Easy Peachy Beef Toss

Got leftover roast beef? Slice it into strips and toss it with canned peaches, creamy avocado, and crisp romaine for a main dish salad that comes together in minutes flat.

The dressing is where the magic happens. Italian dressing mixed with sweet-and-sour barbecue sauce plus a splash of reserved peach juice creates something tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet all at once. It clings to the beef strips and softens the romaine just enough without wilting it.

Use peaches packed in juice, not heavy syrup. The juice goes into the dressing, and syrup would make everything cloyingly sweet. Slice the avocado right before serving so it holds its shape in the toss.

Pro Tips

• Chill the beef strips and romaine beforehand. A cold salad with warm beef is a letdown.
• Toss the dressing in at the very last moment. The acid in the Italian dressing will brown the avocado and wilt the lettuce if it sits.
• Cherry tomatoes go on as garnish, not in the toss. They release juice that waters down the dressing.

Variations

• Swap roast beef for grilled steak strips or sliced deli roast beef in a pinch.
• Use fresh ripe peaches in summer when they’re in season instead of canned.
• Add crumbled blue cheese or toasted pecans for a steakhouse salad feel.