Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad (Printable version)
Juicy balsamic steak, creamy Gorgonzola, and sweet grilled corn over crisp greens.
# Ingredient list:
→ Balsamic Steak Marinade
01 - 1 lb flank steak or sirloin
02 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Salad Components
08 - 2 ears fresh corn, husked
09 - 1 tbsp olive oil
10 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
11 - 4 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 1 avocado, sliced
→ Balsamic Vinaigrette
15 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
16 - 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
17 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
18 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
19 - 1/2 tsp salt
20 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Place the steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
02 - Brush the husked corn with olive oil and heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the corn for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred. Let cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.
03 - Remove the steak from the marinade and grill to desired doneness, about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest for 5 minutes, then thinly slice across the grain.
04 - Arrange the mixed greens, grilled corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and crumbled Gorgonzola in a large bowl.
05 - Whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
06 - Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, arrange the sliced steak on top, and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The steak marinade does double duty, tenderizing the meat while building layers of sweet and tangy flavor in minutes
- Grilled corn adds a smoky sweetness that cuts through the rich Gorgonzola perfectly
- It looks and tastes like something from a restaurant but comes together faster than delivery
02 -
- Cutting the steak across the grain is nonnegotiable for tenderness, and if you are unsure which direction the fibers run, look for the parallel lines and slice perpendicular to them
- The salad wilts quickly once dressed, so only add the vinaigrette right before serving, not a moment before
03 -
- Pat the steak completely dry before grilling to ensure that balsamic crust forms instead of steaming the meat
- Let the vinaigrette sit for five minutes after whisking so the flavors meld and the honey fully dissolves into the vinegar