Name: Steak Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, flank, or preferred cut); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cucumber, sliced; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional); 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette or preferred dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad offers the best of both worlds: the richness of juicy steak and the refreshing crunch of fresh vegetables. It’s incredibly customizable, allowing you to choose your favorite greens, veggies, and dressing. It also makes a filling, protein-packed meal without being heavy. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, especially if you have cooked steak on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Steak (ribeye, sirloin, flank, or your preferred cut)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumber, sliced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Avocado, sliced
Crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
Balsamic vinaigrette or your favorite dressing

Directions

Season the steak on both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the steak to your desired doneness, about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and cheese if using.
Top the salad with the sliced steak.
Drizzle with dressing just before serving and toss gently to combine.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 to 4 people, depending on portion size.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 25 minutes

Variations

Asian-Inspired: Use a sesame-ginger dressing and add shredded carrots, edamame, and mandarin oranges.
Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, tortilla strips, and a chipotle-lime dressing.
Low-Carb/Keto: Skip sweet dressings and add more avocado, nuts, and high-fat cheese.
Mediterranean Twist: Include olives, feta, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
Spicy Kick: Rub steak with chili powder or cayenne before cooking and add jalapeño slices.

Storage/Reheating

Store the salad components separately for best results. Keep leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat the steak, gently warm it in a skillet or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
Do not store dressed salad as it may become soggy. Add dressing just before serving.

FAQs

What is the best cut of steak for salad?

Flank, sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip all work well. Choose a cut that stays tender when sliced thinly.

How should I cook the steak for salad?

Grilling or pan-searing are the best methods. Cook to your preferred doneness and let it rest before slicing.

Can I use leftover steak?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for using leftover grilled or cooked steak. Just slice it thin and serve cold or warm.

What type of greens are best for steak salad?

A mix of arugula, spinach, romaine, or spring mix provides a good balance of flavor and texture.

Can I make steak salad ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead, but assemble and dress the salad just before serving for best texture.

What dressing pairs well with steak salad?

Balsamic vinaigrette, blue cheese dressing, chimichurri, or a simple lemon-olive oil dressing all complement steak.

How do I keep the steak tender?

Cook it to medium-rare or medium, let it rest, and slice against the grain for the most tender results.

Can I add grains to the salad?

Yes, cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice make great additions for extra heartiness.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the dressing and any added toppings are gluten-free, the salad is naturally gluten-free.

Can I serve this salad cold?

Absolutely. Steak salad can be served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for meal prep or picnics.

Conclusion

Steak Salad is a bold and satisfying dish that brings together fresh, wholesome ingredients with the savory richness of perfectly cooked beef. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it for a quick weeknight meal or a special lunch, this salad is sure to become a favorite.