Easy Steak Salad Recipe
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This steak salad recipe is very simple, and it makes a very filling and tasty main dish. Lettuce greens are dressed in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and topping with a hot sliced steak.If you have any leftover steak, a main dish salad is a great way to use it. You can just warm the leftover steak in the microwave, then slice it and put it on a salad. Or you can cook the steak on a frying pan just for this salad – cooking steak takes just a few minutes per side.
Why You’ll Love Easy Steak Salad Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry. You can have a delicious steak salad ready in just 15 minutes!
- The combination of tender steak and fresh, crisp salad greens creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making each bite feel fresh and satisfying.
- It’s a versatile dish, perfect for using up leftover steak or cooking fresh. You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand without compromising taste.
- The simple olive oil and balsamic dressing adds just the right amount of tangy flavor to enhance the steak without overpowering the freshness of the greens.
- This steak salad is naturally gluten-free and can be customized to fit various diets, so it’s great for different dietary preferences or restrictions.
Another great thing about using sliced steak in a salad is that you can use the cheapest steak. When you are eating the whole steak as a main dish, the kind of steak really matters. When you are thinly slicing the steak and putting it on a salad, the difference between various kinds of steaks is minimal.
Easy Steak Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups salad greens: Fresh greens like lettuce, spinach, or mixed greens provide the perfect crisp base for this salad.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a rich, smooth texture to the dressing and enhances the flavor of the greens.
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar: Gives the salad a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the steak.
- 1 steak: Gives the salad a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the steak.
- 1 tbsp oil: Gives the salad a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the steak.
- Salt and pepper: Season the steak to taste, highlighting its natural flavors.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Easy Steak Salad Recipe
- Non-stick Frying Pan: Essential for cooking the steak evenly without sticking.
- Cutting Board: A stable surface for slicing the steak after cooking.
- Knife: A sharp knife is key for cutting the steak into thin, even slices.
- Salad Bowl: Use a large bowl to toss and serve the salad greens.
- Measuring Spoons: Helps to accurately measure the olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
Instructions How To Make Steak Salad
- Cook the steak: heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for 4 minutes on one side, then flip the steak and cook for 4 minutes on the other side. Remove for heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Mix the olive oil with balsamic vinegar and drizzle over the salad greens. Toss the salad greens so they are coated with dressing. Put the salad greens on a plate.
- Slice the steak very thinly and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Put the steak slices on top of the salad greens.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this steak salad on its own for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Add cinnamon raisin bread or cheesy garlic toast to soak up the dressing and steak juices.
- Pair it with a glass of homemade wine for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- You can also serve this salad with a side of roasted vegetables for a heartier meal, or with a baked potato if you’re craving something more filling.
Tips For Success
- Choose the right steak cut: While this recipe works with any type of steak, thinner cuts like flank or sirloin will cook faster and are easier to slice thinly. If you use a thicker steak, you might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it cooks through without overcooking the exterior.
- Rest the steak: After cooking, always let your steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it juicy and tender rather than dry.
- Slice against the grain: When slicing the steak, always cut against the grain of the meat fibers. This will result in tender, easier-to-chew slices.
- Don’t overdress the greens: A light drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar is all you need. Too much dressing can weigh down the salad and make the greens soggy.
- Customize the salad: Feel free to add other toppings such as cherry tomatoes, avocado, or crumbled feta for added flavor and texture. You can also switch up the dressing by using lemon juice or a vinaigrette for a tangy twist.
Variations And Substitutions
- Different cuts of meat: While steak is the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute it with other proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If you have leftover roast beef or pork, they can also be thinly sliced and added to the salad for a different twist.
- Alternative greens: You don’t have to stick with traditional salad greens. Try swapping in baby spinach, arugula, or even a mix of kale for extra texture and nutrients. These greens add a slightly different flavor profile but work perfectly with the steak.
- Dressing options: Balsamic vinegar and olive oil create a classic, simple dressing, but you can easily mix things up. Try using a lemon vinaigrette, ranch, or blue cheese dressing to give the salad a whole new flavor.
- Add-ins for more texture: If you want to make the salad more filling, add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also sprinkle in some nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a crunchy contrast. Croutons or tortilla strips can also add a bit of crispiness.
- Cheese options: A little cheese can go a long way in adding richness. Feta, blue cheese, or Parmesan work particularly well in steak salads. The sharpness of the cheese balances the richness of the steak and adds depth to the dish.
- Gluten-free modifications: This salad is naturally gluten-free, but if you want to add croutons or another grain, choose gluten-free options to keep the recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Low-carb/keto-friendly: For those on a low-carb or keto diet, this salad is perfect as-is. To boost the fat content, you can add avocado slices, bacon bits, or a more generous drizzle of olive oil.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftover steak salad, store the components separately for the best results. Keep the sliced steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the salad greens in a separate container or salad spinner to keep them fresh.
- Reheating: To reheat the steak, warm it gently in a frying pan over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals (about 20-30 seconds). Be careful not to overheat it, as this can make the steak tough. If the steak was cooked rare or medium-rare, you can enjoy it cold on the salad without reheating.
- Serving leftovers: When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, toss the salad greens with the dressing and top with the warmed or cold steak. You can also add any extra toppings like cheese or avocado to freshen it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover steak for this salad?
Yes, this recipe is a great way to use leftover steak! Simply reheat the steak gently in the microwave or enjoy it cold, thinly sliced, on top of your salad. This makes meal prep easy and helps reduce food waste.
What kind of steak works best for a salad?
You can use any cut of steak for this salad. Thinner cuts like flank, skirt, or sirloin steak are ideal because they cook quickly and are easy to slice thinly. However, any leftover steak from a previous meal will work perfectly as well.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more substantial, you can add additional toppings like avocado, roasted vegetables, or nuts. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or a baked potato for a more filling meal.
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the steak and store it in the fridge, and prepare the salad greens separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the steak, toss the greens with the dressing, and assemble the salad.
Is this steak salad keto-friendly?
Yes, this steak salad is naturally keto-friendly due to its high protein content and low carbs. To boost the fat content, consider adding toppings like avocado, cheese, or a more generous amount of olive oil.
Other Easy Steak Recipes
Bacon Wrapped Steak in Air Fryer: Tender steak wrapped in crispy bacon and cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a flavorful and easy main dish.
Juicy T-Bone Steak in Air Fryer: Enjoy a perfectly cooked, juicy T-bone steak in the air fryer with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Black Pepper Angus Beef Steak: Savor the bold flavors of black pepper and tender Angus beef in this quick and delicious steak recipe.
Quick & Easy Air Fryer Shaved Beef: Thinly shaved beef cooks quickly in the air fryer for a fast and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night.
Frozen Salisbury Steak in Air Fryer: Cook frozen Salisbury steak effortlessly in the air fryer for a hearty, classic meal in minutes.
Restaurant-Style Hibachi Grilled Steak: Recreate the flavors of a Japanese steakhouse at home with this simple hibachi-style grilled steak recipe.
Perfectly Cooked New York Strip in Air Fryer: Cook a tender, juicy New York strip steak in the air fryer for a restaurant-quality meal made at home.
Easy Steak Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups salad grens
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 steak any cut
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Non-stick Frying pan
- Salad bowl
Instructions
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the steak and cook for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes on the other side.
- Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- While the steak rests, mix olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and drizzle over the salad greens. Toss to coat.
- Slice the steak thinly, season with salt and pepper, and arrange the slices on top of the salad greens.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any type of steak for this recipe, as the thin slices in the salad minimize differences between cuts.
- If you have leftover steak, just reheat it briefly in the microwave and follow the same instructions.
Enjoy this yummy main dish steak salad! If you like main dish salads, check out these yummy recipes: chicken salad with baby spinach, smoked salmon main dish salad and turkey avocado and corn salad.
Simple and delicious! I sometimes save some steaks just for the salad next day for my lunch. :) Happy New Year Malanie!