The Ultimate Steak Salad Recipe: Tender Beef with Blue Cheese & Greens
Steak salad recipe enthusiasts know there’s something magical about the combination of perfectly cooked beef, crisp greens, and tangy dressing. This hearty steak salad brings together juicy New York Strip steaks, fresh vegetables, and crumbled blue cheese for a meal that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. Whether you’re looking for a beef steak salad for dinner or a special lunch option, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Steak and Blue Cheese Salad
What sets this blue cheese steak salad apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The savory, tender steak pairs beautifully with peppery greens, while the creamy blue cheese adds a bold, tangy element. The homemade vinaigrette ties everything together, making this flank steak salad a complete meal rather than just a side dish. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to elevate your weeknight dinner routine.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Steak Salad Recipe
For the Steak and Marinade
- 2 12-14 ounce New York Strip Steaks
- 3 finely minced garlic cloves
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
For the Salad Base
- 3 to 4 cups large dice romaine lettuce, rinsed
- 3 to 4 cups spring mix, rinsed
- 3 to 4 cups baby spinach, rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- ½ thinly sliced cucumber
- 1 thinly sliced fresno pepper
- 1 peeled, cored, sliced avocado
- 3 to 4 thinly sliced radishes
For the Toppings and Dressing
- 1/2 to ¾ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1 tablespoon thinly sliced chives
- 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh thyme
- Red wine vinaigrette
How to Make the Best Steak Salad
Preparing and Grilling the Perfect Steak
- Preheat your grill to high heat, between 450°F and 550°F.
- Place the steaks in a shallow dish and coat them thoroughly with the minced garlic and olive oil. Rub the mixture on all sides of the meat to ensure even coverage.
- While the steaks are marinating briefly, wash and prepare all your vegetables for the salad.
- Just before grilling, generously season both sides of the steaks with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Place the steaks directly on the hot grill and cook with the grill door closed for 1 minute.
- Flip the steaks and grill for another minute with the door closed.
- Flip once more and grill for an additional minute.
- For the final cooking step, flip the steaks one last time and grill for 1 more minute. This method will give you a perfect medium-rare temperature.
- Remove the steaks from the grill and allow them to rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Assembling Your Steak and Arugula Salad
- While the steak is resting, arrange your lettuce mixture on a large platter or in a wide serving bowl.
- Distribute the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, avocado slices, radishes, and herbs evenly across the greens.
- Season the salad lightly with salt and pepper.
- Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips.
- Arrange the sliced steak on top of the prepared salad.
- Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the entire dish.
- Drizzle with your red wine vinaigrette just before serving.
Tips & Variations for Your Steak Blue Cheese Salad
Perfecting Your Steak for Salad
The best steak for salad depends on your preference and budget. While this recipe calls for New York Strip, here are some options and tips:
- Flank steak is an excellent, more affordable alternative that works beautifully when sliced thin against the grain
- For a splurge, ribeye offers incredible marbling and flavor
- Sirloin provides good flavor at a moderate price point
- Always allow your steak to come to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking
- Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium
Creative Variations on Your Steakhouse Salad
- Replace blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor profile
- Add grilled corn kernels in summer for a sweet, smoky element
- For extra crunch, include toasted walnuts or pecans
- Introduce roasted red peppers for a sweeter alternative to fresh peppers
- Create a “black and blue” salad by adding a blackening spice mix to your steak before grilling
- Swap the spring mix for all arugula for a more peppery, sophisticated flavor
Salad Dressings That Pair Well With Steak Salad
The right steak salad dressing can elevate this dish from good to exceptional. Here are some perfect options:
- Classic Red Wine Vinaigrette: The traditional choice for steak salad, balancing acidity with olive oil to complement the rich meat
- Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette: The slight sweetness of balsamic vinegar pairs beautifully with both the steak and blue cheese
- Blue Cheese Dressing: For true blue cheese lovers, a creamy blue cheese dressing intensifies the signature flavors of this salad
- Dijon Vinaigrette: The sharp tang of mustard cuts through the richness of the steak while complementing the peppery greens
For an extra special touch, try making a warm steak salad sauce by deglazing your grill pan with a splash of red wine and a pat of butter, then drizzling this flavorful jus over your plated salad.
What to Serve With This Salad
This hearty steak salad makes a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your menu, consider these complementary options:
- A crusty baguette or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious juices
- Roasted sweet potatoes with honey and cinnamon for a sweet contrast to the savory salad
- A light soup like a clear beef broth or French onion to start the meal
- Grilled asparagus or green beans as an additional vegetable side
- For a special occasion, consider Parker House rolls for a steakhouse experience at home
For a lighter approach, you could serve smaller portions of this steak blue cheese salad alongside a heartier main dish like pasta or as a starter for a multi-course dinner.
Storage Tips for Steak Salad
The best steak salad is enjoyed freshly made, but with proper storage, you can prepare components ahead of time:
- Grilled steak can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Slice it just before serving for the freshest presentation.
- Store your dressing separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep your vegetables the morning of serving and keep them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
- For leftovers, store the dressed salad separate from any remaining steak. The steak can be enjoyed cold in the salad, or gently reheated.
- Avoid storing assembled salad with dressing as it will quickly become soggy.
For meal prep, consider preparing all components separately and assembling individual portions just before eating.
FAQs About Steak Salad Recipe
What’s the best way to cook steak for a salad?
For the best steak salad, a hot grill or cast iron pan produces ideal results with a nice sear on the outside while maintaining a juicy interior. Cook to medium-rare or medium for optimal tenderness, and always let it rest before slicing against the grain.
Can I make this steak salad ahead of time?
You can prepare all components ahead of time but should assemble just before serving. The steak can be grilled several hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For best results, bring the steak to room temperature before adding to the salad.
What can I substitute for blue cheese in this recipe?
If blue cheese isn’t your preference, try feta, goat cheese, shaved parmesan, or even a mild cheddar. Each will provide a different flavor profile while still complementing the steak and greens.
Conclusion
Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner
This steak salad recipe transforms ordinary salad into an extraordinary meal. The combination of perfectly grilled steak, fresh vegetables, and tangy blue cheese creates a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily prepare at home. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to an elevated weeknight dinner, this blue cheese steak salad delivers impressive results every time. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something both satisfying and sophisticated – your taste buds will thank you!
Other Salads to Try
The Ultimate Steak Salad Recipe with Blue Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat grill to high heat (450°F-550°F). Coat steaks with garlic and olive oil.
- Prepare all vegetables while steaks marinate briefly.
- Season steaks generously with salt and pepper just before grilling.
- Grill steaks for 1 minute per side, then flip again and grill 1 minute per side for medium-rare.
- Rest steaks for 5-7 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Arrange lettuce mixture on platter or in bowl.
- Distribute vegetables and herbs evenly over greens and season lightly.
- Fan sliced steak over the salad and top with crumbled blue cheese.
- Serve with red wine vinaigrette on the side or drizzled over top.
Notes
- For meal prep, store components separately and assemble just before serving.
- Steak can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for variation.
- For a “black and blue” version, add blackening spices to the steak before grilling.
