There’s nothing quite like the smoky, savory goodness of a grilled balsamic steak salad to elevate your meal game! This salad isn’t just any salad; it’s a vibrant mix of fresh greens topped with perfectly grilled flank steak marinated in a tangy balsamic dressing. Trust me, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible! I remember the first time I made this dish for a summer barbecue—everyone raved about it, and I couldn’t stop beaming with pride. The juicy steak pairs beautifully with the crisp veggies and a sprinkle of feta cheese, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re firing up the grill on a weeknight or impressing friends at a gathering, this grilled balsamic steak salad is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound flank steak
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
How to Prepare Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad
Getting ready to whip up this mouthwatering grilled balsamic steak salad is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fresh, delicious meal in no time.
Marinating the Steak
First things first, let’s get that flank steak marinating! In a medium bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Make sure the steak is fully coated in this marinade; it’s what’s going to make it super flavorful! Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—you can even go longer for a more intense flavor. Trust me, the longer it sits, the better it gets!
Grilling the Steak
Now, let’s fire up the grill! Preheat it to medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, place the marinated steak right on the grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on how you like your steak cooked. I usually go for medium-rare, so I keep an eye on it. A quick tip to check doneness? Use a meat thermometer—aim for 135°F for medium-rare. Once done, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes. This is crucial—it allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender!
Assembling the Salad
Now for the best part! In a large bowl, combine your mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss them lightly to mix. After the steak has rested, slice it against the grain into thin strips and add it right on top of the greens. Crumble some feta cheese over the salad for that tasty tang. Want to take it up a notch? Drizzle a bit more balsamic vinegar on top for an extra kick of flavor. And voilà! Your grilled balsamic steak salad is ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with flavor thanks to the delicious marinade and fresh ingredients.
- Healthy and satisfying, making it a great choice for light meals.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or toppings.
- Impressive enough to serve at gatherings or family dinners.
Tips for Success
To make sure your grilled balsamic steak salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the marinating step; it’s essential for infusing flavor into the steak. If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-minute soak can help, but longer is always better! You can also switch up the marinade by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra punch.
Another pro tip is to let the steak rest after grilling—it makes a world of difference in juiciness! If you want to make this salad more filling, consider adding quinoa or chickpeas for a hearty twist. And for a lighter version, you can skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative. Trust me, these little adjustments can take your salad to the next level!
Nutritional Information
This grilled balsamic steak salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this light yet satisfying meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cut of steak? Absolutely! While flank steak is my go-to for this grilled balsamic steak salad, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat.
How can I make this salad vegetarian? Great question! You can swap the steak for marinated grilled portobello mushrooms or even some hearty roasted vegetables. They’ll soak up that delicious balsamic flavor!
What should I do if I don’t have balsamic vinegar? No worries! You can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still tasty!
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can! Just grill the steak and prepare the salad ingredients in advance. Keep everything separate until you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.
Is this salad good for meal prep? Definitely! It holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days. Just store the ingredients in separate containers and assemble when you’re ready to eat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your grilled balsamic steak salad fresh and tasty, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens, so if you have extra balsamic vinegar, drizzle it on just before serving. This salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there’s no need to reheat the salad itself! Just take it out of the fridge, toss the ingredients together, and add your desired toppings. If you’d like to warm up the steak, pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without overcooking it. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
To take your grilled balsamic steak salad to the next level, consider pairing it with some delicious sides! A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover balsamic dressing. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a side of roasted sweet potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes can complement the flavors beautifully. For a refreshing touch, serve it alongside a light cucumber salad or some grilled asparagus. And don’t forget a nice glass of red wine or a sparkling water with a splash of lemon to elevate your meal! Trust me, these pairings will make your dinner feel extra special!
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Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore It
A delicious grilled balsamic steak salad packed with fresh ingredients.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Marinate the steak in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until desired doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Slice the steak against the grain and add to the salad.
- Top with feta cheese and drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Adjust the marinating time for different flavor intensity.
- Serve immediately for best taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: grilled balsamic steak salad