Grilling up a Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad always takes me back to that warm summer evening when I first fell in love with this dish. I can still picture myself standing by the grill, the savory aroma of the steak mingling with the tangy balsamic dressing, as my friends and I gathered around the patio, eager to dive into this flavor-packed creation. There’s just something about the combination of tender grilled steak, crisp greens, and that irresistible balsamic glaze that makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Why This Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
What sets this Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad apart is the way the flavors come together in perfect harmony. The key is in the marinade – a simple yet powerful blend of balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey that not only tenderizes the steak but also infuses it with a rich, tangy flavor. And the secret to getting that gorgeous char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender? It’s all about the grill temperature and timing.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad, you’ll need a few key ingredients: a flavorful cut of steak (I prefer flank or skirt steak), a medley of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a few pantry staples like balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Don’t forget the crumbled feta or blue cheese for that extra burst of creaminess!
Step-by-Step Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad Instructions
Preparing Your Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
This Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad is a breeze to put together, with a total prep and cooking time of just 30 minutes. You’ll need a hot grill or grill pan, a sharp knife for slicing the steak, and a large bowl for tossing the salad.
1- Start by mixing up the marinade in a shallow dish – whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2- Add the steak to the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated on both sides. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for even more flavor.
3- Once the steak has marinated, fire up your grill or grill pan to high heat. Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
4- Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.
5- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Drizzle the salad with the remaining balsamic dressing from the marinade and toss gently to coat.
6- Top the Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad with the sliced steak, and sprinkle with crumbled feta or blue cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to nailing this Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad is all about the marinade and the grill temperature. Make sure to let the steak marinate for at least 15 minutes to really let the flavors soak in. And when it comes to grilling, don’t be afraid to get that grill ripping hot – you want those beautiful char marks!
Another pro tip? Don’t be afraid to get creative with the greens and veggies. I love mixing up the salad base with a blend of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for a nice variety of textures and flavors.
Serving and Storing Your Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
Perfect Pairings for Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
This Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad is the perfect main dish for a summer gathering or a light, satisfying weeknight dinner. It pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold, refreshing beer. For a heartier meal, you can serve it alongside some crusty bread or roasted potatoes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you’ve got any leftovers of this Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad, you’re in luck! The salad base will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the grilled steak will stay fresh for 4-5 days. Just store the salad and steak separately, and when you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply toss it all together with the remaining dressing.
You can also make this Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad ahead of time by prepping the salad base and marinating the steak in advance. On the day you want to serve it, just grill the steak and assemble the salad – it’s a real time-saver!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
Creative Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad Variations
While the classic Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad is already a winner, there are so many ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping out the steak for grilled chicken or shrimp for a different protein. You can also mix up the greens, adding in arugula, kale, or even roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Making Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad Diet-Friendly
For a lighter, more diet-friendly version of this Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad, you can opt for a leaner cut of steak, use a lower-calorie vinaigrette, and skip the cheese. It’s also easy to make this salad gluten-free by serving it over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of the traditional greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of steak in this Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad recipe?
A: Absolutely! While flank or skirt steak are my personal favorites, you can definitely use other cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or even grilled chicken or shrimp if you prefer.
Q: How long should I marinate the steak for the best results?
A: I recommend marinating the steak for at least 15 minutes, but you can go up to 2 hours for even more flavor. The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavorful the steak will be.
Q: Can I make this Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The salad base and the grilled steak can both be prepared a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge, and then toss everything together with the dressing right before serving.
Q: How many people does this Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad recipe serve?
A: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a main dish, or 6-8 as a side salad. Feel free to adjust the quantities of the ingredients to serve more or less, as needed.
Q: What should I do if the steak is tough or chewy?
A: If the grilled steak ends up being tough or chewy, it’s likely that it wasn’t marinated long enough or that the grill temperature wasn’t hot enough. Next time, try marinating the steak for at least 30 minutes and making sure your grill is ripping hot before cooking.
Print
Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
This Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad is a flavorful and healthy meal that combines tender grilled steak, crisp greens, and a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend lunches.
Ingredients
– 1 lb flank steak
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp honey
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. – In a shallow dish, combine the balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Add the flank steak and turn to coat both sides. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. – Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
3. – In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and shredded parmesan.
4. – Slice the grilled steak against the grain and add it to the salad.
5. – Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil and any remaining balsamic marinade over the salad. Toss gently to coat.
6. – Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
This salad can be customized with your favorite greens, vegetables, and toppings. For a heartier meal, you can also add roasted potatoes or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad is the ultimate summer showstopper – it’s bursting with flavor, loaded with fresh ingredients, and so easy to put together. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a delicious and nutritious weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So fire up that grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the taste of summer in every bite. Don’t forget to let me know how your Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad turns out – I can’t wait to hear all about it!
