Steak Salad
There’s nothing quite like a fresh steak salad to brighten up your meal! This dish balances the succulence of perfectly cooked steak with vibrant mixed greens and juicy cherry tomatoes.
Whether you’re planning a weekday dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this steak salad is both satisfying and visually appealing.
Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that will impress everyone at the table!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
Why I Love This Steak Salad
This steak salad holds a special place in my heart because it’s so versatile! I love how easy it is to make and how quickly the flavors come together.
The rich, juicy steak paired with creamy blue cheese and tangy balsamic vinaigrette creates a delicious explosion of tastes.
It’s perfect for warm evenings when you want something light but filling. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use fresh summer produce from the garden or farmer’s market.
Every bite is a refreshing reminder of why salads can be so much more than just a side dish!
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Steak Salad
Step 1: Grill the Steak
Grill or pan-sear the steak to your preferred doneness—medium-rare is usually the best for salads! Aim for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This helps keep it tender and juicy!
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion. This fresh mix adds a wonderful crunch and color to your salad.
Step 3: Add the Steak
Take the rested steak and slice it thinly. Add the sliced steak to the bowl with the vegetables. This hearty addition makes the salad satisfying and protein-rich.
Step 4: Add Blue Cheese
Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top of the salad. The creamy texture and sharp flavor of the blue cheese complement the beef beautifully.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Gently toss everything together so that the dressing coats the veggies and steak evenly.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, give the salad a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Serve it immediately while everything is fresh and vibrant!
Tips & Variations
Serving Suggestion: For a pop of color, consider adding sliced bell peppers or avocados to your salad. They taste great and look stunning.
Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you want a bit more crunch, you can top it with gluten-free croutons.
Spice it Up: If you’re a fan of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Diet Adjustments: For a lower-calorie option, use grilled chicken instead of steak and opt for goat cheese or feta instead of blue cheese for a tangy twist.
Delicious Variations
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Swap steak for chicken and use Caesar dressing for a classic flavor combo.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Combine cooked quinoa with olives, feta, and Mediterranean veggies for a refreshing variety.
Shrimp and Avocado Salad: Toss grilled shrimp and diced avocado with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette for bright, zesty flavors.
Tuna Niçoise Salad: A French classic featuring seared tuna, green beans, potatoes, and olives, it’s a perfect light meal.
Serving Suggestions for Steak Salad
This steak salad is best served fresh and chilled, making it perfect for warm lunch or dinner gatherings. Plate it with a drizzle of additional balsamic vinaigrette for added flavor and an eye-catching presentation.
Pair it with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing iced tea for a complete meal. If you’re looking for a side to complement your steak salad, consider whipping up some garlic toast or a light summer soup.
Storage and Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The steak can be kept for about 3 days as well. If you want to maintain the quality of the mixed greens, add the dressing right before serving to keep them crisp. It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the fresh ingredients, but you can enjoy the steak in other dishes, like wraps or sandwiches, later on!
Helpful Questions
Can I use different greens?
Yes! You can use any greens you like, such as arugula, spinach, or kale.What if I don’t like blue cheese?
Feel free to swap it out for crumbled feta or goat cheese, or omit it entirely.How can I make this salad vegetarian?
Substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.What’s the best cooking method for the steak?
Both grilling and pan-searing work great! Choose the method that you’re most comfortable with.Can I make this salad in advance?
You can chop the vegetables and cook the steak ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
Enjoy making this delightful steak salad—it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Steak Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A fresh and vibrant steak salad that combines juicy steak with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grill or pan-sear the steak to your preferred doneness, about 4-5 minutes per side. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add the sliced steak to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding sliced bell peppers or avocados. Store leftovers in an airtight container without dressing for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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