Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn

This Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn is a delightful dish that brings together juicy grilled steak, sweet grilled corn, and creamy Gorgonzola cheese. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this salad stands out with its bold flavors and fresh ingredients. It’s an ideal choice for gatherings, picnics, or a cozy night in. Enjoy a hearty meal that feels gourmet without the hassle!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of balsamic dressing and Gorgonzola cheese adds a rich and tangy flavor to the salad.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps to follow, you can whip up this salad in just 30 minutes!
• Versatile Ingredients: Use different greens or nuts based on your preference for a unique twist every time.
• Satisfying Meal: The grilled steak and corn make this salad hearty enough to be a main dish.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a summer barbecue, this salad fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or skillet: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the steak and corn.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating the steak and mixing the dressing without mess.

Ingredients

For the Steak

• 1 lb flank steak (or ribeye, sirloin)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika

For the Salad Base

• 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
• 1 ear corn, grilled and cut off the cob
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Garnish

• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

How to Make Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn

Step 1: Marinate & Grill the Steak

1. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Rub this marinade all over the steak and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the steak for about 4–5 minutes on each side for medium-rare to medium doneness.
5. After cooking, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

1. Lightly brush the corn with olive oil.
2. Grill it for 8–10 minutes while turning occasionally until it’s slightly charred.
3. Once done, let it cool before cutting off the kernels from the cob.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, toss together mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, red onion, grilled corn, and walnuts.
2. Add in your sliced steak and sprinkle crumbled Gorgonzola cheese on top.
3. Drizzle with your prepared balsamic dressing and toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Garnish with sliced avocado if desired and add extra Gorgonzola cheese if you like.
2. Serve immediately while fresh!

How to Serve Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn

Serving the Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn is a delightful experience that can be tailored to various occasions. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fancy gathering, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette complements the salad’s flavors beautifully.
• Garlic Bread – Add a touch of garlic for an aromatic side that pairs well with the balsamic dressing.

Add a Protein Boost

• Grilled Chicken – For those who prefer chicken, grilled chicken breast can replace or accompany the steak.
• Shrimp Skewers – Lightly seasoned shrimp skewers add a seafood twist to this hearty salad.

Dress it Up

• Extra Balsamic Reduction – Drizzle extra balsamic reduction over the salad for added richness.
• Fresh Herbs – Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to introduce a pop of color and flavor.

Create a Salad Bar

• Toppings Station – Set up a toppings station with additional ingredients like olives, pepperoncini, or bell peppers for guests to customize their salads.

How to Perfect Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn

Perfecting your Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn involves a few key techniques. Here are some tips to help you achieve restaurant-quality results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality steak for the best flavor.
• Marinate Longer – For enhanced flavor, marinate the steak longer than 20 minutes; overnight is ideal.
• Grill Corn Properly – Ensure your corn is slightly charred for that perfect smoky flavor; avoid overcooking it.
• Taste the Dressing – Adjust seasoning in your dressing based on personal preference before adding it to your salad.
• Slice Against the Grain – Always cut your steak against the grain for tender pieces that are easy to chew.
• Serve Immediately – This salad is best served fresh so that the greens stay crisp and vibrant.

Best Side Dishes for Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn

Complementing your Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn is easy with these delicious side dish options. Each choice adds variety and enhances your overall dining experience.

1. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender adds color and nutrition.
2. Quinoa Pilaf – This light and fluffy dish can be flavored with herbs and spices for extra depth.
3. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory salad.
4. Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a fresh appetizer.
5. Creamy Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture and balances the richness of Gorgonzola cheese.
6. Rice Pilaf – Flavorful rice pilaf can serve as an excellent base that complements any salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your salad is as delicious as possible.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the steak can lead to bland flavor. Make sure to let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes in the marinade before grilling.
• Overcooking the Steak: Cooking the steak for too long can make it tough. Aim for medium-rare to medium by grilling it for 4-5 minutes per side.
• Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted or old greens will ruin your salad’s taste and texture. Always use fresh, crisp mixed greens for the best results.
• Not Grilling Corn Properly: If you skip grilling or undercook the corn, you miss out on its sweet, smoky flavor. Ensure it’s grilled until slightly charred for maximum taste.
• Omitting Seasoning in Dressing: A bland dressing can bring down the whole dish. Don’t forget to whisk together all ingredients well and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the ingredients’ freshness and texture.
• If necessary, you can freeze grilled steak separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm steak for about 10 minutes without dressing.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm steak slices in a skillet over low heat; add a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Gorgonzola?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese based on your preference.

How do I make this salad vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn, replace the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh.

What other vegetables can I add?

You can add bell peppers, cucumber, or radishes for extra crunch and flavor.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

While you can prep ingredients ahead, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep greens fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn is a delightful blend of flavors that makes it perfect for any meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences, whether changing proteins or adding more vegetables. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!

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Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn

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Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn is the ultimate fusion of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner. This vibrant salad features succulent grilled steak paired with sweet, charred corn and creamy Gorgonzola cheese, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it ideal for gatherings, picnics, or cozy nights at home. In just 30 minutes, you can create a gourmet meal that impresses without the fuss.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

• Flank steak (or ribeye/sirloin)
• Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
• Grilled corn
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion
• Gorgonzola cheese
• Walnuts or pecans
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Marinate the steak: Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub on steak and let sit for 15–20 minutes.
2. Grill the steak: Preheat grill/skillet over medium-high heat. Cook steak for 4–5 minutes each side for medium-rare. Rest before slicing.
3. Grill the corn: Brush corn with olive oil; grill for 8–10 minutes until charred. Cool and cut kernels off.
4. Make the dressing: Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper together.
5. Assemble salad: Toss mixed greens with tomatoes, red onion, corn, walnuts; top with sliced steak and Gorgonzola. Drizzle dressing and serve.

• Author: Natalia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the steak longer if possible. Customize your salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; avoid freezing due to ingredient freshness.