Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delightful Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad. This recipe brings together the robust flavors of perfectly grilled steak, creamy gorgonzola, and a tangy balsamic dressing for a salad that’s satisfying and irresistibly tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Flavorful Fusion: The combination of balsamic vinegar and gorgonzola cheese creates a harmonious balance of tangy and creamy delights.
- Easy to Prepare: Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe is straightforward and turns out impressively every time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This salad is as suitable for a weeknight dinner as it is for a festive gathering.
- Customizable Ingredients: Swap ingredients to match your taste preferences or dietary needs without losing its essence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The success of this Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component adds its own unique flair to the dish, contributing to its unforgettable taste and visual appeal.
- 10-12 oz ribeye or strip steak: Choose a good-quality cut to ensure tenderness and flavor.
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar: Essential for marinade and dressing, adding that signature tang.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps in grilling and dressing, providing a smooth, rich undertone.
- 2 tsp steak seasoning: Enhances the steak’s natural flavors with a burst of robustness.
- ¾ cup corn kernels or grilled corn: Adds a bit of sweetness and texture.
- 6 cups spring mix lettuce: Offers a fresh, crisp foundation for the salad.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: For a juicy pop of color and flavor.
- ½ cup crumbled gorgonzola: This tangy cheese enhances the salad with its creamy boldness.
Variations
This Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to switch things up according to your taste or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms for a robust, meat-free alternative.
- Cheese Options: Swap gorgonzola with feta or goat cheese for different flavor nuances.
- Fruitful Addition: Add some sliced pears or apple slices for a sweet contrast.
How to Make Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a large ziplock bag, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, steak seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the steak and shake the bag to coat it well. Allow it to marinate for at least 5 minutes, or up to an hour for the boldest flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
To grill, preheat your grill to 400°F and cook the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, aiming for an internal temperature of 130-140°F. For stove-top cooking, use a cast-iron skillet with similar cooking times. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to retain its juices.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, spicy brown mustard, salt, cracked black pepper, and minced garlic. You can also seal the ingredients in a mason jar and shake until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the spring mix, corn, tomatoes, and gorgonzola. Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Place the mixture on a serving platter.
Step 5: Add the Steak and Serve
Slice the rested steak on a bias and lay the slices over the salad, letting the steak juices enhance the flavor. Drizzle the remaining dressing over everything, or serve it on the side. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad
- Masterful Marination: Marinating longer intensifies the flavors—try 1-2 hours for deeper complexity.
- Resting the Steak: Slice the steak only after resting to prevent losing its juicy goodness.
- Dressing Balance: Taste and adjust the balsamic dressing according to your flavor preference before serving.
- Colorful Presentation: Ensure each salad element is fresh and vibrant for the best visual and taste experience.
How to Serve Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad
Garnishes
For added elegance, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. A sprinkle of toasted seeds or nuts can also add a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or garlic toasted baguette slices. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a bowl of creamy soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the salad on a large wooden board, placing each ingredient in neat sections—perfect for sharing at gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The dressing should be kept separate to maintain ingredient freshness.
Freezing
It’s best to avoid freezing this salad due to the fresh greens and cheese. Instead, store the cooked steak in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat the steak gently in a skillet or microwave, taking care not to overcook. Reassemble the salad fresh when ready to serve.
FAQs
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Can I substitute the gorgonzola with another cheese?
Yes, you can replace gorgonzola with alternatives like feta or goat cheese, which will also add a nice creamy texture and unique flavor.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! You can make it vegetarian by using grilled vegetables or tofu in place of steak.
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What is the best method to marinate the steak?
Using a ziplock bag ensures even coating and distribution of flavors. Be sure to marinate in the refrigerator for enhanced taste.
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How can I adjust the salad for a low-carb diet?
To make it low-carb, reduce the amount of corn or omit it entirely, as this will significantly lower the carbohydrate content.
Final Thoughts
I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad at home. It’s a flavorful, nutritious dish that’s easy to fall in love with. Enjoy the rich blend of tastes and textures, and feel free to make it your own!
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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 and Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender grilled or pan-seared steak topped with crumbled gorgonzola cheese, fresh vegetables, and a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it combines smoky, savory, and sweet elements for a well-balanced 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 steak. Shake to coat evenly and let sit for at least 5 minutes, up to 1 hour.
- Cook the steak: For grilling, preheat the grill to 400°F. Place the steak on the grates and cook 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 130-140°F for medium rare. Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes before slicing. For stovetop, heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil, then cook the steak 4-5 minutes per side until desired doneness. Rest as above.
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and minced garlic in a bowl. Shake in a jar for an emulsion if preferred.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss spring mix, corn, cherry tomatoes, and gorgonzola. Drizzle with half of the dressing and toss gently to combine. Spread the salad on a platter.
- Finish and serve: Slice the steak on a bias and arrange over the salad. Drizzle any steak juices and the remaining dressing over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the steak for up to an hour.
- Adjust the amount of dressing based on your preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute grilled tempeh or tofu slices for the steak.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad with steak
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
