Steak Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Steak salad with a balsamic vinaigrette is a classic dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. This recipe combines tender steak, crisp greens, and a tangy-sweet dressing for a meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a showstopping dish for entertaining, this steak salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
The key to this recipe is the homemade balsamic vinaigrette, which brings a depth of flavor that complements the savory steak and fresh vegetables. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dressing that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Plus, the leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making this a great meal-prep option.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
There’s a lot to love about this steak salad with balsamic vinaigrette. First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious, with the tender steak, crisp greens, and tangy-sweet dressing creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. But beyond that, it’s also a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be easily customized to suit your dietary needs.
The steak provides a good source of protein, while the greens and other veggies offer a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, the balsamic vinaigrette is made with healthy fats from olive oil, making it a great option for those looking to incorporate more heart-healthy ingredients into their diet. And with the option to make it ahead of time, this steak salad is a perfect choice for busy weeknights or meal-prepping.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Steak Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette ❓
• 8 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this steak salad with balsamic vinaigrette is that most ingredients are pantry or fridge staples. The combination of tender steak, fresh greens, and a tangy-sweet dressing creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and sophisticated.
📝 How to Make Steak Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumber. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
• Step 4: Top the salad with the sliced steak and crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
Compared to traditional steak salads that can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this steak salad with balsamic vinaigrette saves you 20 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 368mg
These steak salads provide approximately 62% of your daily protein requirements and 12% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the mixed greens with a blend of leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and arugula, and omit the cherry tomatoes.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute the feta cheese with crumbled tofu or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Added protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots for an extra serving of veggies.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the steak salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a cup of tomato or minestrone soup for a complete meal.
• Complement the salad with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.
• For a family-style meal, serve the steak salad alongside a platter of grilled or roasted vegetables.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Dressing the salad too early: Wait to dress the salad until just before serving to prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
• Using a low-quality balsamic vinegar: Invest in a good-quality balsamic vinegar, as it will make a big difference in the flavor of the dressing.
• Forgetting to let the steak rest: Allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
• Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season the steak and the dressing with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These steak salads with balsamic vinaigrette retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the steak and dressing as directed, but do not assemble the salad. Store the steak and dressing in separate airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling and serving.
• Reheating: To reheat the steak, place it in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until heated through. The salad and dressing can be served chilled or at room temperature.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the balsamic vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, the balsamic vinaigrette can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply give it a quick stir or shake to recombine the ingredients.
Can I substitute a different type of steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak is the recommended cut, you can use other tender cuts of beef, such as sirloin, skirt steak, or hanger steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the steak.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, with a few simple modifications, this steak salad can be easily adapted for a low-carb or keto diet. Swap the mixed greens for a leafy green blend, such as spinach and arugula, and omit the cherry tomatoes. You can also opt for a low-carb cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether.
What should I do if the steak is tough or chewy?
If the steak turns out tough or chewy, it’s likely because it was overcooked. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, and be sure to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. If the steak is still tough, you can try marinating it in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
Can I add additional vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This steak salad is highly versatile and can accommodate a variety of additional vegetables. Some great options include sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, avocado, or shredded carrots. Just be sure to adjust the quantities of the other ingredients to maintain the right balance of flavors and textures.
Conclusion
These steak salads with balsamic vinaigrette represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a main course for a weeknight dinner or as a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, they’re sure to impress with their tender steak, crisp greens, and tangy-sweet dressing. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these steak salads demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking and assembly. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself?
Print
Steak Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 lb flank steak
• 8 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: Season the flank steak with salt and pepper. Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat and cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice it against the grain into thin strips.
• Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumber. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
• Step 4: Top the salad with the sliced steak and crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Steak Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
