Quick and Easy Southwest Steak Salad Camping Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and easy motorcycle camping meal that involves only two main ingredients, enjoying a tender steak with a flavorful southwest salad is much easier to make than you might think. You can easily grab the two main ingredients at the grocery store on the way to camp. This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make. You’ll be eating a protein-packed, easy camp meal in no time! (Did I mention it’s delicious AF?!)

What You’ll Need: 

Camp Kitchen Gear:

• Camp Stove: If you want to cook your steak quickly, I’d recommend using a camp stove rather than building a fire (firewood at campgrounds can also be pricey, or may not be allowed). I utilize the stove + pot support that comes with my Jetboil MicroMo. Oh yeah, don’t forget your fuel!
• Skillet: When I made this recipe, I utilized my Sea to Summit X-Pot so that I cook and eat all in one piece of gear. Once I was finished cooking my steak, I allowed the X-Pot to cool while the steak rested, and then I added the salad kit in and ate directly from the pot! Alternatively, you could use a nonstick camping skillet to cook your steak, plus a Sea to Summit XL-Bowl to eat your meal.
• Tongs: to flip your steak and mix your salad
• Utensils: You’ll need a good knife to cut your steak, plus a fork to enjoy your meal!
• Cutting Board: If you decide to cook a filet that you ordered from the butcher counter, you may be able to prep and cut your steak on the butcher paper. Having a cutting board handy would be great, though.

For Cleanup:

• Soap: I personally love the Wilderness Wash from Sea to Summit
• Water
• Cleaning Cloth

Ingredients: 

• Steak: I used Filet Mignon for this recipe because of its tenderness and flavor. Visit the butcher counter at your local grocery store to order the perfect steak for your meal. Alternatively, you could use the more budget-friendly, prepackaged steak options that are available at the grocery store.
• Southwest Salad Kit: Choose your favorite salad kit from the grocery store. I personally love a good southwest salad for its zesty flavors and variety.
• Olive Oil or Cooking Oil: You’ll need a small amount for cooking your steak. (I carry mine in a 2oz Nalgene Bottle).
• Seasoning: I use a premade Garlic Salt and pepper mix that I pack in a small 2oz Nalgene bottle.
• Additional Toppings: If you want to elevate your salad, consider adding extras like avocado or bell peppers. However, I kept this recipe simple for easy motorcycle camping preparation

Frequently Asked Questions: “How do you keep your food cold?”

Because I picked my main ingredients up on the way to my campsite, I knew that my food would be consumed within a safe amount of time. I didn’t need to worry about the refrigeration between the grocery store and cooking it at camp. I do have a packable cooler that I use on occasion. It’s important to note that for longer trips, you should avoid keeping perishable foods for extended periods without refrigeration.

How to Make a Steak Salad while Camping:

1. Prep your steak: Season your steak with your spices of choice. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes if time allows.
2. Prepare Your Camp Stove: Set up your camp stove and X-Pot. This will heat up quickly. Be ready to put your steak on within a minute!
3. Cook the Steak: Add a small amount of oil to the skillet, or onto the steak prior to cooking. Cook the steak to your desired level of doneness, using the tongs to flip it. 
4. Prepare the Salad: While your steak is cooking, open your Salad Kit and follow the package instructions to assemble the salad. You can “toss” the salad inside the bag.
5. Let the steak rest: While the X-Pot cools, you can let your steak rest for five minutes on the cutting board (or on the butcher paper it was wrapped in). Filets are typically very tender and slice easily.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Add your salad to the cooled X-Pot. Slice your steak and serve on top of your salad, or however you choose. Add any extra toppings to your salad if you wish, and enjoy!

Tips for Cleaning Up:

• Dispose of Waste Properly: Collect any food scraps or trash in a designated bag, and dispose of it in a trash receptacle. Please follow Leave No Trace principles. This is crucial to keep wildlife from wandering into your campsite looking for food.
• Scrape and Wipe Clean: Before using soap, scrape off any food residue from your cookware and utensils and give them a good wipe with a cloth. This reduces the amount of soap and water needed for cleaning.
• Secure Your Food: When you’re not actively using your food or cooking equipment, store them in sealed containers or resealable bags to deter animals from sniffing around your campsite.
• Educate Yourself: Research the specific regulations and guidelines for the area where you’re camping. Some locations may have specific rules regarding waste disposal and cleanup.