Creating a flavorful steak salad involves combining tender, marinated steak with fresh greens and a tangy dressing. Here's a comprehensive recipe to guide you:
Ingredients:
For the Steak Marinade:
• 1 pound flank or skirt steak
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
• 1 avocado, sliced
For the Dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
o In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
o Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the steak is well-coated.
o Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
o In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
o Whisk or shake until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
3. Cook the Steak:
o Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
o Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
o Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust to your preferred level of doneness.
o Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
4. Assemble the Salad:
o In a large bowl, combine mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, blue cheese, toasted nuts, and avocado slices.
o Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve:
o Divide the salad among serving plates.
o Top each salad with slices of the cooked steak.
o Serve immediately, optionally with additional dressing on the side.
Additional Tips:
• Steak Selection: Flank or skirt steak is recommended for its tenderness and flavor. Ensure it's sliced against the grain for optimal texture.
• Marination: Allowing the steak to marinate enhances its flavor and tenderness. Avoid marinating for more than 2 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
• Dressing Variations: For a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing mixture.
• Serving Suggestions: This steak salad pairs well with crusty bread or can be served in a wrap for a hearty meal.
Enjoy your flavorful steak salad!