How to: Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese

Get ready for a mouthwatering adventure with our Grilled Balsamic Marinated Steak Salad! Imagine juicy slices of steak infused with the rich flavors of balsamic, perfectly grilled to charred perfection. Tossed together with fresh spinach leaves that add a hint of earthiness, plump cherry tomatoes that burst with sweetness, and creamy crumbles of feta cheese that bring a tangy twist to every bite.

It's like a flavor explosion in a bowl, making salad the star of the show. Who said salads were boring? Get ready to savor every forkful of this hearty and vibrant delight!

Top it all off with a drizzle of balsamic glaze that enhances the steak's marinade and adds a touch of sweetness to the ensemble. The warm, savory essence of the grilled meat contrasts beautifully with the cool, crisp textures of the veggies and the creamy indulgence of the feta. It's not just a salad – it's a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your taste buds. Whether you're looking for a satisfying lunch or a delightful dinner option, this Grilled Balsamic Marinated Steak Salad is here to redefine your salad game and leave you craving more with every bite. Who knew salads could be this exciting?

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 30 minutes (+ time to marinate)
Cook time: 15-20 minutes*
Serves: 4

Jump to:

• Ingredients needed to make Grilled Balsamic Marinated Steak Salad!
• How to make Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese
• Variations on the Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese recipe
• Equipment used in making Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese
• Storage
• Top tips for making Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese
• Related
• Pairing
• How to: Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese

Ingredients needed to make Grilled Balsamic Marinated Steak Salad!

Steak & Marinade Ingredients:

• 1 T. Dijon mustard
  ½ c. Balsamic vinegar
  ¼ c. Olive oil
  3 Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  1 t. Dried basil
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
  1 lb. Sirloin steak

• Salad & Dressing Ingredients:4 c. Baby spinach
• 1 Medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 c. Cherry tomatoes, halved (multi-colored recommended for visual appeal)
• 1 Medium red or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 T. Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 oz. feta, crumbled
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

How to make Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese

1. Make marinade by combining mustard, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and basil in a large shallow pan. Add sea salt and pepper to taste. Whisk to combine. 
2. Season steak with black pepper and add to the marinade. Turn steak with tongs a few times to ensure steak is evenly coated with the marinade. 
3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 10 hours in the refrigerator. 
4. Heat an outdoor grill to medium heat or grill-pan on the stovetop top on medium-high.
5. Remove steak from marinade allowing excess marinade to drip off. Lightly season steak with salt and black pepper on the first side. Grill steak on medium 4-5 minutes. Turn steak, season with salt and black pepper to taste on 2^nd side and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until steak reaches desired level of doneness. 
6. Transfer to a platter and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Meanwhile, in a large salad bowl, add baby spinach, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and pepper. Gentle toss then add lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt, and black pepper to taste and toss again. 
8. Transfer the salad to serving plates and top with sliced steak and crumbled feta. Enjoy!

Variations on the Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese recipe

Here are 10 exciting variations to keep things fresh:

1. Citrus Twist: Swap spinach for arugula, add orange segments, candied pecans, and goat cheese for a zesty kick.
   
2. Mediterranean Delight: Incorporate Kalamata olives, cucumbers, red onions, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean flair.
   
3. Tropical Fusion: Introduce grilled pineapple chunks, avocado slices, macadamia nuts, and a lime-cilantro dressing for a tropical vibe.
   
4. Blueberry Bliss: Mix in fresh blueberries, walnuts, red onion rings, and blue cheese crumbles for a burst of sweet and tangy.
   
5. Steakhouse Classic: Stick to the original but add crispy bacon bits, hard-boiled egg slices, and a creamy ranch dressing.
   
6. Asian Fusion: Swap feta for crumbled sesame ginger tofu, add edamame, mandarin oranges, and a sesame-soy vinaigrette.
   
7. Tex-Mex Twist: Go southwestern with black beans, corn kernels, diced avocado, and a chipotle-lime dressing.
   
8. Caprese Upgrade: Replace feta with fresh mozzarella, add basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic reduction for a Caprese twist.
   
9. Greek Goddess: Amp up the Mediterranean vibe with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, cucumber, and tzatziki dressing.
   
10. Rancher's Dream: Opt for romaine lettuce, grilled steak strips, cornbread croutons, cheddar cheese, and a creamy ranch drizzle.

Mix and match these variations to suit your mood and taste – the possibilities are as endless as your appetite! 🥗🍴

Equipment used in making Grilled Balsamic Steak Salad with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese

Grill Pan
Outdoor Grill
Platter
pan

Storage

You can store the Grilled Balsamic Marinated Steak Salad with Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese in the fridge for around 2 to 3 days. However, there are a few tips to ensure its freshness:

1. Keep Ingredients Separate: If possible, store the grilled steak separately from the greens and other veggies. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
2. Dressing on the Side: If you're planning to store the salad for a longer period, keep the dressing on the side and add it just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness.
3. Use Airtight Containers: Store the salad in airtight containers to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavors.
4. Layer Wisely: If you must store all the components together, layer the sturdier ingredients (like the steak and tomatoes) at the bottom, followed by the greens, and place the cheese on top to minimize contact with moisture.

Remember, while the salad might still be safe to eat after a few days, the freshness and texture can deteriorate over time. Enjoy it at its best within the initial 2 to 3 days for the tastiest experience!

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

Print