Easy Grilled Steak Salad Recipe – Quick Delicious Meals

As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, there’s something magical about firing up the grill. The sizzle of meat and the tantalizing aroma that wafts through the air creates a sense of anticipation. I often find that a grilled steak pairs remarkably well with vibrant, fresh salads. 

One standout dish that easily steals the show at any summer gathering is the easy grilled steak salad. It’s refreshing, packed with flavor, and truly embodies the essence of summer meals.

What is Easy Grilled Steak Salad?

The easy grilled steak salad is a delicious combination of marinated, perfectly grilled steak served atop a bed of fresh greens, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy cheese. 

It’s light and yet satisfying—a perfect main dish for those warm evenings when you want something nutritious without the fuss.

The Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather what we need. Here’s a prepared list that will make your kitchen sing with deliciousness:

Salad

• 1¼ lb. boneless ribeye steak, well-marbled
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium red onion, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• Pinch of sea salt
• 5 oz. mix of baby arugula and tender baby spinach
• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
• Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Dressing

• ½ cup high-quality extra-virgin olive oil
• ⅓ cup aged balsamic vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and gently crushed
• ½ tsp. raw cane sugar
• ½ tsp. sea salt
• ¼ tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
• ½ tsp. Dijon mustard

How to Make Easy Grilled Steak Salad?

This is where the fun begins! Making easy grilled steak salad involves grilling the steak to perfection and layering fresh ingredients in a manner that creates both flavor and satisfaction.

In the following section, I will outline each step clearly, ensuring you feel empowered to recreate this dish at home.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep Your Steak

Start by seasoning the ribeye steak generously with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of sea salt. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This waiting time helps the meat absorb the seasoning and come to a uniform temperature for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Onion

While waiting for the steak, let’s give some love to the red onion. Brush the onion slices with olive oil and sprinkle a touch of sea salt over them. This will enhance their natural sweetness when grilled.

Step 3: Grill the Steak

Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the ribeye steak on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F.

Step 4: Grill the Onion

At the same time, put the seasoned onion slices on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are charred and softened slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Dressing

While the steak and onions are grilling, let’s whip up the dressing. In a bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, crushed garlic, cane sugar, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. This zesty dressing will tie all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

Once the steak is done, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This step ensures the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender. After resting, slice the steak against the grain into strips.

In a large serving bowl, place the arugula and spinach at the bottom, followed by a beautiful arrangement of sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, grilled onions, and crumbled blue cheese. Add the sliced steak on top and scatter toasted pine nuts.

Step 7: Drizzle the Dressing

Finally, drizzle your homemade dressing over the entire salad. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic happens!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Add some torn fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish. Now, this salad is ready to shine on your table!

Notes

Here are some helpful tips that I’ve learned over the years:

• Opt for a Good Quality Steak: A well-marbled ribeye adds flavor and juiciness. Don’t go cheap here; it makes a difference.
• Let the Steak Rest: Patience is key. A rest period after grilling makes the steak far more enjoyable.
• Experiment with Greens: Besides arugula and spinach, feel free to add kale or romaine for different textures.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the salad ingredients early and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Customize Your Dressing: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more sugar or a splash of honey.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers—though that’s often a rarity—store the components separately to maintain freshness. This salad is best enjoyed the day it’s made.

• Store the dressing: Keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week.
• Store the salad: If made ahead, store greens and toppings separately from the steak and dressing.
• Keep leftovers: If combined, consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and quality.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few creative ideas to amplify your serving experience:

1. Pair with Grilled Vegetables: Serve alongside grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.
   
2. Include Crusty Bread: A slice of fresh baguette drizzled with olive oil makes a perfect side to soak up any leftover dressing.
   
3. Top with Nuts or Seeds: Add a handful of toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds for an extra crunch.
   
4. Offer a Side of Potato Salad: A classic potato salad nicely complements the meatiness of the steak.
   
5. Blend with Quinoa: For a grainy texture, incorporate cooked quinoa into the salad for added fiber and protein.
   

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Easy Grilled Steak Salad?

If you want to shake things up or simply work with what you have, consider these substitutes:

• Chicken Breast: Swap the steak for grilled chicken breast for a lighter option that’s still delicious.
  
• Tofu for a Vegan Alternative: Marinated and grilled tofu can offer the protein punch while keeping everything plant-based.
  
• Feta Cheese: If blue cheese isn’t your thing, crumbled feta adds a lovely salty flavor.
  
• Add Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes can replace the steak for a hearty vegetarian dish.
  
• Spinach or Mixed Greens: If you can’t find arugula, any other salad mix works just as well.
  

Conclusion

The easy grilled steak salad transcends being a mere meal; it’s an experience. Whether served at a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or on a cozy weekday evening, it’s sure to impress. 

The combination of juicy steak, fresh greens, creamy avocado, and zesty dressing creates a perfect harmony for the palate.

As each season brings its own joys, let this easy grilled steak salad become a staple in your summer repertoire. 

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to grill and salad your way through every sunny day! Enjoy your cooking, and happy grilling!

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Easy Grilled Steak Salad Recipe – Quick Delicious Meals

As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, there's something magical about firing up the grill. The sizzle of meat and the tantalizing aroma that wafts through the air creates a sense of anticipation. I often find that a grilled steak pairs remarkably well with vibrant, fresh salads. 

Author: Rachel Garland Cuisine: American Courses: Breakfast & Side Dish

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 4 Calories: 843 kcal Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

Salad

• 1 ¹⁄₄ lb. boneless ribeye steak, well-marbled
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 medium red onion, sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• Pinch of sea salt
• 5 oz. mix of baby arugula and tender baby spinach
• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup toasted pine nuts
• Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Dressing

• ¹⁄₂ cup high-quality extra-virgin olive oil
• ¹⁄₃ cup aged balsamic vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and gently crushed
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon raw cane sugar
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon sea salt
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Steak

1. Start by seasoning the ribeye steak generously with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of sea salt. Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This waiting time helps the meat absorb the seasoning and come to a uniform temperature for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare the Onion

1. While waiting for the steak, let's give some love to the red onion. Brush the onion slices with olive oil and sprinkle a touch of sea salt over them. This will enhance their natural sweetness when grilled.

Step 3: Grill the Steak

1. Fire up your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the ribeye steak on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F.

Step 4: Grill the Onion

1. At the same time, put the seasoned onion slices on the grill. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they are charred and softened slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Dressing

1. While the steak and onions are grilling, let’s whip up the dressing. In a bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, crushed garlic, cane sugar, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. This zesty dressing will tie all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

1. Once the steak is done, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This step ensures the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender. After resting, slice the steak against the grain into strips.

   In a large serving bowl, place the arugula and spinach at the bottom, followed by a beautiful arrangement of sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, grilled onions, and crumbled blue cheese. Add the sliced steak on top and scatter toasted pine nuts.

Step 7: Drizzle the Dressing

1. Finally, drizzle your homemade dressing over the entire salad. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic happens!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Add some torn fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish. Now, this salad is ready to shine on your table!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 842kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 68.5g106%

Saturated Fat 38g190%

Trans Fat 0.6g

Cholesterol 124mg42%

Sodium 786mg33%

Total Carbohydrate 20g7%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 10g

Protein 40g80%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Opt for a Good Quality Steak: A well-marbled ribeye adds flavor and juiciness. Don’t go cheap here; it makes a difference.
• Let the Steak Rest: Patience is key. A rest period after grilling makes the steak far more enjoyable.
• Experiment with Greens: Besides arugula and spinach, feel free to add kale or romaine for different textures.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the salad ingredients early and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Customize Your Dressing: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more sugar or a splash of honey.

Keywords: easy grilled steak salad recipe