Grilled Citrus-Marinated Flank Steak with Avocado Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flank steak marinated in bright citrus juices and grilled to perfection, topped with a fresh avocado salsa bursting with flavor. This whole30 (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 25 minutes blends flank steak, orange juice, lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a glass dish, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs flank steak to the marinade, turning to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove steak from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and toss gently.
  5. Step 5: Slice the rested flank steak thinly against the grain and serve topped with the fresh avocado salsa.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Flank Steak with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Marinated Flank Steak with Avocado Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Flank Steak with Avocado Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Citrus-Marinated Flank Steak with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Grilled Citrus-Marinated Flank Steak with Avocado Salsa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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