If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet refreshingly light, the Grilled Flank Steak Salad Recipe is just what you need. This dish perfectly balances juicy, tender grilled steak with crisp, vibrant vegetables to create a satisfying main course that feels both hearty and fresh. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or an impressive lunch, this salad brings together color, texture, and robust taste in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, from the smoky char of the steak to the bright, crisp vegetables and creamy cheese, all combining to make a feast for both your eyes and palate.
- 1½ lb flank steak: A flavorful, lean cut that grills beautifully and slices thin for tender bites.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture and helps infuse the steak with rich flavor while keeping it juicy.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Brings a subtle but essential savory depth to the steak’s rub.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- 6 cups mixed greens: Provides crispness and a fresh base, balancing the richness of the steak.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild crunch and sharp, tangy bite to brighten the salad.
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or blue cheese: Creamy, tangy bites that round out the flavor profile perfectly.
How to Make Grilled Flank Steak Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill and Season Steak
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high to ensure a perfect sear. While it heats up, rub the flank steak evenly with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural beef flavor, making the steak irresistible once grilled.
Step 2: Grill the Flank Steak
Place the seasoned steak on the hot grill and cook it for about 4 to 6 minutes per side if you prefer medium-rare. The high heat will create a beautiful char, sealing in the juices that keep the steak tender and luscious.
Step 3: Rest and Slice the Steak
Once cooked, let the steak rest for five minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, preventing them from running out when you slice. Then carefully cut the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
While the steak rests, arrange the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion in a large bowl. Top the salad with the warm, sliced steak and generously sprinkle with crumbled feta or blue cheese. This layering of ingredients creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Grilled Flank Steak Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra burst of flavor and color, try garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or your favorite vinaigrette can also elevate the salad by adding a tangy complement to the savory steak and creamy cheese.
Side Dishes
This salad stands strong as a main, but pairing it with grilled corn on the cob or a crusty artisan bread can round out your meal. If you want to keep things light, a simple lemony quinoa salad or roasted sweet potatoes work beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, consider serving this salad family-style on a large platter with the steak slices arranged artfully on top. Alternatively, for a casual lunch, compose individual salad bowls for a visually appealing and perfectly portioned presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Grilled Flank Steak Salad Recipe fresh, store the steak and salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Mixed greens can become soggy if dressed too early, so keep dressings on the side and add them just before serving.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and greens, this salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can freeze any extra cooked flank steak wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the leftover steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave for short intervals to preserve juiciness. Avoid reheating the salad greens with the steak to prevent wilting; instead, reassemble the salad after warming the meat.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of steak for this salad?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its flavor and texture, skirt steak or sirloin can also work well. Just remember to slice against the grain thinly for the best tenderness.
Is it necessary to use blue cheese or feta?
No, the cheese adds creaminess and tanginess, but you can omit it or substitute with goat cheese or even a sprinkle of parmesan depending on your preference.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
While this is a meaty salad at heart, you can swap grilled steak for a plant-based protein like marinated grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version.
What dressing goes best with the Grilled Flank Steak Salad Recipe?
A simple balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon herb dressing works beautifully to complement the smoky steak and fresh vegetables without overpowering them.
How long should I marinate the steak before grilling?
This recipe uses a dry rub, so marinating isn’t necessary, but you can marinate the steak in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for up to 2 hours if you want extra flavor depth.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Flank Steak Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that somehow manages to feel indulgent yet healthy, easy yet elegant. I encourage you to give it a try soon—once you taste that perfectly grilled steak nestled on fresh greens with crisp tomatoes and tangy cheese, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for less. It’s a star-worthy salad ready to brighten up any meal.
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Grilled Flank Steak Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This grilled flank steak salad is a hearty and flavorful main-course dish featuring juicy grilled flank steak paired with fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled cheese. Perfect for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1½ lb flank steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or blue cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, ensuring it’s properly preheated before cooking the steak for optimal searing and flavor.
- Season the steak: Rub the flank steak evenly with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance its flavor before grilling.
- Grill the steak: Place the steak on the grill and cook for 4–6 minutes per side to achieve a medium-rare doneness, adjusting time slightly based on desired cook level.
- Rest and slice the steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion, arranging evenly.
- Add steak and cheese: Top the greens and vegetables with the thinly sliced grilled steak and sprinkle crumbled feta or blue cheese over the top.
- Serve: Serve the salad warm as is or optionally add your favorite balsamic or vinaigrette dressing.
Notes
- Add balsamic or vinaigrette dressing if desired for extra flavor.
- Steak can be grilled ahead of time and chilled for later use.
- This salad pairs well with avocado slices or roasted corn for added texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
