep your vegetables crisp by storing them separately from any dressing or cooked meat until ready to serve.
• If using wooden skewers for grilling, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

This Char-Grilled Chili Beef Salad is more than just a salad – it’s a flavour-packed, nutritious meal that showcases how satisfying clean eating can be. It’s quick to make, endlessly versatile, and perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re new to Paleo or simply looking for something fresh and exciting, this recipe deserves a regular spot on your weekly menu.

Try it out, make it your own, and enjoy the balance of heat, citrus, and vibrant vegetables. Let me know in the comments if you added your own twist or served it at your latest barbecue – I’d love to hear how it turned out!