Steak Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Dressing

Looking for a fresh way to enjoy a beautifully cooked steak at home? Consider a delicious steak salad. While a classic steak and potatoes dinner is always a treat, sometimes a lighter option is preferred. A steak salad is still hearty and filling, but also packed with nutritious veggies for a health-conscious twist. It's also a wonderful way to use any leftover steak from a previous dinner. By transforming sliced steak into a salad, you can enjoy a wonderfully cooked cut over multiple meals.

What Type of Steak Is Best for a Salad?

Several cuts of beef work well for a steak salad. Popular options include:

• Ribeye
• Top sirloin steak
• Flat iron steak
• Flank steak
• Hanger steak
• New York strip steak

These cuts slice into thin strips perfect for pairing with leafy greens. Their hearty flavors complement bold salad ingredients like peppery arugula, tangy balsamic vinaigrette, and blue cheese.Feel free to experiment with other cuts. For a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, try premium Wagyu beef at the online Gourmet Food Store. Its exquisite marbling provides a buttery richness for a luxurious at-home dining experience.

Steak Salad Recipe

This recipe mirrors a classic steak salad you might enjoy at a fine dining restaurant, but with the comfort of home. Pan-searing the steak gives each slice a crisp crust, though grilled steak also works well.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. steak of your choice
• 1½ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red onion
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, romaine, kale, etc.)
• 2 cups arugula
• 4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
• Balsamic vinegar dressing (see below for instructions)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Steak: Remove the steak from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking. Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Steak: Heat the pan on medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the oil to the pan. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side, forming a crust. Use tongs to sear the edges. For very thin or high-end steaks like Wagyu, monitor closely to avoid overcooking. Remove from heat at the desired internal temperature and let rest for at least 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Salad: While the steak rests, combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Slice the steak against the grain into ¼" wide strips and add to the salad. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.

Balsamic Vinegar Dressing Recipe

A good balsamic vinegar dressing complements a steak salad perfectly, enhancing the steak's flavors while cutting its richness. Consider doubling the batch to have extra dressing on hand.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• ¾ tsp kosher salt (plus additional to taste)
• ⅛ tsp ground black pepper (plus additional to taste)

Directions:

1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a medium-sized bowl or large measuring cup.
2. Whisk together and transfer to a cruet, bottle, or jar for easy pouring.

Ideas for Different Flavor Profiles

The above recipe is a classic steak salad with arugula, steak, and dressing. However, you can switch up the flavor profiles easily. Here are some ideas:

• Vegetables: Green beans, bell peppers, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, roasted beets, white onions, chickpeas, grilled corn, asparagus
• Toppings: Crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, chopped walnuts, sliced almonds, avocado, par-boiled potato, dried cranberries, peaches
• Cheese: Goat cheese, Gorgonzola, Feta
• Dressings: Blue cheese dressing, honey mustard dressing, cilantro lime dressing, Caesar dressing

With so many options, you may find yourself adding steak salad to your regular meal rotation at home. Enjoy exploring all the delicious variations!