Whether you’re looking for a healthy and tasty salad or you’re craving something a bit more adventurous, this steakhouse salad with fig balsamic dressing is a great choice. Its sweet taste makes it an excellent choice for a steakhouse salad. It also pairs perfectly with rich, fatty main courses. Once you’ve eaten it, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it.
Steakhouse Salad Recipe
Steakhouse Salad with Fig Balsamic Dressing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 oz. steak sliced (you can also you leftover steak or flank steak)
- 3-4 oz. mixed baby salad greens
- 2 oz. cheese thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp. pecans chopped and slightly toasted
- 4 oz. Portobella or cremini mushrooms sliced
- 2 tbsp. cranberries dried
- 2 figs dried , quartered
- 1 tsp. olive oil
- salt and ground pepper
- Fig balsamic dressing
Instructions
- Put the small pan over medium flame and heat up one tablespoon of oil. Put the mushrooms when the oil is read and sauté until they are soft and brown. Add salt and pepper to enhance the taste of the mushrooms.
- When you’re using leftover steaks, just add them with your mushrooms. If not, prepare your choice of steak and slice it up into thin pieces.
- Prepare your green veggies and put into a large salad bowl. Add fig balsamic dressing and toss to distribute the taste.
- Put the mushroom and steak over the greens and top them with cheese while they’re all warm. This way, the cheese will soften and melt slightly.
- Garnish the salad with cranberries, quartered fig and pecans.
- Drizzle it again with the fig balsamic dressing and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Preparation Method: Grilled Steakhouse Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) high-quality steak (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, arugula, spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Instructions:
Prep your Steak:
- Start by bringing your steak to room temperature. Remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.
Preheat the Grill Pan:
- Place a grill pan over medium-high heat on your stovetop and let it get hot. A cast-iron grill pan works wonderfully for achieving those grill marks.
Season the Steak:
- While the grill pan is heating, rub the steak with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season it generously with salt and black pepper.
Grill the Steak:
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the grill pan’s ridges. Carefully place the steak on the hot grill pan.
- Grill the steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting the time based on your preferred level of doneness. Remember to rotate the steak 90 degrees on each side after a couple of minutes to create those beautiful grill marks.
- Once done, transfer the steak to a cutting board, cover it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the steak juicy.
Assemble the Salad:
- While the steak is resting, assemble your salad. Toss the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled blue cheese together in a large bowl.
- Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. This slicing method ensures the tenderness of the meat.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the steak slices on top of the prepared salad. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the salad.
- Serve your Grilled Steakhouse Salad immediately and relish the delightful combination of flavors, with the added bonus of that delicious grilled aroma.
Tips for making Steakhouse Salad
Cooking Tips
- Steak Searing Perfection: Achieving that ideal sear on your steak is all about getting a hot grill or grill pan. The sizzle and char are what make this salad unique. Ensure your grill or pan is adequately preheated to avoid sticking.
- Let the Steak Rest: After grilling the steak, don’t skip the resting step. Allowing the steak to rest for a few minutes keeps it juicy and ensures that the juices redistribute evenly.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with your seasoning. Steak loves salt and black pepper. Season both sides generously to bring out the flavors.
- Mix Your Greens Just Before Serving: To keep your salad greens crisp and fresh, toss them with the other salad ingredients just before serving. This ensures they don’t become soggy.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with different dressings. While balsamic vinaigrette complements this salad beautifully, you can try ranch, Caesar, or even a zesty citrus dressing for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Recommended Sides:
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm slices of garlic bread on the side. The garlic-infused butter complements the steak beautifully.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add a hearty element to your meal.
- Creamed Spinach: For a classic steakhouse experience, consider creamed spinach as a side dish.
Garnishes:
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or chives adds a burst of color and freshness to your salad.
- Grated Parmesan: Top your salad with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Crunchy Croutons: Homemade croutons or store-bought ones add a delightful crunch.
Beverage Pairing:
- Red Wine: A good Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pairs wonderfully with the steak.
- Iced Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, a glass of sweetened or unsweetened iced tea is a refreshing choice.
- Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime is a light and fizzy option
Frequently Asked Questions about Steakhouse Salad
- Can I use a different type of meat for my salad? Absolutely. While the classic steakhouse salad uses steak, you can experiment with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. The key is to ensure your chosen protein is well-seasoned and grilled to perfection.
- How can I make the salad more filling? To make your salad heartier, consider adding elements like boiled eggs, bacon bits, croutons, or avocado slices. These ingredients will provide more substance without compromising the fresh, crisp salad base.
- What’s the ideal dressing for a Steakhouse Salad? A balsamic vinaigrette dressing is the classic choice, but you can personalize your salad with your favorite dressing. Ranch, blue cheese, and Caesar dressings all work wonderfully.
- How long can I store leftovers? Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days. However, keep in mind that the salad greens may not stay as crisp after refrigeration.
- Can I prepare this salad in advance for a special occasion?Certainly. You can prepare the components in advance—grill the steak and have your salad ingredients ready to assemble. Toss them together just before serving for a fresh and impressive presentation.
Create a Steakhouse Salad masterpiece at home. Grilled steak, fresh greens, and exquisite dressings. Elevate your dining experience today.
Experience the culinary brilliance of Chef John at Food And Meal Restaurant. With over 20 years of global expertise, My innovative creations and unwavering dedication to cooking have earned me a well-deserved reputation. My passion for gastronomy is showcased in every dish, combining fresh, local ingredients with harmonious flavors and captivating presentations. My ability to tell a story through my food reflects my profound understanding of culture and emotion.