Ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad, a dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet, is one of my absolute favorites. I’ve always loved a good steak salad, but this recipe elevates it to something truly special. The juicy, marinated steak, combined with fresh greens, tangy balsamic dressing, and creamy gorgonzola, creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. If you’re looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s also incredibly easy to make, you have to try this ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad.
Table of Contents
This recipe was inspired by a summer trip to Italy. Every meal was bursting with fresh, simple ingredients. I wanted to capture that feeling of effortless deliciousness in a salad. The result is this amazing dish: my take on the Italian inspired balsamic steak salad!
Why You Will Love This ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad Recipe
This recipe is more than just a salad; it’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and light. I love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable! You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or cheeses.
The combination of the tender, grilled steak, the tangy balsamic dressing, gorgonzola cheese, and crisp greens is simply irresistible. And for those watching their carbs, this ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad is a delicious and satisfying low carb option.
Ingredients Needed for This ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad Recipe
For the Balsamic Marinade:- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak), about 1 inch thick
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
- Balsamic glaze (for drizzling, optional)
How to Make This ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad Recipe
- 1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Marinate the Steak: Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the balsamic marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This not only flavors the steak, but also helps to tenderize it.
- 3. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium high heat, approximately 400 to 450°F (200 to 230°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- 4. Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, discarding the marinade. Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium rare, aim for 130 to 135°F (54 to 57°C).
- 5. Rest the Steak: Remove the grilled steak from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- 6. Assemble the Salad: While the steak is resting, prepare the salad base by combining the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion in a large bowl.
- 7. Slice the Steak: After the steak has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. This ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew.
- 8. Add the Steak and Cheese: Add the sliced steak to the salad bowl. Sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola cheese and toasted pine nuts (if using) over the steak and greens.
- 9. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad with balsamic glaze (optional) and serve immediately. You may skip the balsamic glaze and toss the salad with a little bit of the reserved balsamic marinade. Each bite is perfection! If you are in the mood for another grilled dish, try my Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!
How to Serve This ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad Recipe
Serve this ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad as a main course for lunch or dinner. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread or grilled vegetables. For a complete and balanced meal, you might add some grilled asparagus or bell peppers to the salad.
For a more elegant presentation, arrange the salad on individual plates, fanning out the steak slices and sprinkling the gorgonzola cheese generously. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds both flavor and visual appeal. If you don’t have gorgonzola, feta cheese works great too!
How to Store This ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad Recipe
To store this ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad, keep the steak separate from the greens and other toppings. Store the steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the greens and other toppings in a separate container.
Do not dress the salad until ready to serve, as the dressing will cause the greens to wilt. If you have leftover balsamic marinade, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat the steak gently in a skillet or microwave before adding it to the salad. Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture of the steak and greens.
Tips to Make This ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad Recipe
- Choose the Right Steak: Opt for a tender cut of steak like sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak for the best results. The cut of meat will impact the tenderness of the steak.
- Don’t Overcook Steak: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired doneness. Overcooked steak will be tough and dry.
- Marinate the Steak: Marinating the steak infuses it with flavor and helps to tenderize it. Don’t skip this step!
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite veggies, nuts, or cheeses to the salad. Some great additions include avocado, bell peppers, cucumbers, and walnuts.
- Dress the Salad Right Before Serving: Adding the dressing too early will cause the greens to wilt. If you’re a fan of grilled dishes, have you tried my Bbq Chicken Grilled Cheese? Yummy!
Helpful Notes for This ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad Recipe
For the best flavor, use high quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens. Start with 1/2 cup and simmer until reduced by half. Be careful and watch to not burn.
If you’re grilling indoors, a cast iron skillet works well for cooking the steak. Just make sure to preheat it thoroughly before adding the steak. Also, make sure to adequately ventilate the kitchen. Cooking any dish can be made easier if you follow these instructions and use the right equipment.
Variation of This ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad Recipe
For a seasonal twist, try adding grilled peaches or berries to the salad in the summer. In the fall, roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes would be a delicious addition.
For a vegetarian version, replace the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or halloumi cheese. You can also add some grilled chickpeas or lentils for a protein boost. Another great dish to try is my Creamy Pasta Salad If you are looking for something different.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic marinade or drizzle the salad with a spicy sriracha mayo.
What cut of steak is best for grilled balsamic steak salad?
Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin are excellent choices for grilled balsamic steak salad. They are flavorful, relatively tender, and cook quickly on the grill, making them perfect for slicing and adding to a salad.
Can I prepare the steak and dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the steak for up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. The balsamic vinaigrette can also be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator. However, assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.
What are some good substitutions for gorgonzola cheese?
If you’re not a fan of gorgonzola, you can substitute it with crumbled blue cheese, feta cheese, or goat cheese. These options provide a similar tangy and creamy element to the salad that complements the steak and balsamic dressing well. You can also omit the cheese to keep it dairy-free.
Can this recipe be made without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the steak in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven. Ensure the skillet is very hot before adding the steak to achieve a good sear. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook the steak until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and eating this ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad as much as I do. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Give this flavorful balsamic steak salad a try and let me know what you think! I can’t wait to see your culinary creations!
Ultimate Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad: Easy Recipe!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant and flavorful ultimate grilled balsamic steak salad with tender steak, mixed greens, gorgonzola cheese, and a tangy balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak)n1/4 cup balsamic vinegarn2 tablespoons olive oiln2 cloves garlic, mincedn1 tablespoon Dijon mustardn1 teaspoon dried oreganon1/2 teaspoon saltn1/4 teaspoon black peppern6 cups mixed greensn1 cup cherry tomatoes, halvedn1/2 cup red onion, thinly slicedn1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheesen1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)nBalsamic glaze (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.n2. Marinate the Steak: Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.n3. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium high heat, approximately 400 to 450°F (200 to 230°C).n4. Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, discarding the marinade. Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium rare.n5. Rest the Steak: Remove the grilled steak from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutesn6. Assemble the Salad: While the steak is resting, prepare the salad base by combining the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion in a large bowl.n7. Slice the Steak: After the steak has rested, slice it thinly against the grain.n8. Add the Steak and Cheese: Add the sliced steak to the salad bowl. Sprinkle the crumbled gorgonzola cheese and toasted pine nuts (if using) over the steak and greens.n9. Dress and Serve: Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze (optional) and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
