Get ready to transform your dinner table with the vibrant and utterly delicious Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad. It’s the kind of dish that tantalizes your taste buds and impresses your guests with its perfectly cooked steak, creamy gorgonzola cheese, and fresh veggies, all elevated with a zesty balsamic dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of tender steak and creamy gorgonzola accented by a tangy balsamic dressing makes each bite a taste sensation.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s a brilliant choice for a gourmet weeknight meal.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt this salad with variations in cheese or greens to suit your personal taste or dietary needs.
- Impressive Aesthetics: It’s not just delicious, but a visually stunning centerpiece for any table setting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe excels with carefully selected yet simple ingredients. Each plays its role in elevating the Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad from ordinary to extraordinary, by adding flavor, texture, and color.
- Ribeye or Strip Steak: Opt for a high-quality cut for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The star ingredient in the dressing that adds a tangy and slightly sweet punch.
- Olive Oil: Essential for the marinade and dressing, bringing a rich and fruity note.
- Steak Seasoning: Enhances the natural flavors of the steak and contributes to a robust taste profile.
- Gorgonzola Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the savory steak and lively greens.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make this Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad your own. It’s wonderfully adaptable and can welcome a variety of ingredients to suit particular tastes or dietary requirements.
- Cheese Swap: Try feta or a sharp cheddar if gorgonzola isn’t your thing.
- Greens Galore: Substitute spinach or arugula for an intensively leafy flavor boost.
- Veggie Variations: Add roasted beets or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
How to Make Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a large ziplock bag, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, steak seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the steak, seal the bag, and shake to coat it thoroughly. Let it sit and marinate for at least 5 minutes, up to an hour for a deeper flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
For grilling, preheat your grill to 400°F, and for stovetop, heat an oiled skillet over medium-high. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to retain the juices.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and minced garlic in a mason jar. Seal and shake well to emulsify. Adjust the seasoning if necessary to suit your taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the spring mix lettuce, corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled gorgonzola. Drizzle half of the dressing and combine gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving platter, slice the steak against the grain, and place it atop the salad. Pour any remaining steak juices over, and drizzle with the rest of the dressing. Enjoy immediately!
Pro Tips for Making Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad
- Optimal Marinade Time: Allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor penetration.
- Precision in Cutting: Slice the steak against the grain to achieve tender and easy-to-eat bites.
- Dressing Emulsification: For a perfectly blended dressing, use a mason jar and shake vigorously until all ingredients are combined.
- Temperature Monitoring: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to exactly the level of doneness you prefer.
How to Serve Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad
Garnishes
For a dash of elegance, top the salad with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Adding fresh basil or mint leaves can impart a delightful aroma and vibrant appearance.
Side Dishes
A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread pairs perfectly, offering a nice balance to the salad’s freshness. Consider a light soup or a refreshing lemonade to accompany this beautifully crafted dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For visual appeal, serve this salad on a wooden cutting board or a large, colorful platter. Arrange steak slices in an artful array atop the greens, and drizzle the dressing in an elegant zigzag across the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, ensuring the salad and the dressing are stored separately, to keep the greens from wilting. They can last up to 2 days, maintaining their fresh flavors.
Freezing
While not ideal for greens, you can freeze cooked steak in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reuse in fresh salads or sandwiches when ready!
Reheating
Gently reheat the steak in a skillet over low heat, or microwave it in 30-second intervals until warmed through to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feta or goat cheese can provide a creamy alternative while maintaining that delicious tangy taste.
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Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Yes. Swap the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms and replace gorgonzola with a vegan cheese substitute for an equally delightful experience.
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What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! A simple skillet on the stovetop works beautifully for cooking the steak to juicy perfection.
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How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 130-140°F for medium-rare, ensuring juicy and flavorful bites.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to indulge in a meal that feels swanky yet simple, the Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad is your next go-to. It’s an invitation to delight in fresh ingredients, a medley of flavors, and an artful presentation. Give it a try, and you’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad combines tender, flavorful grilled or pan-seared steak with fresh greens, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy corn, and tangy gorgonzola cheese, all drizzled with a flavorful balsamic vinaigrette for a hearty and elegant meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 10–12 oz ribeye or strip steak
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp steak seasoning
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad
- 3/4 cup corn kernels or grilled corn, cut off the cob
- 6 cups spring mix lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola or blue cheese
For the Balsamic Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 1/4 tbsp spicy brown mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a large ziplock bag, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, steak seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and the steak. Shake well to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 5 minutes, up to an hour for more flavor.
- Cook the Steak:
- GRILL METHOD: Preheat your grill to 400°F. Place the steak on the cleaned, greased grates and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 130-140°F for medium rare. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
- STOVE TOP METHOD: In a heated cast iron or large skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat, cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side until medium rare (130-140°F). Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and minced garlic until well emulsified. Alternatively, add all ingredients to a jar, seal, and shake vigorously.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine spring mix lettuce, corn, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled Gorgonzola. Drizzle half of the dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat.
- Serve: Arrange the salad on a large platter, slice the rested steak thinly, and place on top of the salad. Scatter any juices from the steak over the salad. Drizzle with remaining dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute grilled chicken or turkey for the steak for a lighter version.
- For more flavor, marinate the steak longer, up to 2 hours.
- Use high-quality Gorgonzola for a richer taste.
- Salad can be assembled ahead but add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens fresh.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying the honey according to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
