If you’re craving a dish that brilliantly balances bold flavors and refreshing brightness, this Grilled Flank Steak with Avocado Salsa Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender marinated flank steak grilled to juicy perfection combines with a creamy, zesty avocado salsa bursting with fresh ingredients. It’s perfect for casual weeknight dinners or showing off your grilling skills at your next backyard gathering. The way the smoky steak contrasts with the cool, vibrant salsa is truly a celebration of tastes and textures you won’t want to miss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a single raw piece of red meat with visible marbling, placed on a white cloth that sits on a wooden board. Around the meat, there are three small white bowls: one with chopped green herbs, one with a dark sauce, and one with a light yellow sauce. In the top part of the image, there are several lime wedges and orange halves arranged loosely. A bottle of green seasoning is placed near the bottom of the meat. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this dish right is all about the beautiful, simple ingredients that come together to create harmony across flavor, texture, and color. Each element is essential—not just for taste but for balance, making this recipe surprisingly easy but incredibly satisfying.

Flank steak (1½–2 lb): The star of the dish, known for its rich flavor and perfect texture when grilled and sliced against the grain.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds moisture and helps carry the marinade flavors deep into the meat.
Lime juice (2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon for salsa): Brings bright acidity that tenderizes the steak and livens the salsa.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides savory depth to the marinade.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, earthy note that complements the southwest-inspired profile.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky heat without overpowering the steak.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon for salsa): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon + ¼ teaspoon for salsa): Gives a gentle kick and sharpness to balance the richness.
Avocados (2 ripe, diced): The creamy star in the salsa that cools and complements the grilled meat beautifully.
Cherry tomatoes (½ cup, chopped): Provide juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
Red onion (¼ cup, finely diced): Adds a slight crunch and savory sharpness to the salsa.
Fresh cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings a fresh herbal brightness that makes the salsa pop.

How to Make Grilled Flank Steak with Avocado Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This marinade is the flavor powerhouse for your steak, gently infusing each bite with a mouthwatering blend of savory, tangy, and smoky notes. Place the flank steak into a resealable bag or shallow dish, and make sure it’s fully coated with the marinade. Pop it in the fridge, allowing it to soak up those flavors—anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours works perfectly depending on your schedule.

Step 2: Grill the Steak

Preheat your grill to a high heat zone around 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (230 to 260 Celsius). This ensures you get that gorgeous seared crust on the steak. Remove the steak from its marinade and pat it dry to encourage better browning. Grill the steak for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until it reaches medium-rare doneness, which means an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). After grilling, rest the steak for 8 to 10 minutes—this keeps all those delicious juices locked inside for incredibly tender slices.

Step 3: Prepare the Avocado Salsa

While your steak rests, gently combine diced ripe avocados, chopped cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. The key here is to mix carefully to keep the avocado chunks intact, giving a creamy contrast to the lightly acidic and crunchy elements. This salsa is fresh, zesty, and perfectly complements the smoky grilled steak.

Step 4: Slice the Steak and Serve

Always slice your flank steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Serving the slices topped with a generous spoonful of avocado salsa makes for a colorful, mouthwatering presentation. Each bite delivers a fantastic combination of smoky, creamy, tangy, and savory.

How to Serve Grilled Flank Steak with Avocado Salsa Recipe

The image shows a white oval plate with many slices of cooked steak arranged in a row, each with a brown outside and pink inside, showing a juicy texture. On top of the steak slices, there is a bright yellow mango salsa mixed with green herbs, adding a fresh and colorful touch. A sprig of fresh rosemary rests on the side of the plate, adding a green accent. The plate is on a white marbled surface, and a woman’s hand holds a fork with a cream-colored handle on the left side of the plate. Small bowls with different spices are placed around the plate, visible at the edges of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro or a few lime wedges alongside your plated steak for a fragrant, zesty boost. If you like a little heat, sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes can bring exciting layers to the salsa.

Side Dishes

Pair your grilled flank steak with light and fresh sides that don’t overpower. Think grilled corn on the cob, a crisp mixed green salad, or even some fluffy cilantro-lime rice to keep the meal balanced and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this dish into tacos by placing sliced steak and avocado salsa in warm tortillas topped with crumbled queso fresco. Or use the steak and salsa as a vibrant base for your favorite grain bowl, adding black beans, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of crema.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grilled flank steak with avocado salsa keeps beautifully in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salsa separate if you want to preserve its vibrant texture and flavor longer, then combine when ready to serve.

Freezing

While steak can be frozen, the avocado salsa does not freeze well due to texture changes. Cooked steak slices can be frozen in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For tender reheated steak, gently warm slices in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave, adding a sprinkle of water or broth to retain moisture. Add your fresh avocado salsa only after reheating to enjoy its full flavor and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its flavor and texture, skirt steak or hanger steak are great alternatives that grill similarly and deliver robust taste.

How long should I marinate the flank steak?

For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but extending up to 4 hours allows the spices and lime juice to penetrate the meat more deeply without breaking down the texture too much.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The ingredients in the Grilled Flank Steak with Avocado Salsa Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making this meal perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make the avocado salsa ahead of time?

It’s best to make the salsa fresh right before serving to preserve its creamy texture and bright flavor, but you can prep ingredients ahead and assemble quickly when ready.

What’s the secret to tender flank steak?

Slicing the steak thinly against the grain is essential to keeping each bite tender. Also, resting the steak after grilling allows juices to redistribute evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Flank Steak with Avocado Salsa Recipe has become one of my very favorite dishes to pull out when friends come over or when I want a flavorful meal that feels special but comes together so easily. The balance of smoky, savory steak paired with the luscious avocado salsa creates a beautiful symphony of flavors that’s sure to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — it just might become a go-to recipe in your kitchen too!

Grilled Flank Steak with Avocado Salsa Recipe