The steak in this chopped salad isn’t just an addition; it’s the star of the show. Grilled to perfection, each slice offers a smoky, slightly charred exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender interior. The warmth of the steak brings a comforting depth to the salad, especially when paired with the crisp freshness of the veggies. Each bite is an explosion of flavors – from the savory grilled meat to the zesty, tangy dressing that ties everything together. There’s something magical about how the smokiness from the grill mingles with the fresh crunch of the greens, creating a harmony that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, the sear on the steak adds a subtle charred flavor that enhances the richness of the beef, making it even more indulgent. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and refreshing, transforming a simple salad into a full meal that feels like a treat.
Key Ingredients in Chopped Salad With Grilled Steak
This salad comes together beautifully with a simple yet flavorful combination of fresh vegetables, savory steak, and a zesty dressing. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients that make this dish so irresistible:
– Steaks
The steaks are the star of the show, grilled to smoky perfection. Their rich, juicy flavor adds a hearty depth to the salad, making each bite feel indulgent.
– Mixed greens
A vibrant mix of leafy greens adds a fresh, crisp texture to the salad. The variety of greens offers different flavors and a lightness that balances the richness of the steak.
– Cherry tomatoes, halved
These juicy little bursts of sweetness provide a pop of color and a tangy contrast to the savory elements. Their bright flavor complements the grilled steak beautifully.
– Cucumber, sliced
Cool and refreshing, cucumber adds a crisp, watery crunch that enhances the overall texture of the salad. It’s like a refreshing breeze with every bite.
– Red bell pepper, chopped
Sweet and slightly tangy, the red bell pepper brings a mild heat and a vibrant crunch. It adds both flavor and color, making the salad visually stunning.
– Red onion, thinly sliced
Red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite that contrasts with the richness of the steak. Its crisp texture makes it a perfect addition to a fresh salad.
– Crumbled feta cheese
Feta provides a creamy, salty tang that pairs wonderfully with the smoky steak. Its crumbly texture adds a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
– Sliced black olives
The olives introduce a briny, savory flavor that cuts through the richness of the steak and dressing. They add an earthy depth to each bite.
– Olive oil
A good-quality olive oil serves as the base of the dressing, bringing richness and smoothness that coats the greens and enhances the overall flavors.
– Balsamic vinegar
The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet note to the dressing. Its acidity helps to balance the richness of the steak and olive oil.
– Dijon mustard
Dijon mustard offers a sharp, slightly spicy kick that brings depth to the dressing. It ties all the ingredients together with its bold, zesty flavor.
– Honey
A touch of honey adds a subtle sweetness to the dressing, balancing out the tanginess of the vinegar and mustard. It helps round out the flavors.
– Salt
Just the right amount of salt enhances the flavors of the salad, bringing out the savory qualities of the steak and vegetables.
– Black pepper
A dash of freshly ground black pepper adds a bit of heat and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dressing and salad.
How to Make Chopped Salad With Grilled Steak
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give you the perfect sear on the steaks, locking in all the juicy flavors.
2. Season the steaks with salt and black pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’ll enhance the natural flavor of the meat and create that delicious crust on the grill.
3. Place the steaks on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer them more done. Keep an eye on them and adjust the time based on how well done you like your steak.
4. Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful.
5. While the steaks are resting, prepare the salad.
6. Wash and dry the mixed greens, then place them in a large salad bowl. This step ensures that the greens stay crisp and won’t wilt from excess moisture.
7. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the salad bowl. Their burst of sweetness will balance the smoky flavor of the steak.
8. Slice the cucumber and add it to the salad bowl as well. The refreshing crunch of cucumber brings a cool contrast to the warm steak.
9. Chop the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. The sweet, slightly tangy flavor of the pepper pairs wonderfully with the richness of the steak.
10. Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad. The sharpness of the onion adds a little bite and works beautifully with the other ingredients.
11. Add the crumbled feta cheese to the salad mixture. The creamy, salty feta enhances the overall flavor and provides a nice textural contrast.
12. Add the sliced black olives to the salad bowl. They’ll introduce a savory, briny flavor that cuts through the richness of the steak and dressing.
13. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing. This combination gives you a tangy, slightly sweet dressing with just the right amount of zing.
14. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently until evenly coated. The dressing will bring all the ingredients together, making each bite more delicious.
15. Slice the rested steaks against the grain into thin strips. Cutting against the grain makes the steak more tender and easier to eat.
16. Place the sliced steak on top of the salad. This adds a hearty, meaty element that will elevate the whole dish.
17. Serve immediately and enjoy your chopped salad with grilled steak! The flavors come together perfectly, and each bite is a wonderful mix of fresh, savory, and tangy notes.
Serving Suggestions for Chopped Salad With Grilled Steak
– Serve with a side of crusty bread: There’s something about a thick slice of buttery garlic bread or a warm ciabatta roll to scoop up the dressing and complement the rich steak. It’s the perfect accompaniment to balance the salad’s freshness.
– Pair with a bold red wine: A full-bodied red wine, like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with the smoky grilled steak. The deep, tannic flavors of the wine enhance the savory richness of the meat, while the acidity complements the salad’s tangy dressing.
– Add a scoop of creamy avocado: For an extra layer of richness, top your salad with a few slices of ripe avocado. The buttery texture and mild flavor create a silky contrast to the crunchy veggies and juicy steak, making each bite even more satisfying.
How to Store Chopped Salad With Grilled Steak
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), here are a few tips to store your chopped salad with grilled steak while keeping it fresh and delicious:
– Separate the dressing: If you’re not planning to eat the salad right away, it’s best to store the dressing separately. This prevents the greens from wilting and keeps everything crisp. Simply place the dressing in a small container and drizzle it on right before serving.
– Store in an airtight container: For optimal freshness, store the salad (without the dressing) in an airtight container. The steak can be stored on top, but make sure it’s sealed well to keep all the flavors intact. It’ll stay fresh for 1-2 days in the fridge.
– Reheat the steak separately: If you want to enjoy your leftovers with that wonderful warmth and juiciness, you can reheat the steak in a pan over low heat, just until it’s warmed through. Avoid reheating the entire salad with the steak, as it could lead to soggy veggies. Keep the salad cold, and add the warm steak just before serving.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a deliciously satisfying chopped salad with grilled steak that’s perfect for any occasion! From the smoky, tender steak to the refreshing crunch of the vegetables, every bite is a burst of flavor that will make your taste buds dance. This salad is the perfect balance of hearty and fresh, making it a go-to meal that’s easy to prepare yet full of exciting flavors.
I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with it just as much as I have. If you do, or if you’ve got any comments, questions, or feedback, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out – I’m always here to chat about cooking or help out with any tips you might need. Happy cooking!
Chopped Salad With Grilled Steak
Description
This chopped salad bursts with vibrant, crisp veggies—juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fresh greens—topped with tender, perfectly grilled steak. The savory, smoky flavor of the steak elevates every bite, making it a refreshing yet hearty dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
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Season the steaks with salt and black pepper on both sides.
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Place the steaks on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer them more done.
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Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
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While the steaks are resting, prepare the salad.
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Wash and dry the mixed greens, then place them in a large salad bowl.
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Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the salad bowl.
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Slice the cucumber and add it to the salad bowl as well.
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Chop the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl.
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Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad.
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Add the crumbled feta cheese to the salad mixture.
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Add the sliced black olives to the salad bowl.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently until evenly coated.
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Slice the rested steaks against the grain into thin strips.
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Place the sliced steak on top of the salad.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your chopped salad with grilled steak.
Note
- For mar cream nuts almonds or walnuts to the salad.
