Steak Salad with Grilled Corn & Blue Cheese: A Protein-Packed Delight
There’s something unbeatable about a steak salad that brings together char-grilled richness with crisp, fresh greens. In this article, we’ll explore a vibrant take on the classic steak salad, blending bold flavors and textures into a protein-packed summer favorite. You’ll learn how to build layers of flavor with each component—from marinated flank steak to sweet corn and a tangy blue cheese dressing. We’ll also explore how to pair dressings, pick the right cut, and make it a full meal. Whether you’re firing up the grill or planning a weeknight dinner, this recipe reimagines salad as the star of the table.
Let’s begin with the backstory that makes this salad so special.
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Steak Salad with Grilled Corn & Blue Cheese: A Protein-Packed Delight
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Protein-Packed Salads
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Description
- Steak salad packed with grilled corn, avocado, and blue cheese dressing. Fresh, bold, and protein-rich.
Ingredients
- For the Steak:
- 1 lb flank steak, marinated in a balsamic-based marinade of your choice (without wine)
For the Salad:
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 ears of corn, husked
- 1/2 English cucumber, halved and sliced
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, chopped or sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Blue Cheese Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can use low-fat)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons each fresh chopped parsley and chives (or 2 teaspoons each dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon each dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust for consistency)
For the Croutons:
- 1/2 loaf day-old French bread, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon each dried basil, dried parsley, garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon each dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl or jar, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Adjust with milk for desired thickness. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Croutons: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss cubed bread with olive oil and seasoning. Spread on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Grill the Corn: Brush corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat, turning every 2-3 minutes, until lightly charred on all sides (about 10-12 minutes). Let cool, then cut kernels off the cob.
- Grill the Steak: Grill marinated steak over medium-high heat to your preferred doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, layer chopped lettuce, grilled corn, cucumber, strawberries, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion. Top with grilled steak slices. Drizzle with blue cheese dressing and garnish with croutons before serving.
Table of Contents
How This Steak Salad Became a Summer Staple
A Southern twist on a global favorite
Growing up in Louisiana, summer dinners often meant something light, grilled, and full of flavor. That’s where the idea for this steak salad came from—combining my grandmother’s love for hearty meats with my own obsession with fresh vegetables. This dish was born out of busy evenings and backyard grills. The moment that first bite of smoky steak met the sweet crunch of grilled corn and the creamy blue cheese dressing, I knew it had to become a staple on CindyRecipes.com. Over the years, I’ve refined it with a few global touches, like strawberries and avocado, making it just as suitable for a garden brunch as for a cozy family dinner.
Blending bold and fresh: What sets this steak salad apart
Unlike ordinary salads that merely support the protein, this one lets the steak shine—while the supporting ingredients amplify its flavor. The balsamic-marinated flank steak delivers richness, while the salad base—romaine, cucumber, red onion—adds a fresh crunch. Grilled corn introduces a smoky sweetness, strawberries bring brightness, and avocado gives a buttery softness. It’s an evolution from a simple side dish to a deeply satisfying entrée. The homemade blue cheese dressing ties it all together with a creamy, herbed punch.
The perfect marriage of texture and temperature
What makes this steak salad unforgettable is its harmony of textures and temperatures. Hot grilled steak contrasts beautifully with chilled greens. Juicy tomatoes and soft avocado meet crunchy croutons. A warm, just-charred corn cob sliced into kernels adds both color and contrast. Each bite is balanced—savory, sweet, creamy, and crispy. That’s why this salad isn’t just a recipe, it’s an experience. Just like my beloved Cashew Chicken Salad or the reader-favorite Chicken Caesar Salad, it redefines what a salad can be.
Building the Ultimate Steak Salad Bowl
Choosing the best steak cut for salad perfection
Not all steaks are made equal when it comes to salads. The ideal steak for a salad needs to be flavorful, lean, and easy to slice thinly. That’s why flank steak is our top pick for this steak salad. It’s affordable, absorbs marinades beautifully, and when grilled correctly, it’s juicy and tender. Marinate it in a balsamic-based mixture for at least an hour (overnight for best flavor). When it’s time to cook, aim for medium-rare to medium doneness and always slice against the grain. This technique ensures that each bite remains tender and easy to chew, blending seamlessly with the salad base.
Colorful toppings that elevate and balance flavors
A great steak salad is more than just greens and meat—it’s a medley of colors, textures, and nutrients. This recipe layers crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado with crunchy cucumbers and red onions. The sweet strawberries and grilled corn add unexpected pops of brightness and flavor that contrast beautifully with the richness of the steak. Don’t skip these—it’s the combination that makes each bite multidimensional. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch.
Why homemade blue cheese dressing transforms everything
Store-bought dressings can dull the vibrancy of a homemade salad, but our from-scratch blue cheese dressing redefines the flavor game. With mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and a blend of herbs, it’s creamy, punchy, and just tangy enough. Blue cheese crumbles melt into the base, giving it a rich depth without overpowering. Add lemon juice for brightness and a splash of milk to adjust the consistency. Chill it for at least an hour before serving—this allows the flavors to meld and intensify. This dressing isn’t just a topping; it’s what binds the entire steak salad together.
Cooking & Assembling with Confidence
Grilling techniques that boost flavor and tenderness
The grill does more than cook—it infuses layers of flavor that elevate this steak salad beyond the ordinary. Start by brushing your marinated flank steak with oil to prevent sticking. Place it over medium-high heat and sear each side for 4–6 minutes, depending on thickness. Avoid over-flipping—let one side fully sear before turning. Once done, let it rest at least five minutes before slicing. This step locks in the juices, preventing dryness. Meanwhile, grill the corn until it’s lightly charred on all sides. This caramelization adds a smoky sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the salad’s tangy elements.
Assembling for the perfect bite in every forkful
When assembling your steak salad, think in layers. Start with a sturdy base of chopped romaine to support the toppings. Next, scatter your grilled corn, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and red onion slices. Dot the salad with strawberries and chunks of creamy avocado. Gently fan out your grilled steak slices across the top—this not only showcases the beautiful doneness of the meat but also ensures flavor distribution. Finish with a generous drizzle of chilled blue cheese dressing and a handful of golden, herbed croutons that deliver crunch with every bite.
Presentation tips that turn salad into a showstopper
Don’t underestimate the visual appeal of a well-plated salad. Arrange your ingredients with a bit of intentional spacing so colors don’t blend into one another. A final sprinkle of herbs or additional blue cheese crumbles can make your steak salad pop. Serve in a wide, shallow bowl for maximum impact, and offer extra dressing on the side. Want to elevate the experience further? Pair it with grilled garlic bread or a simple sparkling lemonade for a restaurant-quality feel right at home.
Pairing Ideas and Seasonal Variations
What to serve with steak salad for a complete meal
While this steak salad stands strong on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple, flavorful sides. A warm crusty baguette or toasted garlic bread brings balance to the salad’s bold flavors and gives diners something to mop up the extra dressing. For something lighter, a citrusy sparkling drink or a chilled glass of white wine works wonders in complementing the richness of the blue cheese and grilled steak. For larger gatherings, serve it alongside roasted fingerling potatoes or a cold pasta salad for contrast in temperature and texture.
Seasonal swaps to keep your salad fresh all year
One reason this steak salad stays in rotation at my table is its flexibility across seasons. In summer, grilled corn and strawberries shine, but come fall, you can easily swap them for roasted sweet potatoes and sliced apples. Cucumber can give way to shredded Brussels sprouts or shaved fennel in winter, and avocado can be replaced with pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and tartness. These seasonal shifts allow the salad to evolve while staying rooted in the same foundational flavors. It’s easy to make it your own without straying far from the essence of the dish.
Add-ons and customizations for every palate
This steak salad is versatile enough to cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Want to boost protein even more? Toss in a handful of hard-boiled egg slices or chickpeas. Looking to make it low-carb? Skip the croutons and double up on avocado or add a few roasted nuts. Prefer a spicy edge? Add thinly sliced jalapeños or drizzle with a smoky chipotle vinaigrette instead. And if blue cheese isn’t your thing, a creamy balsamic or ranch dressing still works beautifully. With just a few tweaks, this salad can meet any craving.
FAQS
What is good on steak salad?
A truly satisfying steak salad combines flavorful meat with a vibrant mix of textures and tastes. Grilled vegetables, like corn or asparagus, pair beautifully with juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy avocado. Fresh fruits like strawberries or figs add a touch of sweetness. Don’t forget herbs—parsley, chives, or basil all brighten the bowl. And for crunch? Homemade croutons or toasted seeds are unbeatable.
What is the best steak for salads?
Flank steak stands out as one of the best cuts for salad due to its rich beefy flavor and lean profile. When marinated and sliced thinly against the grain, it’s both tender and juicy. Other great options include skirt steak, flat iron, or sirloin. Just be sure to avoid thick, fatty cuts like ribeye, which can overwhelm the other salad elements.
What is a good dressing for a steak salad?
The boldness of steak pairs well with creamy, tangy dressings. Our homemade blue cheese dressing is a classic—rich, herby, and full of umami. Other great options include balsamic vinaigrette, chimichurri, or a garlic yogurt sauce. Each provides a contrasting layer that enhances the steak’s flavor without overpowering it.
What salad should I serve with steak?
If you’re serving steak as the main dish and want a complementary side salad, go for something light and zesty. Arugula with lemon vinaigrette, a crisp wedge salad with ranch, or even a simple spinach and apple combo all pair beautifully. But if steak is going in the salad—as in this recipe—then it becomes the star, and the base should be hearty enough to match its depth.
Conclusion: Why This Steak Salad Belongs in Your Weekly Lineup
This steak salad isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of contrasts. Smoky, tender steak. Cool, crisp greens. Bright berries, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons. Every component is thoughtfully layered to create a bowl that’s bold, fresh, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re grilling outdoors on a summer night or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers both nourishment and excitement in every bite.
It’s endlessly customizable and always crowd-pleasing, just like our Cashew Chicken Salad and Chicken Caesar Salad. Try it once—and you’ll keep coming back to it as your go-to steak salad for all seasons.
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