Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad (Printable)

Juicy balsamic steak, creamy Gorgonzola, and charred corn over crisp mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette.

# Ingredient List:

→ Balsamic Steak Marinade

01 - 1 lb flank steak or sirloin
02 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Salad Components

08 - 2 ears fresh corn, husked
09 - 1 tbsp olive oil
10 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
11 - 4 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 1 avocado, sliced

→ Balsamic Vinaigrette

15 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
16 - 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
17 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
18 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
19 - 1/2 tsp salt
20 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

# Steps:

01 - Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Place the steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
02 - Brush the husked corn with olive oil and heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the corn for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on all sides. Let cool, then cut the kernels off the cob.
03 - Remove the steak from the marinade and grill to desired doneness, about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before thinly slicing across the grain.
04 - In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, grilled corn kernels, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, avocado slices, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.
05 - Whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
06 - Drizzle the vinaigrette over the assembled salad, arrange the sliced steak on top, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between the tangy marinade and the creamy cheese hits every craving at once
  • It looks like something from a restaurant but comes together faster than you would believe
02 -
  • Cutting the steak across the grain is nonnegotiable, slicing with the grain makes even perfectly cooked meat tough and chewy
  • The vinaigrette will separate if it sits too long so whisk it one more time right before drizzling
03 -
  • Pat the steak dry with paper towels before grilling to avoid steaming it and missing that caramelized crust
  • Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the finished salad right before serving for a subtle crunch that elevates everything