Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly grilled steak, paired with a medley of fresh vegetables. This grilled steak salad is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s a dish that never disappoints.
This recipe is versatile, allowing you to use any of your favorite veggies or even leftover steak. The combination of juicy steak, crisp greens, and a tangy dressing creates a delightful experience that keeps you coming back for more.
With its satisfying taste and vibrant colors, this salad proves that healthy eating can be both delicious and visually appealing.
Ingredients That Shine
The foundation of this dish lies in its vibrant ingredients. The star, of course, is the steak, typically flank or sirloin, marinated to perfection. This not only enhances its flavor but also adds tenderness.
Accompanying the steak are a mix of fresh salad greens such as arugula, spinach, and romaine, providing a crisp base. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, while cucumbers offer a refreshing crunch. Red onion brings a mild zest, and if desired, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese elevates the dish with a creamy texture.
The Perfect Marination
Marinating the steak is a crucial step that infuses it with flavor. A simple blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard, along with seasoning, creates an ideal marinade.
Allow the steak to soak in these flavors for at least 30 minutes. This marination process not only enhances taste but also promotes tenderness, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Grilling to Perfection
Grilling the steak is where the magic happens. Preheating the grill to medium-high heat is essential for achieving those perfect grill marks while locking in juices.
Grill the marinated steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish. After grilling, let the meat rest briefly, allowing the juices to redistribute, which prevents them from escaping when sliced.
Building the Salad
As the steak rests, it’s time to prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onions.
This colorful medley not only looks appealing but also provides a range of textures and flavors that complement the grilled steak beautifully. Tossing them lightly ensures an even distribution of ingredients.
Final Assembly
Once the steak has rested and is sliced into thin strips, it’s time to assemble the salad. Place the steak slices on top of the bed of greens and vegetables.
For an added touch, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. This adds a delightful creaminess that balances the dish perfectly. Drizzling with a bit more olive oil and balsamic vinegar just before serving enhances the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this grilled steak salad as a standalone meal or as part of a larger spread. It’s perfect for warm summer evenings or casual gatherings with friends.
Pair it with a chilled white wine or a light sparkling drink to complement the freshness of the ingredients. This salad not only satisfies hunger but also delights the senses with its colors and flavors.
The Ultimate Grilled Steak Salad Recipe
This grilled steak salad features tender slices of marinated steak served over a bed of crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Tossed with a flavorful vinaigrette, it’s a hearty meal that balances freshness and richness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the steak and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Assemble: Place the sliced steak on top of the salad. Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired.
- Serve: Drizzle with additional olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and enjoy your delicious grilled steak salad!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g