Balsamic Steak Salad Creation

A warm summer evening shines as the perfect backdrop for a vibrant balsamic steak salad creation. Memories of family dinners filled with laughter and enticing aromas flood my mind. Amidst the chatter and clinking of silverware, there’s always a star dish that stands out, bringing everyone together—it’s the delightful balsamic steak salad.

The combination of marinated flank steak, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing elevates this dish, creating a colorful centerpiece on any table. As guests savor each bite, the flavors meld beautifully, evoking warm feelings of togetherness. This balsamic steak salad creation has become a staple, offering a simple yet elegant option for gatherings or a cozy family dinner at home.

Let’s explore this recipe together. With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can master the art of crafting a delicious balsamic steak salad that delights the senses and creates connections through the joy of sharing food.

Part 1 — Balsamic Steak Salad Basics

Fundamentals

A balsamic steak salad offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The steak serves as a robust foundation, enriched by the tangy brightness of the balsamic dressing. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the crisp romaine lettuce to the creamy gorgonzola crumbles. These simple ingredients come together to create a delicious dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Balsamic vinegar, an essential component, brings a rich depth to the dressing. Coupled with Dijon mustard, olive oil, and fresh herbs, it creates a delightful marinade that infuses the meat with flavor. Incorporating garlic and lemon juice enhances this dressing, making it irresistible.

Preparation/setup

The preparation of this salad may seem intricate, yet it unfolds gracefully with each step. First, gather all the ingredients on your kitchen counter. Ensure you have everything you need within reach to streamline your cooking process. This can make a significant difference as you assemble your beautiful salad.

Begin by whisking together the dressing ingredients in a bowl. This process sets the stage for marinating the flank steak, which is crucial to achieving a juicy, flavorful result. While the steak marinates, you can focus on roasting the corn, prepping the vegetables, and assembling your salad.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to create your balsamic steak salad:

• 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound flank steak
• 2 ears corn, husked
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 small cucumbers, sliced into discs
• 1/2 cup pickled red onions
• 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese crumbles
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds

These straightforward ingredients invite plenty of variations. For instance, you can swap out vegetables based on seasonal availability, or opt for different toppings to suit your palate.

Directions

1. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, grated garlic, and salt until fully emulsified.
2. Coat the flank steak with one-third of the dressing mixture in a shallow dish. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated steak for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
4. Remove steak from heat, cover with foil, and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain into 1/2-inch-thick pieces.
5. Rub the ears of corn with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place corn on a baking sheet and roast at 375°F for 25 minutes. For charred kernels, broil for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, turning every 2 minutes.
6. When cool, cut the kernels from the cob.
7. On a large platter, arrange the chopped romaine lettuce. Top with roasted corn, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, pickled red onions, gorgonzola crumbles, sliced steak, sunflower seeds, and fresh chives.
8. Drizzle the reserved dressing over the top. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Part 2 — Mastering the Technique

Technique

Perfecting your balsamic steak salad is all about mastering the technique. Keep an eye on the marinating time for the steak. A minimum of 30 minutes allows for flavor absorption, but longer marination enhances it even more. You can even marinate overnight for an even bolder taste.

When searing the flank steak, ensure your skillet is sufficiently hot. This creates a lovely crust, locking in the juices for a tender finish. Cooking to the recommended internal temperature keeps the meat flavorful without overcooking.

Tips/tricks

Here are some handy tips to elevate your salad-making game:

• Adjust the dressing flavors to suit your preference—more mustard for zest or additional garlic for a punch.
• If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use frozen or canned corn. However, roasting fresh corn enhances sweetness and texture.
• For added crunch, consider toasting the sunflower seeds for a few minutes. This simple step enriches the salad experience.

Using these techniques will help you create a standout balsamic steak salad that impresses your guests and family alike.

Part 3 — Perfecting Results

Perfecting results

Achieving the ideal balance of flavors in your balsamic steak salad is essential. If the dressing seems too tangy, add a bit more olive oil to mellow it out. Alternatively, if you desire a stronger flavor, increase the garlic and Dijon mustard slightly.

Aim for a colorful presentation. A variety of vibrant vegetables not only enhances visual appeal but also contributes different nutritional benefits. When plated beautifully, your salad transforms into an inviting dish that’s hard to resist.

Troubleshooting/variations

Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s perfectly okay.

• If the steak is tougher than expected, ensure you’re slicing against the grain. This technique makes a significant difference in tenderness.
• If you lack ingredients for the dressing, substitute with a store-bought vinaigrette for convenience, keeping in mind that homemade provides superior flavor.

Feel free to customize your salad according to available ingredients. This flexibility allows you to craft a unique dish every time.

Part 4 — Serving and Enjoying

Serving/presentation

Presentation matters when serving your balsamic steak salad. Arrange the vibrant ingredients artistically on a large platter. Begin with a bed of romaine, then layer the other ingredients, fanning out the steak and scattering the sunflower seeds for a textured look.

Consider serving this salad with rustic bread to accompany the delightful main dish. A fresh loaf provides the perfect option to soak up any extra dressing.

Pairings/storage

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Pair your balsamic steak salad with grilled vegetables or quinoa for an additional side. When it comes to storing leftover salad, keep the components separate. Store any leftover steak and dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps ingredients fresh, allowing for easy assembly later.

For optimal flavor, enjoy this salad fresh. If you must store it, consume the leftovers within a couple of days for the best taste.

Conclusion

A balsamic steak salad creation exudes freshness and flavor, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. Each bite brings together the hearty steak, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing into a perfect harmony. With every recipe and every meal, the love of cooking transforms simple ingredients into unforgettable experiences, nourishing both body and soul. Enjoy this dish at gatherings or during a quiet dinner at home, knowing you’ve crafted something truly special.

Balsamic Steak Salad

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A vibrant balsamic steak salad featuring marinated flank steak, fresh vegetables, and a zesty dressing that creates a colorful centerpiece perfect for gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound flank steak
• 2 ears corn, husked
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 small cucumbers, sliced into discs
• 1/2 cup pickled red onions
• 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese crumbles
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds

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Instructions

1. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, grated garlic, and salt until fully emulsified.
2. Coat flank steak with one-third of dressing mixture in a shallow dish. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated steak for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until it reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
4. Remove steak from heat, cover with foil, and rest for 10 minutes. Slice against the grain into 1/2-inch-thick pieces.
5. Rub ears of corn with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place on a baking sheet and roast at 375°F for 25 minutes, then broil for 5 to 6 minutes turning every 2 minutes.
6. When cool, cut the kernels from the cob.
7. On a platter, arrange chopped romaine lettuce, topped with roasted corn, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, pickled red onions, gorgonzola crumbles, sliced steak, sunflower seeds, and fresh chives.
8. Drizzle with reserved dressing and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Adjust dressing flavors to preference. Consider adding toasted sunflower seeds for extra crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling and Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: balsamic steak salad, summer salad, healthy recipe, grilled steak, easy salad