Best Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad Recipe (35 Minutes!)

There’s something magical about combining perfectly grilled balsamic steak with fresh, crisp greens and creamy gorgonzola cheese. This grilled balsamic steak salad recipe transforms a simple salad into a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying summer dinner, a show-stopping dish for weekend entertaining, or a hearty meal prep option, this grilled balsamic steak salad recipe with steak salad with gorgonzola delivers on all fronts.

What makes this recipe special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tangy balsamic marinade creates a beautiful caramelized crust on the steak, while the sweet grilled corn adds a delightful pop of summer flavor. Combined with peppery arugula, creamy gorgonzola, and a simple yet elegant dressing, every bite is a symphony of taste that will have your family asking for seconds.

This grilled balsamic steak salad recipe comes together in just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad

• Restaurant-quality flavor at home – The balsamic marinade creates a perfect caramelized crust that rivals any steakhouse

• Quick and easy preparation – Ready in just 35 minutes with simple ingredients you likely have on hand

• Perfect for meal prep – Components can be prepared ahead and assembled when ready to serve

• Nutritionally balanced – Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables for a complete meal

• Versatile and customizable – Easy to adapt with your favorite greens, cheeses, or seasonal vegetables

• Impressive presentation – Beautiful colors and textures make this salad perfect for entertaining

• Great for summer grilling – Takes advantage of fresh corn season and outdoor cooking weather

• Satisfying and filling – This isn’t just a side salad – it’s a complete, hearty meal that satisfies

The combination of tender, flavorful steak with the best way to make grilled corn salad with steak creates a dish that’s both elegant and approachable. Even beginners can master this grilled balsamic steak salad recipe with our detailed instructions and pro tips.

Ingredients for Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad Recipe

For the Balsamic Marinated Steak:

• 2 pounds sirloin steak or ribeye (1-inch thick, trimmed)

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar (aged preferred for deeper flavor)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for best taste)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (essential for authentic flavor)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (balances the acidity)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt works best)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)

For the Grilled Corn:

• 4 ears fresh corn (husks removed, or 2 cups frozen corn kernels)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad Base:

• 8 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix work beautifully)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved for easy eating)

• 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced for sharp flavor contrast)

• 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese (or blue cheese as alternative)

• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (adds wonderful crunch and richness)

For the Simple Balsamic Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (helps emulsify the dressing)

• 1 teaspoon honey (balances the acidity)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Dietary Modifications: For a gluten-free steak salad, ensure your seasonings are certified gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, substitute the gorgonzola with avocado slices or toasted seeds. Those following a keto diet will love this grilled balsamic steak salad recipe naturally low-carb option – simply omit the corn for an even lower carb count.

How to Make the Best Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad Recipe – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Marinade

Start by creating the balsamic steak marinade that will infuse your meat with incredible flavor. In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, brown sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. The brown sugar will help create that beautiful caramelized crust we’re after.

Place the steaks in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure both sides are well coated. For best results with marinated steak, allow the meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill and Corn

While the steak is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.

For the grilled corn preparation, brush each ear of corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. If using frozen corn, thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning.

Step 2a: Grilling the Corn

Place the corn directly on the grill grates. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to ensure even charring. You want beautiful golden-brown kernels with slight char marks. Once done, remove from grill and let cool slightly before cutting the kernels off the cob.

Step 3: Grill the Steak to Perfection

Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. For perfectly grilled steak, place the meat on the hottest part of your grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature of 130°F), or adjust timing based on your preferred doneness.

The secret to the best grilled steak is not to move it too frequently – let it develop that beautiful crust from the balsamic marinade. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when it releases easily from the grill grates.

Step 3a: Resting the Steak

Once cooked to your desired doneness, transfer the steak to a cutting board and tent with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes – this crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

While the steak rests, prepare the balsamic steak salad dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The mustard helps create a smooth emulsion that coats the greens beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl or individual plates, arrange the mixed greens as your base. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and grilled corn kernels over the greens.

Slice the rested steak against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips – this ensures maximum tenderness. Arrange the sliced balsamic steak over the salad, and top with crumbled gorgonzola cheese and toasted pine nuts.

Step 6: Final Assembly and Serving

Drizzle the homemade balsamic dressing over the entire salad just before serving. For the best presentation, arrange the steak slices in a fan pattern and ensure each serving gets an equal distribution of all components.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad Recipe

Temperature Control is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness every time. For medium-rare, aim for 125°F during cooking – the temperature will rise 5°F during resting.

Don’t Skip the Marinade Time: Can I make balsamic steak salad ahead of time? Absolutely! The steak actually benefits from longer marinating – up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This extended time allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.

Grill Marks Matter: For those Instagram-worthy grill marks, place your steak at a 45-degree angle to the grill grates, then rotate 90 degrees halfway through cooking each side.

Corn Cutting Technique: When removing kernels from grilled corn, stand the cob in a large bowl and use a sharp knife to cut downward. This contains the kernels and prevents them from flying everywhere.

Cheese Temperature: Remove gorgonzola from the refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. Room temperature cheese has better flavor and crumbles more beautifully over the warm steak.

Salad Green Selection: What is the secret to the best grilled balsamic steak salad recipe? Choose sturdy greens like arugula or baby spinach that won’t wilt under the warm steak and dressing. Delicate lettuce varieties can become soggy quickly.

Dressing Distribution: Toss the greens with half the dressing first, then add remaining components and finish with the rest of the dressing for even coating.

Best Ways to Serve Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad

This gourmet steak salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. The best way to serve grilled balsamic steak salad recipe is family-style on a large platter, allowing everyone to appreciate the beautiful colors and textures.

Wine Pairings: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements the rich flavors of the steak and gorgonzola. For white wine lovers, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc balances the balsamic acidity beautifully.

Bread Accompaniments: Serve with crusty sourdough bread, garlic breadsticks, or focaccia to soak up any remaining dressing. Grilled bread adds a nice smoky element that ties into the overall grilled theme.

Seasonal Variations: In fall, add roasted butternut squash cubes and dried cranberries. Spring variations might include asparagus spears and fresh strawberries. Winter versions can incorporate roasted beets and candied walnuts.

Entertaining Tips: For dinner parties, pre-slice the steak and arrange components on individual plates for elegant presentation. Warm the plates slightly to keep the steak at optimal serving temperature.

Portion Sizing: As a main course, this recipe serves 4 generously. For a starter or side salad, it easily serves 6-8 people.

Nutritional Information for This Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad Recipe

Per Serving (1/4 of recipe):

• Calories: 485 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Iron: 15% DV
• Vitamin C: 25% DV

This nutritious steak salad provides an excellent source of complete protein, essential amino acids, and important vitamins and minerals. The combination of lean protein and healthy fats makes it particularly satisfying and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Health Benefits: The mixed greens provide folate and antioxidants, while the gorgonzola contributes calcium for bone health. The balsamic vinegar may help with blood sugar regulation and contains beneficial antioxidants.

Macro-Friendly: This salad fits well into various eating plans, including low-carb, keto (when corn is omitted), and high-protein diets. The balanced macronutrient profile makes it ideal for those focused on body composition goals.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigeration Guidelines: How long does grilled steak salad last in the fridge? When stored properly, the cooked steak will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store the steak separately from the salad components to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.

Best Storage Practices: Keep the grilled steak wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Store the salad greens in a separate container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing Options: While the assembled salad doesn’t freeze well, the cooked steak can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions in freezer wrap for easy meal planning.

Reheating Methods: What’s the best way to reheat leftover steak for salad? Gently warm sliced steak in a skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes, or let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes before adding to fresh greens.

Meal Prep Strategy: For weekly meal prep, grill extra steak and store in portion-sized containers. Prep all vegetables and store separately. When ready to eat, simply assemble with fresh greens and dressing.

Dressing Storage: The balsamic dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week. Store in a sealed jar and shake well before each use.

4 FAQs for This Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad Recipe

Can I freeze grilled balsamic steak salad? While you can’t freeze the assembled salad (the greens would become mushy), the grilled steak freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap cooled steak tightly in freezer wrap, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. The corn can also be frozen separately for up to 6 months.

What can I use instead of gorgonzola cheese in this grilled balsamic steak salad recipe? Several delicious alternatives work well: crumbled blue cheese, goat cheese, feta cheese, or fresh mozzarella. For a dairy-free option, try sliced avocado, toasted pine nuts, or sunflower seeds. Each substitution brings its own unique flavor profile to complement the balsamic steak.

Can I make this steak salad without a grill? Absolutely! Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat to cook the steak, following the same timing guidelines. For the corn, you can roast it in a 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes or sauté kernels in a skillet with a bit of oil until lightly charred.

How do I know when my steak is cooked perfectly for this grilled balsamic steak salad recipe? Use a meat thermometer for accuracy: 125°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium. Medium-rare is ideal for salads as it provides the best texture and flavor. Remember that the steak will continue cooking slightly while resting, so remove it from heat 5 degrees before your target temperature.

Related Recipes for This Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad Recipe

If you love this grilled balsamic steak salad recipe, you’ll definitely want to try these complementary dishes that share similar flavors and techniques:

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad – Features the same balsamic marinade technique with tender chicken, olives, and feta cheese for a lighter but equally satisfying meal.

Grilled Vegetable and Quinoa Salad – Perfect for vegetarian guests, this recipe uses the same grilling techniques for vegetables and incorporates a similar balsamic dressing.

Balsamic Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Arugula – Another protein option that showcases the versatility of balsamic marinades with peppery greens.

Summer Corn and Tomato Salad – A fantastic side dish that highlights the grilled corn technique from this recipe, perfect for potlucks and barbecues.

Steakhouse Blue Cheese Wedge Salad – For those who love the gorgonzola element, this classic salad delivers similar bold flavors in a more traditional format.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This grilled balsamic steak salad with gorgonzola and corn proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With its perfect balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and bold flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite for summer entertaining and weeknight dinners alike.

The combination of tender, marinated steak with crisp greens, sweet corn, and creamy gorgonzola creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to treat your family to something special, this recipe delivers every time.

We’d love to hear how your grilled balsamic steak salad turned out! Share your photos in the comments below and let us know what variations you tried. Did you add any extra vegetables? Try a different cheese? Your feedback helps our community of home cooks discover new ways to enjoy this versatile recipe.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for your summer grilling board and share it with friends who love hearty, flavorful salads. Now you know how to make the best grilled balsamic steak salad recipe at home – it’s time to fire up that grill and create something truly delicious!

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