Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
When summer rolls around, I automatically think of warm evenings spent on the patio, grilled steaks, and fresh salads. One of my all-time favorite meals is Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad. This dish not only brings vibrant flavors to the table but also has a special family touch. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; everyone raved about how the combinations of juicy steak, sweet corn, and tangy gorgonzola created a perfect harmony of tastes. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for special occasions but is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Trust me, when you serve this salad, your family and friends will be asking for seconds—and maybe even the recipe!
Why make this recipe?
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, you’ve found it! This Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad is not only mouth-watering but also incredibly easy to prepare. With the grilling process and a fresh salad that comes together in a matter of minutes, you can have dinner ready in no time. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly recipe that uses straightforward ingredients, which are often already in your kitchen. Kids love the combination of flavors, too! The sweetness from the corn balances out the tanginess from the cheese and the balsamic glaze, making this an excellent choice for the whole family, even the pickiest eaters.
How to make Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
Making this salad takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, and I find it simplifies your dinner prep wonderfully. All you need are a few key ingredients, and it’s as simple as grilling steak and tossing a salad. If you have a grill, great! If not, you can easily adapt this recipe for a stovetop grill pan or even bake the steak in the oven. Either way, you’re going to love how this meal comes together.
Ingredients
- Juicy grilled steak
- Sweet roasted corn
- Tangy gorgonzola cheese
- Fresh greens
- Balsamic glaze
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Step-by-step directions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This step sets the stage for a beautifully charred steak.
- Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. You’ll want every bite to be flavorful!
- Grill the steak to your desired doneness—around 4-6 minutes on each side should get you a medium-rare finish, but adjust according to your taste.
- Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender steak.
- While the steak rests, mix the fresh greens and roasted corn in a large bowl. Feel free to use your favorite greens; spinach, arugula, or mixed salad greens all work well.
- Top the salad with sliced steak and crumbled gorgonzola cheese. Don’t skimp on any of these toppings!
- Finally, drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving to add that perfect finishing touch.
How to serve Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad?
Serving this salad is all about presentation. Place the salad on a large platter or individual bowls for a lovely family-style meal. You can also pair it with some hearty side dishes like crusty bread or a light soup to round out your dinner. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a nice touch as garnishes, enhancing the meal’s appearance and freshness. If you want to make it a more substantial meal, consider adding some grilled vegetables or a side of quinoa.
How to store Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad?
If you have leftovers—which is rare, but let’s be honest, sometimes it happens—you can store this salad in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to keep the steak and salad dressing separate to maintain the freshness of the greens. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, heat the steak in the microwave or on the stovetop, and toss it all together again. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend freezing the salad once it’s dressed, as the greens will lose their crispness.
Tips for perfect Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
- Let Your Steak Rest: Always let the steak rest after grilling; this keeps it juicy!
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Good seasoning enhances the flavor of the steak.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose a good cut of steak and fresh gorgonzola cheese. It makes a big difference in taste!
- Make it Ahead: You can prep the salad and grill the steak ahead of time. Just assemble it when you’re ready to eat.
- Experiment with Glaze: Don’t hesitate to try different flavors of balsamic glaze. A fig or cranberry-flavored glaze adds a unique twist!
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu to create a satisfying vegetarian version.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in any vegetables you have on hand like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Different Cheeses: If gorgonzola isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute it with feta or goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor.
FAQs about Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
Can I substitute the steak with chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs will work wonderfully with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure you cook it through.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer if you have one. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. Otherwise, the finger test can help too!
Can I use frozen corn instead of roasted corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn! Just sauté it in a pan for a few minutes to warm and caramelize it slightly for added sweetness.
This Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad not only dazzles the taste buds but also makes for a vibrant, healthy meal. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a favorite in your household! Enjoy!
Print
Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A vibrant salad with juicy grilled steak, sweet corn, and tangy gorgonzola, perfect for summer evenings.
Ingredients
- Juicy grilled steak
- Sweet roasted corn
- Tangy gorgonzola cheese
- Fresh greens
- Balsamic glaze
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Grill the steak to your desired doneness—around 4-6 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
- Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Mix the fresh greens and roasted corn in a large bowl.
- Top the salad with sliced steak and crumbled gorgonzola cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Notes
For variations, try grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option or experiment with different balsamic glaze flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: steak salad, grilled salad, summer salad, balsamic vinaigrette