Are you ready to elevate your salad game to gourmet status? This Steak Blue Cheese Salad with Ginger Balsamic Vinaigrette is not just a meal; it's an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you craving more! Imagine perfectly seared flank steak resting on a bed of crisp mixed greens, topped with creamy blue cheese and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with a zesty ginger balsamic vinaigrette. In just 30 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with this mouthwatering dish that combines rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality salad right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the flank steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Preheat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over high heat until it's smoking hot to achieve a perfect sear.
- Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness.
- Remove the steak from heat and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- While the steak rests, prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together balsamic vinegar, grated fresh ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin, diagonal strips.
- Arrange the steak slices over the prepared salad greens.
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle the ginger balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of the salad.
Tips
- Room Temperature Steak: Always allow your flank steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and results in a juicier steak.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! A good seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the steak and make every bite delicious.
- Perfect Sear: Preheat your grill pan or cast-iron skillet until it's smoking hot. This is key to achieving that perfect sear and locking in the juices.
- Resting is Key: After cooking, let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ginger for the vinaigrette to maximize flavor. The zing from the ginger pairs beautifully with the richness of the blue cheese and the steak.
- Layering Flavors: When assembling the salad, layer the ingredients thoughtfully. Start with the greens, then add the tomatoes and onions, followed by the steak and cheese for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Drizzle the vinaigrette just before serving to keep the greens crisp and the flavors vibrant. Enjoy your delicious creation right away!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 90mg
