This vibrant salad combines juicy steak, rich Gorgonzola cheese, and sweet grilled corn for a tasty treat. The balsamic dressing ties everything together, making each bite a delight!
It’s a perfect meal when you want something fresh and satisfying. I love adding extra corn for that sweet crunch. Seriously, who can resist cheesy goodness on a bed of greens? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is great for grilling because it’s flavorful and tender when cooked right. If you need a substitute, try skirt steak or sirloin. They will still give you that delicious beefy taste.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is the star of the marinade! A good balsamic adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, red wine vinegar is a decent alternative, though it won’t be as sweet.
Gorgonzola Cheese: It adds a creamy, strong flavor to the salad. If you’re not a fan of blue cheeses, feta is a nice swap that will still give you that creamy texture but with a milder taste.
Mixed Salad Greens: I love using a mix of spinach and arugula, but feel free to use any greens you enjoy. Kale or romaine can work well here too!
Corn: Grilling gives the corn a nice smoky flavor. If fresh corn isn’t available, you can use frozen corn—just thaw it and sauté it in a pan for some charred texture.
How Can I Grill Corn Perfectly?
Grilling corn is surprisingly easy. The goal is to achieve that charred, crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside. Here’s how to do it:
- First, husk the corn and remove all the silk.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. You can also use a grill pan on the stove if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
- Place the corn on the grill and cook each ear for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You want those nice grill marks!
- After grilling, let the corn cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully slice the kernels off the cob to add to your salad.
Trust me, grilled corn takes this salad to another level! The sweetness and smokiness will make every bite delightful.
Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad With Grilled Corn
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak and Corn:
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 ears of corn, husked
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, etc.)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup cooked pasta (optional, for added texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 30 minutes of prep time and an additional 30-45 minutes for marinating the steak. So, you can expect to spend around 1 hour total to enjoy your Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
Start by making the marinade! In a bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once it’s well combined, add the flank steak. Make sure it’s all covered in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, let it marinate for 1-2 hours for even more flavor.
2. Grill the Corn:
Next, it’s time to grill the corn! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the corn is nice and charred. Once grilled, let it cool for a minute before cutting the kernels off the cob.
3. Cook the Steak:
Now, let’s grill that steak! Remove it from the marinade and place it on the grill over high heat. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare (adjust the time if you prefer it more or less cooked). When it’s done, let it rest for about 5 minutes so the juices stay in. Then, slice it thinly against the grain.
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a big salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, Gorgonzola cheese, red onion, and your grilled corn. If you’d like a bit more texture, add in the cooked pasta at this stage too.
5. Add Steak and Dressing:
Top your salad with the sliced steak and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Feel free to drizzle some balsamic vinegar or your favorite dressing over everything. This adds an extra flavor boost!
6. Serve:
Gently toss the salad to mix everything together before serving. Enjoy your delicious Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with friends or family—it’s sure to impress!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! If flank steak isn’t available, you can substitute it with skirt steak, ribeye, or sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut, so always check for your desired doneness!
What If I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
No worries! You can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. If you want to mimic Balsamic’s sweetness, try adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the vinegar before mixing it with olive oil.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover salad ingredients separately to keep them fresh. The salad can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you’ve already dressed the salad, try to consume it within 1 day to avoid sogginess!
Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the steak and replace it with grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian option. You can also add chickpeas or grilled tofu for added protein and texture!
