Not a salad lover? Well, this recipe just might change your mind!
My Salad Checklist
I know how tricky it can be to create an amazing salad. That’s why I’ve developed my own criteria to make sure every recipe is an absolute winner!
First off, no unnecessary ingredients — so, things like extra fats, fried garnishes, or artificial seasonings are out.
Second, it’s gotta have a lot of texture.
And third, it needs to be seriously tasty and full of flavor. None of those bland, boring salads made of just leafy greens.
The steak salad hits all these marks. So, let me walk you through everything you need to know to nail this at home.
Choosing the Meat
Good-quality steak makes all the difference, and for me, it’s all about finding the right balance between lean and fatty.
I usually go for thicker cuts, like ribeye, since they’re juicier and more tender. But if you prefer thinner cuts — like skirt or flank — you can totally switch it up.
Still can’t decide? Here’s a quick breakdown of different cuts to help you choose:
- Ribeye: This cut is a favorite because of its incredible marbling. The fat melts as it cooks, creating rich, bold flavors.
- Sirloin: Compared to the ribeye, sirloin is much leaner and milder. So, it allows the other elements of your salad to stand out.
- Flank Steak: If you’re after something lean, flank steak is as lean as it gets. The only catch? It can be a bit tough.
- Strip Steak: On the flip side, strip steak has more fat than flank, which makes it softer and much easier to chew — definitely a bonus in my book!
- Skirt Steak: This cut has plenty of connective tissue, so it soaks up seasonings like a sponge, making each bite super flavorful.
Each cut has its own perks, so it’s all about picking the one that suits your taste.
Choosing the Toppings
As with any salad recipe, you can 100% customize it however you like. But if you ask me, here are the toppings I always reach for in my steak salad:
- Salad greens (like arugula, baby greens, and spinach)
- Avocado
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Corn
- Roasted pepitas
- Feta or goat cheese (or crumbled blue cheese for a stronger kick)
- Carrot
- Minced garlic cloves
If any of these ingredients aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out or skip them entirely. It’s totally up to you!
Finishing off With the Right Dressing
For me, the dressing is a total make-or-break moment. You can have all the perfect toppings, but if the dressing doesn’t complement them, it can throw off the whole dish.
And because I don’t want that happening to you, here are my top 3 dressings that pair perfectly with a steak salad.
1. Balsamic Vinaigrette
You can’t go wrong with a balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a classic for a reason, and it works perfectly here — the acidity of the vinegar brings out the richness of the steak.
2. Rich Blue Cheese Dressing
Not a fan of balsamic vinegar? No worries—blue cheese dressing is another fantastic option. It’s thick, creamy, and packed with flavor. Plus, cheese and steak? That’s always a winning combo!
3. Sweet and Tangy Raspberry Vinaigrette
While I love the lightness of the balsamic vinaigrette and the richness of the blue cheese dressing, sometimes I’m in the mood for something fruitier.
That’s where this vinaigrette comes in. It’s refreshing, sweet, and tangy — perfect for a fully-loaded steak salad bowl!
Zesty Ribeye Steak Salad
Say goodbye to boring and bland salads. With this Ribeye Steak Salad recipe, you can enjoy a vibrant mix of flavors and textures!
Ingredients
To prepare the Steak:
- 1½ pounds of ribeye steak
- ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper, each
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of melted butter (for the grates)
For the toppings:
- 1 pack of store-bought mixed greens
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes (or quarters of cherry tomatoes)
- ½ cup of corn kernels (either fresh or in a can)
- ½ to 1 whole avocado (sliced, cubed, or mashed)
- ¼ cup of red onions (thinly sliced)
- ⅓ cup of feta cheese
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
To make raspberry salad dressing:
- 6 ounces of fresh or thawed raspberries
- ½ cup of oil (I prefer extra-virgin olive oil)
- 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey (depending on how sweet your berries are)
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Turn on your grill to the highest setting while you season your ribeye steak with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- As your grill is heating, prepare your toppings. Toss your salad ingredients in a big bowl until they’re fully combined.
- Put your salad mixture to the side as you get your dressing ready.
- Add your dressing ingredients into a blender or food processor and pulse until you get the perfect consistency. For a smooth texture, leave the appliance running for at least a minute.
- Pour your dressing into a mason jar and let it sit for a few minutes. Meanwhile, brush your grill grates with your melted butter before placing your steak on top.
- Grill your ribeye for about 14 minutes in total or 5-7 minutes on each side. You can change the cooking time based on how you like your steak cooked, from rare to well-done.
- After it's cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting your steak into small pieces or strips.
- Then, toss them into the bowl with the other ingredients.
- Lastly, pour your homemade raspberry dressing over the top, and it's ready to serve! You can eat it now or save it for later by putting it in the fridge.
Notes
Image credit to @countingon_kaycie.
Featured image credit to @mollsmealsandmixies.
