Steak Salad Recipe

Steak Salad Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed with the original yield of 5 servings. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain the same. Please note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

  • 1 pounds beef sirloin steak
  • cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 8 cups romaine lettuce, rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 carrot, sliced
  • cup sliced red onion
  • cup sliced pimento-stuffed green olives

Directions

  1. Begin by gathering all the ingredients you'll need for the recipe.
  2. Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
  3. Cook the steak on the preheated grill for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
  4. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest until it's cool enough to handle. Once rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Once mixed, stir in the crumbled blue cheese.
  6. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the vinaigrette until ready to serve.
  7. Arrange the lettuce, sliced tomatoes, bell pepper, carrot, red onion, and olives on chilled plates.
  8. Top the prepared vegetables with the sliced steak and drizzle generously with the chilled blue cheese vinaigrette.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 plate (5 servings total)

Nutrition Component Amount Per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 496
Total Fat 36g 47%
Saturated Fat 12g 59%
Cholesterol 100mg 33%
Sodium 836mg 36%
Total Carbohydrate 10g 4%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 33g 65%
Vitamin C 46mg 51%
Calcium 169mg 13%
Iron 4mg 24%
Potassium 854mg 18%

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

Steak Salad Recipe

Steak Salad is a dish that blends the rich, hearty flavors of grilled steak with the freshness of vegetables and a creamy blue cheese vinaigrette. This perfect combination makes it a popular choice for a light yet satisfying meal. Often enjoyed during warmer months, it brings together the best of both worldsprotein-packed beef and crunchy greens. However, theres more to this dish than just the taste. Lets take a deeper dive into its origins, regional variations, and unique qualities.

Origin of the Steak Salad

Though the exact origin of the steak salad is not clear, it is widely believed to have roots in American cuisine, where salads featuring protein, especially beef, have long been a staple. The dish became particularly popular in the mid-20th century when salads started evolving beyond simple greens and became more elaborate, incorporating grilled meats, cheese, and various dressings. The addition of blue cheese dressing, in particular, is an American twist that adds a creamy, tangy kick, which has become a signature flavor for this salad.

Regional Variations of Steak Salad

While the basic components of steak saladgrilled steak, fresh vegetables, and dressingare consistent, regional variations of this dish can be found across the United States. In the Southwest, for instance, steak salads might include ingredients like grilled corn, avocado, and a spicy chipotle dressing. In the Pacific Northwest, seafood such as grilled salmon may replace steak, reflecting the region's access to fresh fish. Similarly, in the Southern U.S., steak salads often feature hearty additions like fried onions or crispy bacon to add a smoky richness. Each region gives its own twist to this versatile dish based on local tastes and ingredient availability.

How Steak Salad Differs from Similar Dishes

Steak salad stands apart from other salads by virtue of its protein-heavy base. Unlike classic salads like the Cobb salad, which often feature chicken or bacon as the main protein, steak salad focuses on grilled beef, making it a heartier option. Additionally, the dressing for a steak salad typically involves blue cheese, which imparts a unique creamy and tangy flavor that you wont find in lighter vinaigrettes or creamy ranch dressings used in other salads. The combination of flavors and textures in steak saladrich steak, fresh veggies, and bold cheesecreates a more robust and filling meal compared to other lighter salads.

Where Steak Salad is Typically Served

Steak salad is a popular dish in both casual and upscale dining settings. Its often featured in American bistros, grills, and steakhouses, where it can serve as both a main course and a lighter alternative to traditional steak dishes. Due to its combination of protein and vegetables, steak salad is a favorite among those looking for a satisfying yet healthier meal. Its also commonly served at barbecues and summer gatherings, where grilled meats are a focal point, making it the perfect complement to outdoor dining.

Interesting Facts About Steak Salad

  • Steak salads are often used as a way to repurpose leftover steak from barbecues or steak dinners. By slicing the leftover steak thinly and adding it to a fresh salad, you can create a whole new meal.
  • The blue cheese dressing is a signature component of many steak salads, providing a creamy and tangy contrast to the savory steak. However, its not uncommon for people to swap blue cheese for alternatives like feta or goat cheese, depending on personal preference.
  • In some versions of steak salad, a variety of vegetables such as roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or even pickled onions are added to enhance the flavor and texture profile of the dish.
  • Steak salad is often considered a comfort food salad because of the richness of the beef and the creamy dressing, but it remains a popular choice for people looking for a balanced meal with both protein and greens.

Whether you're grilling up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a dish for a summer barbecue, steak salad is an incredibly versatile and flavorful meal that fits many occasions. With its rich history, diverse regional variations, and delicious ingredients, its no wonder this dish remains a favorite among steak lovers and salad enthusiasts alike!

FAQ about Steak Salad Recipe

Store any leftover steak salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best to keep the dressing separate from the salad to prevent the lettuce from wilting.

Yes, you can substitute blue cheese with feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan, depending on your preference. These cheeses will provide a different flavor profile but still complement the salad well.

Yes, the dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge, and give it a good whisk before using as the ingredients may separate.

Feel free to add other vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or radishes. Avocado or cherry tomatoes can also enhance the salad's flavor and texture.

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like ribeye or flank steak, but sirloin is ideal for this recipe because of its balance between tenderness and flavor. If you prefer leaner cuts, you can also try chicken breast or grilled tofu for a vegetarian version.

The dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the blue cheese may become stronger over time, so adjust to taste before serving.

Yes, many users suggest marinating the steak in the dressing before grilling. However, it's essential to reserve enough dressing for the salad, as the marinade may contain raw meat juices.

To reheat leftover steak, it's best to warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. This will keep the meat from becoming too tough. You can also slice it and microwave it in short bursts of 30 seconds until heated through.

Yes, this steak salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb or keto diets. However, if you're following a strict low-carb plan, you might want to skip the carrots or reduce the amount of dressing.

If you don't have access to a grill, you can sear the steak in a hot skillet for 3-5 minutes on each side, or broil it in the oven. The goal is to cook the steak to your desired doneness while keeping it juicy and tender.

Comments

David Robinson

05/27/2024 08:06:34 PM

I can't get enough of this dressing! I made a little tweak to the recipe that took it to the next level. I whipped up a second batch of the dressing without the blue cheese and used it to marinate the meat. After letting the steak sit in the marinade for a couple of hours, it packed a flavorful punch. I'll definitely be making this again and again.

Carolyn Mitchell

11/05/2023 05:00:35 PM

We absolutely loved this main dish salad. I mostly followed the recipe, but I decided to drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the steak instead of mixing it into the salad dressing. Initially, I found the dressing a bit lackluster without the Worcestershire, but when paired with the salty olive and steak or the tangy blue cheese and steak, the dressing was perfectly balanced. The flavor combinations were fantastic!

Daniel Adams

08/27/2024 04:37:37 AM

Outstanding salad! It's also a fantastic way to repurpose any leftover grilled steak. The vinaigrette was wonderfully light, but I decided to skip the Worcestershire sauce and include a touch of Dijon mustard instead. I spruced up the greens with crumbled bacon and swapped out the green pepper for some roasted red pepper. The olives were a brilliant addition, providing a delightful salty kick. Putting it all together was a breeze, and it paired perfectly with a side of garlic bread!

Kenneth Young

12/22/2024 05:26:36 PM

I had some leftover steak that I thinly sliced and heated up in the microwave, along with a yellow pepper instead of the usual red or green ones. I tossed in some slivered almonds for a nice crunch. Since I was the only one eating, I had to cut all the ingredient amounts in half. I think it would be even tastier with a higher quality blue cheese than the one I had on hand. I'm not a big fan of red wine vinegar, so next time I might try balsamic instead. Overall, this dish was quick, easy, healthy, and not too heavy! It fit perfectly into my South Beach Diet. Thank you!

Ruth Walker

02/20/2024 07:53:41 AM

This meal was excellent! The dressing was fantastic. I used it to marinate my sirloin for 3 hours, pan-seared it for a few minutes on each side, and allowed everyone to add their desired amount of blue cheese. While this dish turned out wonderfully, I've realized I prefer skipping marinades; this recipe didn't actually call for marinating. Next time, I'll season with salt and pepper, grill the steak, then finish it off in the oven for 2 minutes until it's medium rare. The dressing is still amazing!

Stephen Johnson

10/15/2023 07:26:21 PM

I've prepared this salad three times in the past two weeks. It's simple to make and incredibly delicious. I found that using sirloin makes it even better, and I highly recommend using the dressing as a marinade as suggested by other reviewers. I personally reduce the amount of lemon juice by half, as my wife thought it was too strong. This recipe is a definite winner for my family and will be a staple in our meals.

Virginia White

01/25/2024 11:42:45 PM

Wonderful recipe! I made some changes to the dressing by replacing red wine with balsamic vinegar. Adjusted the seasoning by adding extra salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic salt. Opted for mixed greens over romaine, red bell pepper over green, and skipped the carrot and olives. Excited for leftovers tonight!

Jennifer Evans

03/09/2023 10:10:37 PM

This salad and dressing are among my favorites. I added crumbled blue cheese on top. Absolutely delicious!

Carol Lee

03/04/2025 11:10:28 PM

Great recipe, definitely making it again! The dressing is delicious!!

Paul Hernandez

10/21/2023 07:04:45 AM

Adding sliced hard boiled eggs would be a nice addition to this dish.