Grilled Steak Salad: Your New Go-To for Quick, Delicious Meals!
Are you on the hunt for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both hearty and healthy? Look no further than this Grilled Steak Salad! Whether you’re juggling a busy work schedule, managing family dinners, or just trying to keep your meals exciting, this salad has your back. Picture this: tender steak, fresh greens, and a zesty dressing that ties it all together beautifully. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Steak Salad
Not only does this Grilled Steak Salad bring the wow factor to your dinner table, but it’s also super quick to whip up. I mean, who doesn’t love a dish that feels indulgent but is actually quite easy to make? With the juicy flavors of grilled steak combined with the crunch of fresh veggies, it’s a complete meal in one bowl. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftovers if you’re lucky enough to have any!
Let’s dive into this recipe that my sister Patricia and I have perfected over the years. It started as an attempt to eat healthier, and now it’s a staple in my home that both my picky kids and my steak-loving husband adore!
Ingredients for Grilled Steak Salad
You’ll need the following ingredients to create this masterpiece:
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For the Salad:
- 1 pound flank steak
- 8 cups mixed salad greens (think romaine, arugula, and spinach for that color pop!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional, but let’s be honest, it’s totally worth it)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for that fresh finish)
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For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps to Create Your Grilled Steak Salad
1. Marinate and Grill the Steak
Start by marinating the flank steak. In a bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss in the steak, ensuring it’s coated well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (if you can manage to wait that long!).
Once it’s ready, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the steak for about 6-7 minutes per side (depending on how you like it cooked). When it’s done, set it aside to rest for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens—those juices settle, resulting in a tender bite!
2. Assemble the Salad
While the steak is resting, prepare your salad. In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and blue cheese. Meanwhile, slice the grilled steak against the grain into strips for that perfect tender bite.
3. Whip up the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. If you prefer a creamier dressing, feel free to add some Greek yogurt or sour cream to the mix.
4. Toss it All Together
Add the steak strips to the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Toss gently to combine, then finish with fresh herbs on top. Voila! Your Grilled Steak Salad is ready to impress.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Skimp on Marinade Time: If you have extra time, let that steak soak up the flavors for a few hours or overnight. Your patience will be rewarded!
- Add Some Crunch: Feeling adventurous? Toss in some toasted nuts or seeds for a delightful crunch.
- Watch the Grill: Steak can go from perfect to overcooked in minutes, so keep an eye on it, especially if you’re multitasking!
This salad was inspired by my many attempts to make my family eat healthy without them knowing they were eating salad. And believe me, it’s achieved champion status at our family table!
FAQs About Grilled Steak Salad
Can I substitute flank steak for another type of meat?
Absolutely! You can use sirloin, chicken, or even tofu if you want to make it vegetarian. Just adjust your cooking times accordingly!
How can I store leftovers?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (I always hope for some), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep the dressing on the side to keep everything fresh!
What if I don’t have blue cheese?
No problem! Feta or goat cheese works too. Or skip the cheese entirely—it’s still delicious without it!
With its easy prep and delightful flavors, this Grilled Steak Salad will quickly become a weekly favorite. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to throw something together without too much fuss.
So, gather the ingredients, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to a hearty, flavorful dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious. You deserve it!
Rediscover the joy of cooking and meal prepping with my family-friendly recipes, and remember: it’s not just about the food, but the memories we create together in the kitchen. Happy cooking!
Meta Description: Grilled Steak Salad is the perfect recipe for busy days. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!
Grilled Steak Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Toss in the flank steak, ensuring it's well-coated and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and grill the steak for about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Once done, set aside to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- In a large bowl, add mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and blue cheese.
- Slice the grilled steak against the grain into strips.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Optional: Add Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamier dressing.
- Add the steak strips to the salad and drizzle with the dressing.
- Toss gently to combine and finish with fresh herbs on top.