The Ultimate Grilled Steak Salad: A Fresh & Flavorful Recipe for Summer
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this incredibly fresh and easy steak salad recipe. Featuring perfectly grilled steak, juicy tomatoes, sweet roasted corn, crisp red onion, and creamy avocado, it’s a meal that celebrates seasonal produce. I often enhance mine with a sprinkle of tangy blue cheese and a rich, creamy balsamic dressing, but this versatile salad offers countless ways for you to personalize it to your taste. It’s an ideal choice for grilling season, offering a light yet satisfying dinner that comes together effortlessly.
As the weather warms and days lengthen, my culinary focus shifts towards meals that are fresh, light, and packed with flavor. There’s something undeniably appealing about a hearty steak nestled among crisp greens and vibrant vegetables. The other day, a beautiful sirloin steak at the market immediately sparked the inspiration for this grilled steak salad. It’s infused with delightful Southwestern influences, incorporating plump grape tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, beautifully charred corn, and slices of buttery avocado. The beauty of this recipe lies in its speed; once your steak is cooked to perfection, the assembly of the rest of this magnificent salad is a matter of mere minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch.
Why This Steak Salad Will Become Your New Summer Favorite
This isn’t just any salad; it’s a complete culinary experience designed to delight your senses and nourish your body. Here’s why this grilled steak salad stands out as a must-try recipe:
- Bursting with Flavor. The secret to a truly exceptional steak salad starts with the steak itself. Searing locks in all the savory juices and robust flavor, whether you choose to grill, pan-sear, or use another preferred method. This rich foundation is perfectly complemented by the tangy kick of a homemade balsamic and Dijon dressing, while crumbled blue cheese adds a distinctive, funky sharpness that pairs exquisitely with the meat. The interplay of these bold flavors with the fresh, crisp vegetables creates an unforgettable dish that tantalizes the palate with every bite.
- Incredibly Satisfying. Beyond its delicious taste, this steak salad is remarkably filling and nutritionally balanced. It combines lean protein from the steak, healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and a bounty of fiber and vitamins from the mixed greens and fresh, colorful vegetables. It’s robust enough to serve as a complete meal on its own, ensuring you feel energized and content without being weighed down. For larger gatherings or as part of a more extensive spread, you can easily increase the portions and serve it as an impressive and wholesome side dish. It truly embodies the ideal summer meal – simultaneously refreshing and deeply satisfying.
- Highly Adaptable. One of the greatest virtues of this recipe is its immense flexibility. It serves as a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity, allowing you to easily customize it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different cuts of steak, try a variety of marinades to infuse new flavor profiles, or swap out the vegetables for whatever is fresh and in season at your local market. You can also play with various cheese options, incorporate crunchy nuts or seeds, or add additional tasty mix-ins, making it effortlessly customizable to suit any dietary need or craving.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Steak Salad
A high-quality cut of steak requires minimal seasoning, especially when grilled, allowing its natural flavor to shine through. The true magic of this salad, however, comes from its fresh, vibrant components and the homemade, creamy dressing. Below, I’ll detail the key ingredients you’ll need. For precise measurements and a comprehensive printable shopping list, please refer to the recipe card located further down the page.
- The Star: Steak – While I typically opt for a juicy sirloin steak for its excellent balance of flavor and tenderness, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to use any cut you prefer, such as a tender ribeye, economical flank steak, or flavorful skirt steak. Each cut offers a slightly different texture and richness. This salad is also a brilliant way to transform leftover steak into a brand new, exciting meal, ensuring nothing goes to waste. If using tougher cuts, a quick marinade can work wonders to tenderize and infuse additional flavor.
- Fresh Greens – The foundation of any great salad! A robust mix of lettuce and greens provides essential texture and nutrients. You can pick up a convenient pre-washed salad mix from the store, or create your own blend. I particularly enjoy the peppery bite of fresh arugula when it’s in season, which pairs wonderfully with the richness of steak. Other excellent choices include crisp romaine, tender butter lettuce, vibrant spring mix, or even sturdy spinach or kale for added nutritional value.
- Vibrant Veggies – This is where you can truly make the salad your own, adapting it to your preferences or seasonal availability. My go-to combination for a delightful Southwestern flair includes sweet grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes (halved for bite-sized bursts of juicy flavor), wonderfully roasted corn kernels (which add a delightful smoky sweetness and char), thinly sliced red onion for a refreshing crunch and mild sharpness, and creamy, rich avocado, which provides a lovely contrast in texture and healthy fats. Don’t hesitate to add other favorites like colorful bell peppers, crisp cucumber, thinly sliced radishes, grilled asparagus, or even some sweet potato cubes.
- Crumbly Blue Cheese – For an unparalleled depth of flavor, I highly recommend topping your steak salad with a firm, crumbly blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola, Stilton, or Roquefort. Their distinct, piquant, and savory notes cut through the richness of the steak beautifully, creating a complex flavor profile. If the distinctive taste of blue cheese isn’t to your liking, don’t worry! This salad is equally delicious with creamy goat cheese for a milder tang, salty crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist, or even a milder cotija cheese for a more pronounced Southwestern profile.
Crafting the Creamy Balsamic Dressing
A homemade dressing truly elevates this steak salad from good to exceptional. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and far superior to most store-bought varieties:
- High-Quality Olive Oil and Vinegar – These form the essential base of our creamy dressing. I prefer the rich, slightly sweet notes of balsamic vinegar, which adds a beautiful depth. However, red wine vinegar also makes an excellent, tangier substitute if you prefer. Always opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil; its flavor is a significant component of the dressing and greatly impacts the final taste.
- Fresh Garlic – Nothing quite beats the pungent aroma and sharp taste of freshly minced garlic. It adds an essential layer of savory depth to the dressing. If fresh garlic isn’t readily available, a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though using a fresh garlic clove is highly recommended for the best and most vibrant flavor.
- Dijon Mustard – Dijon is a key ingredient, not only for its distinct sharp, slightly spicy flavor but also for its natural emulsifying properties. It helps to bind the oil and vinegar together, creating a smooth, creamy dressing texture that clings beautifully to the salad components. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard can work, though they will alter the flavor profile slightly. In that case, consider mixing in a little mayonnaise to help maintain the desired creamy consistency.
The Magic of Easy Roasted Corn
While optional, roasting the corn for this steak salad is an extra step that truly enhances the overall flavor profile and is well worth the effort if time permits. This simple technique imparts a delightful smoky sweetness and a slight char that elevates the entire dish, creating a depth that raw corn can’t quite achieve. I use this identical method in my popular roasted avocado corn salsa, highlighting its versatility and delicious results.
To roast, simply toss fresh corn kernels (or thoroughly thawed and drained frozen corn) with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper. Spread the seasoned corn evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 450ºF (230ºC) for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the kernels are beautifully golden brown and slightly caramelized. The high heat coaxes out the corn’s natural sugars, intensifying its sweetness and adding a desirable smoky note.
Alternatively, if your grill is already fired up for the steak, you can grill corn on the cob directly. Grill the cobs until tender and slightly charred, then allow them to cool slightly before carefully shaving off the kernels with a sharp knife. This method adds another layer of smoky goodness that ties in perfectly with the grilled steak, making for a cohesive and flavorful salad.
Crafting the Best Steak Salad: Step-by-Step Guide
This effortless steak salad comes together beautifully in two main stages: perfectly cooking your steak and then artfully assembling all the fresh components. Here’s a concise overview to guide you through the process, ensuring a delicious outcome. For detailed, step-by-step printable instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the end of this post.
Cooking Your Steak to Perfection
The first crucial step is preparing your steak exactly how you like it. Whether you prefer grilling, pan-searing, or even using a sous vide method, the key is to achieve that ideal doneness and tenderness. For a classic grilled approach, we typically preheat our grill to medium-high and cook steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side for a luscious medium-rare finish. Ensure your steak is patted thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning with a drizzle of olive oil, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. This helps create a beautiful sear and crispy crust.
If you opt for a skillet, a searing hot cast-iron pan will yield an incredible crust. For those who enjoy precision and unparalleled tenderness, a sous vide steak followed by a quick high-heat sear is an excellent alternative. Regardless of your chosen method, the most critical step after cooking is to **rest the steak**. Once removed from the heat, allow it to rest uncovered for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This vital period enables the savory juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly tender, moist, and bursting with flavor.
Assembling Your Flavorful Salad
Once your steak is resting, you’re just moments away from a delicious meal. This is where all the fresh components come together to create a visually appealing and utterly delicious salad:
- Whip up the Dressing. While the steak is resting, take this opportune moment to prepare your creamy balsamic dressing. Simply whisk together all the dressing ingredients – olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper – in a small bowl until they are well combined and emulsified into a smooth, creamy consistency. For an even easier method, pour all the ingredients into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and give it a vigorous shake for about 30 seconds until the mixture is beautifully creamy.
- Layer and Serve. Begin by arranging a generous bed of fresh mixed greens or your favorite lettuce on individual plates or on one large, impressive serving platter. Artfully layer your chosen salad ingredients over the greens: the halved grape tomatoes, vibrant roasted corn kernels, crisp red onion slices, and creamy avocado. Don’t forget the crumbled blue cheese for that signature tangy punch. Once the steak has fully rested, slice it thinly against the grain (a crucial technique for tenderness, explained in more detail below) and arrange the succulent slices invitingly over the top of the salad. Finish by drizzling generously with your homemade creamy balsamic dressing just before serving, and enjoy your gourmet grilled steak salad immediately!
Mastering Steak Doneness: A Quick Guide
Achieving your desired steak doneness is a hallmark of a great cook and ensures the most enjoyable eating experience. Cooking times are highly variable, influenced by the thickness of your steak, your preferred level of doneness, and the specific cooking method employed. For consistent and accurate results every time, the most reliable tool is a good quality meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, being careful to avoid any bone, and consult this easy guide for internal temperatures:
- 130ºF (54ºC) for Medium-Rare: The steak will have a warm red center, offering maximum juiciness and tenderness.
- 135ºF (57ºC) for Medium: Expect a uniformly pink center throughout the steak.
- 140ºF (60ºC) for Medium-Well: The center will be slightly pink, leaning towards gray.
- For Well-Done: Aim for 150ºF (66ºC) or higher, though this is generally not recommended for steak salads as it can lead to a tougher, drier texture.
Beyond temperature, you can also develop a sense for the “touch test.” A raw steak is very soft and yielding. A medium-rare steak will feel yielding but with some spring when pressed. Medium will feel firmer, and a well-done steak will feel quite firm with little give. However, for precision and peace of mind, a meat thermometer offers far greater accuracy, especially for beginners or when cooking different cuts.
Expert Tips & Creative Variations for Your Steak Salad
Enhance your steak salad experience with these valuable tips and exciting variations, allowing you to tailor the dish to any occasion or craving. These adjustments can transform your salad into something truly special and perfectly suited to your taste:
- Avoid Overcooking for Optimal Tenderness. It’s crucial to remember that steak continues to cook even after it’s removed from the heat source, a phenomenon known as “carryover cooking.” To achieve the perfect doneness, remove your steak from the grill or stove when its internal temperature is about 5 degrees F (2-3 degrees C) below your desired final temperature. This way, after the essential resting period, your steak will reach its ideal tenderness and juiciness, avoiding a dry or tough result.
- Always Slice Against the Grain. This is perhaps the most important tip for achieving truly tender steak slices. Before slicing, take a moment to closely observe the steak; you’ll notice long, parallel muscle fibers, often referred to as the “grain.” To ensure every bite is meltingly tender and easy to chew, use a sharp knife to cut across these fibers, perpendicular to their direction, rather than parallel with them. This process shortens the fibers, making the meat far easier to chew and much more enjoyable.
- Experiment with a Flavorful Marinade. A well-chosen marinade can add incredible depth of flavor and even tenderize certain cuts of steak, especially leaner ones. For a unique and exciting flavor twist, consider borrowing the vibrant marinade from my Thai-inspired steak bites. This can transform your grilled steak salad into a delightful Thai steak salad, perfect with additions like shredded carrots, crunchy coleslaw mix, and chopped peanuts. In this case, I’d highly recommend pairing it with a bright and zesty cilantro lime dressing for a truly authentic and harmonious experience. You might also love this spicy Thai beef salad for more inspiration on Asian-inspired flavors.
- Beyond Balsamic: Dressing Alternatives. While the creamy balsamic dressing is a perfect match for this steak salad, feel free to switch it up to suit your mood or preferences! A classic homemade blue cheese dressing can amplify the cheese notes for blue cheese lovers, a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette offers a lighter and brighter touch, or even a spicy chipotle ranch can add an exciting Southwestern kick and creamy texture.
- More Creative Salad Bases. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability, allowing you to easily integrate your perfectly seared steak slices into other beloved salad recipes. Serve it over a crisp classic tossed salad for a quick and satisfying upgrade, or elevate a traditional Caesar salad by swapping grilled chicken for tender, flavorful steak. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination!
- Additional Toppings & Mix-ins. Boost both texture and flavor with extra ingredients. Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for crunch, crispy crumbled bacon for smoky notes, a handful of crunchy croutons, hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, or even more grilled vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added sweetness and char.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Your Steak Salad
This gourmet steak salad is incredibly hearty and stands proudly as a complete meal on its own, offering a perfect balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats. It truly checks all the boxes for a satisfying and wholesome dinner. However, if you’re looking to round out the meal for a larger appetite, a family dinner, or when entertaining guests, here are some delightful accompaniments that pair beautifully:
- Crispy Potatoes: For a delicious textural contrast to the tender steak, consider whipping up some crispy mojo potatoes. Their seasoned, crunchy exterior and fluffy interior make a wonderful complement. Alternatively, classic roasted potatoes, sweet potato fries, or even a simple side of French fries would be fantastic and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Flavorful Pasta Dishes: To create a more substantial and indulgent meal, especially if you’re very hungry, pairing this robust salad with a flavorful pasta dish works wonderfully. A light and fresh speedy sautéed shrimp pasta or a rich and comforting sun-dried tomato pasta offers a delightful contrast to the salad and adds an extra layer of culinary comfort.
- Artisan Breads: A crusty side of cheesy garlic bread, warm garlic knots, or a simple, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing and adding a comforting, satisfying element to your meal.
- Elegant Soups: For a refined touch, especially on a cooler evening, a rich and savory bowl of French onion soup makes an elegant starter that beautifully complements the deep, umami flavors of the steak and provides a warm, comforting contrast.
- Lighter Vegetable Sides: If you want to keep things on the fresher side and boost your vegetable intake even further, a simple side of grilled asparagus, green beans almandine, a medley of steamed seasonal vegetables, or a light fruit salad can beautifully balance the richness of the steak and cheese.
Storing Leftovers: Keeping Your Steak Salad Fresh
While this steak salad is undoubtedly best enjoyed freshly made, especially with the dressing applied just before serving, you can certainly save components for later if you find yourself with leftovers. The key to preserving freshness and quality is smart storage, keeping different elements separate until you’re ready to eat again:
- Dressed Salad: Once the salad has been dressed, the greens tend to wilt quickly and the vegetables can become soggy. For this reason, it’s generally not recommended to store a fully dressed salad. If you have no other option, it will keep for a few hours in the refrigerator, but it will inevitably lose much of its crispness and vibrant texture.
- Undressed Salad Components: To maximize the life of your leftovers and maintain their freshness, store the cooked and sliced steak, undressed mixed greens, and other salad components (such as tomatoes, corn, onion, and avocado) in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cooked steak can be safely stored for up to 3 days. The vegetables will typically stay fresh for 1-2 days, depending on their original condition and how tightly they are sealed.
- Dressing: The homemade balsamic dressing is quite robust and can be stored separately in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to a week. Before each use, give it a good shake or whisk to re-emulsify any separated ingredients.
- Reassembling for Freshness: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, I highly recommend assembling a fresh salad base with your stored components and dressing it just before serving. This ensures the best possible texture and flavor, making your next meal just as enjoyable and satisfying as the first time you prepared it. You might even consider quickly reheating the steak slices in a skillet for a minute or two to warm them through before adding them to your fresh salad.
Discover More Delicious Salad Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this delightful steak salad and are looking for more fresh and flavorful meal ideas, be sure to explore these other fantastic salad recipes from my collection. Each offers a unique blend of ingredients and flavors, perfect for any occasion, from light lunches to satisfying dinners:
- Grinder Salad: A hearty and satisfying salad inspired by the beloved flavors of a classic submarine sandwich, packed with deli meats, cheese, and a zesty dressing.
- Big Mac Salad: All the irresistible, iconic flavors of a Big Mac, cleverly transformed into a fresh, lighter, and incredibly satisfying salad format.
- Southwest Chicken Salad: Packed with vibrant colors and bold, zesty Southwestern flavors, this salad features tender, seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and a creamy dressing.
- Sausage & Wild Rice Salad: A wholesome and comforting salad, this dish beautifully blends savory sausage with earthy wild rice, fresh vegetables, and a light vinaigrette.
- Buffalo Chicken Salad: For those who love a kick, this salad delivers the classic spicy and tangy Buffalo chicken experience, complete with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Steak Salad
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Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1 pound sirloin steak or favorite cut
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
For the Salad
- 8 cups mixed greens or favorite lettuce
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup roasted corn kernels
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Steak
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
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Lightly rub the entire surface of the steak with olive oil, then generously season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Place the seasoned steak directly onto the hot grill grates. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side for a medium-rare doneness, adjusting timing based on steak thickness and your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature (aim for 130ºF for medium-rare, 135ºF for medium, or 140ºF for medium-well).1 pound sirloin steak or favorite cut, 1 Tablespoon olive oil, Salt and pepper
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Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Crucially, let the steak rest uncovered for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result.
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Alternatively, you can pan-sear the steak in a hot skillet, prepare it via the Sous Vide method, or use any other preferred cooking technique. The goal is a perfectly cooked, tender steak for your salad.
Make the Salad Dressing
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While your steak is resting, prepare the creamy balsamic dressing. Add all the dressing ingredients (olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper) to a small bowl and whisk vigorously until well combined and emulsified. Alternatively, for a quick and easy method, combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well for at least 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy.1/3 cup olive oil, 3 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 clove garlic, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
To Assemble
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On four individual plates or a single large, attractive serving platter, arrange a generous base of mixed greens or your favorite lettuce. Artfully layer the remaining salad ingredients: the halved grape tomatoes, roasted corn kernels, thinly sliced red onion, sliced avocado, and crumbled blue cheese.8 cups mixed greens or favorite lettuce, 1 cup grape tomatoes, 1 cup roasted corn kernels, ½ cup red onion, 1 avocado, 4 oz blue cheese
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Once the steak has fully rested, slice it thinly against the grain. This vital step ensures the most tender and enjoyable texture in every bite.
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Finally, top each prepared salad with the succulent sliced steak. Drizzle generously with the prepared creamy balsamic dressing just before serving. Enjoy your gourmet grilled steak salad immediately!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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