fine dining experience

Balsamic Steak Salad

My husband loves blue cheese and I like a hearty salad that eats like a meal, so I put the two things together to make this steak salad recipe. The sweet-tartness of dried cranberries pairs deliciously with the cheese, creamy avocado and balsamic vinegar. It’s irresistible!

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
  • 1 beef flat iron steak or top sirloin steak (3/4 pound)
  • 1 package (9 ounces) ready-to-serve salad greens
  • 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 radishes, sliced
  • 1/2 medium ripe avocado, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • Crumbled blue cheese and additional pepper, optional

Directions

 

  1. For dressing, whisk together first six ingredients. Place steak and 1/4 cup dressing in a resealable plastic bag; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Reserve remaining dressing; cover and refrigerate until serving.
  2. Drain beef, discarding marinade. Grill steak, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 160°), 6-8 minutes per side. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. To serve, divide salad greens among four plates. Top with steak, tomatoes, radishes and avocado; sprinkle with cranberries and, if desired, cheese and pepper. Serve with reserved dressing.