Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina

Bake the Fries: Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread the fries on a baking sheet, drizzle with vegetable oil, season with a pinch of salt, and bake according to package directions until golden and crispy, typically 20 to 25 minutes. Toss halfway through for even browning.

Sear the Steak Strips: Pat the steak strips dry with paper towels. Heat a skillet over high heat with a light coating of oil. Sear the strips for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they reach your preferred doneness. Season generously with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate and let rest.

Prepare the Zesty Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Prep the Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and cut the avocado into slices. Set the mixed salad greens and all prepared vegetables aside.

Assemble the Bowls: Divide the crispy fries among four bowls as the base layer. Arrange salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado over the fries. Top each bowl with the rested steak strips.

Finish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over each bowl. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while the fries are still hot and crispy.