Strawberry Steak Salad

Strawberry Steak Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

This delightful salad combines juicy steak, sweet strawberries, and a tangy balsamic dressing for a perfect summer meal.

Ingredients:

• For the Steak:

  • 1 (10-12 oz) ribeye steak or your favorite cut
  • Olive oil or avocado oil, for searing
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• For the Salad:

  • 4-6 cups mixed greens (such as spring mix, arugula, or spinach)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

• For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Guide:

1. Marinate the Steak (Optional): For extra flavor, marinate the steak in your favorite marinade for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
2. Cook the Steak: Pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
3. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, strawberries, feta cheese, walnuts (if using), and red onion.
4. Make the Vinaigrette: Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad greens and toss to coat. Top with sliced steak and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Choose the right steak: For this recipe, a well-marbled cut like ribeye, New York strip, or flat iron steak works best.
• Don’t overcook the steak: Steak is best enjoyed medium-rare or medium for the best texture and flavor.
• Use seasonal berries: Other berries like blueberries or raspberries can be substituted based on what’s in season.
• Add a touch of sweetness: A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of brown sugar over the strawberries adds a nice touch.
• Make it ahead: The salad components can be prepped in advance and assembled just before serving.