Zesty Grilled Flank Steak Salad
This vibrant and delicious Grilled Flank Steak Salad is a delicious twist on your typical salad. Inspired by a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors, this dish features tender grilled flank steak marinated with aromatic herbs and spices, combined with a refreshing mixture of crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and toasted pecans. Finished off with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, this healthy yet satisfying main-dish salad serves perfectly with grilled baguette slices, making it an ideal choice for a light dinner or a fantastic outdoor gathering. Quick to prepare, don't let the lengthy ingredient list intimidate you; this salad comes together in no time, providing a delightful balance of flavors and textures to please any palate.
3
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flank steak
3/4 lb (Rub with spices and grill.)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (For steak rub.)
Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (For steak rub.)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced for steak rub.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To enhance flavor.)
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To season steak.)
Red pepper
1 (Grilled until tender.)
Red leaf lettuce
1/2 head (Torn into pieces for salad.)
Pecans
1/4 cup (Toasted for crunch.)
Grape tomatoes
20 (Halved for salad.)
Feta cheese
1/4 cup (Crumble for topping.)
Cucumber
1/2 cup (Cut into bite-sized pieces.)
Fresh basil
2 tablespoons (Chopped for flavor.)
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons (Chopped for garnish.)
Balsamic vinegar
5 tablespoons (For vinaigrette.)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For vinaigrette.)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (For vinaigrette.)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (To balance the vinaigrette.)
Ground cinnamon
1 dash (Optional for vinaigrette.)
Instructions
1
Prepare the steak rub by combining dried oregano, ground cinnamon, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Add a splash of olive oil to help the rub adhere to the flank steak.
2
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, season the flank steak with the prepared rub and place it on the grill. Grill the steak for approximately 5 minutes per side if you prefer it rare, adjusting cooking time for desired doneness.
3
While the steak is grilling, core and slice the red pepper into strips and toss it onto the grill. Grill the pepper for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve even charring.
4
Once cooked, remove the steak and pepper from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps retain juices. Slice the steak and red pepper into thin strips.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn red leaf lettuce, toasted pecans, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, freshly chopped basil, and mint leaves. Toss gently to combine.
6
To prepare the balsamic vinaigrette, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Add a dash of cinnamon if desired for an extra flavor kick.
7
To serve, arrange the salad mixture in a large bowl or individual serving platters. Top with equal amounts of grilled pepper and flank steak strips. Drizzle generously with the balsamic vinaigrette and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Grilled Flank Steak Salad?
It is a vibrant main-dish salad featuring tender grilled flank steak marinated with aromatic herbs, combined with crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and toasted pecans.
What cut of meat is required for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 3/4 lb of flank steak.
How do I prepare the steak rub?
Combine dried oregano, ground cinnamon, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, then add a splash of olive oil to help it adhere.
How long should I grill the flank steak?
Grill the steak for approximately 5 minutes per side for rare, or adjust the time for your desired doneness.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How do I prepare the red pepper for the salad?
Core and slice the red pepper into strips, then grill them for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until charred.
Why is it important to let the steak rest?
Resting the steak for about 5 minutes after grilling helps the meat retain its juices, ensuring it stays tender.
What kind of lettuce is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 head of red leaf lettuce, torn into pieces.
How are the pecans prepared?
The 1/4 cup of pecans should be toasted to add extra crunch to the salad.
What vegetables are included in the salad base?
The salad includes grilled red pepper, grape tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and red leaf lettuce.
Does this salad contain cheese?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
What fresh herbs are recommended?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons each of freshly chopped basil and mint leaves.
How do I make the balsamic vinaigrette?
Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Can I add cinnamon to the dressing?
Yes, a dash of ground cinnamon can be added to the vinaigrette for an extra flavor kick.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 3 people.
Is this salad a side dish or a main course?
It is a healthy and satisfying main-dish salad.
What is a suggested side to serve with this salad?
Grilled baguette slices are a perfect accompaniment to this dish.
How should the steak be sliced for serving?
The steak should be sliced into thin strips across the grain after it has rested.
How many grape tomatoes are needed?
The recipe specifies 20 grape tomatoes, halved.
What is the unique spice in the steak rub?
Ground cinnamon is used in the rub to provide a unique, aromatic flavor profile.
How much cucumber should I add?
Add 1/2 cup of cucumber cut into bite-sized pieces.
What is the role of Dijon mustard in the recipe?
It acts as an emulsifier and adds tanginess to the balsamic vinaigrette.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor dining?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings and summer meals.
How long does it take to prepare?
While there is a list of ingredients, the salad comes together quickly once the grilling is done.
What provides the acidity in the dressing?
5 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar provide the primary acidity.
Can I use dried herbs for the garnish?
The recipe specifically recommends fresh basil and fresh mint for the best flavor.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
1 teaspoon of sugar is used to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 19 ingredients included in this recipe.
Is the steak marinated before grilling?
The steak is coated with a spice rub and olive oil rather than a liquid marinade.
How should the salad be assembled for serving?
Arrange the salad mixture in a bowl, top with the grilled steak and peppers, then drizzle with vinaigrette.