How To Make The Perfect Grilled Steak Summer Salad

Guys, it’s HAWT. Like Venus hot.

Quarantine gave us a chance to soak up Dallas’s amazing spring weather. But those pleasant months in between the extremes of cold and heat are gone. Now that the sun is here to stay through possibly November (cringe), it’s time to fully embrace summer. And what better way to celebrate the longer days than with grilling? Char on meat and vegetables is synonymous with summer, caramelizing and intensifying flavors. But don’t panic if you’re without a grill — you can cook a steak perfectly on the stove!

It’s scorching out there, but that just means it’s time to embrace summer with all its grilling glory. One of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy the longer days is by whipping up a delicious grilled steak summer salad. A juicy steak, charred veggies, creamy gorgonzola, and zesty pesto dressing—all coming together in a symphony of flavors. Intrigued? Let me walk you through how to create this masterpiece!

Recipe: Grilled Steak Summer Salad

This Grilled Steak Summer Salad combines some of my favorite summer flavors like bright cherry tomatoes and grilled sweet corn with juicy seasoned steak and creamy gorgonzola. I added a little extra punchiness with prepared pesto and I would HIGHLY recommend – I love a good herby bite!!

So here’s how you’ll make the salad:

Ingredients:

• 1 NY Strip Steak (about 1 1/2 inches thick, with light marbling)
• 2 cobs of corn (yellow, white, or a mix)
• 2 cups chopped kale leaves (ribs removed)
• 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese (or substitute with feta or goat cheese)
• 2 tbsp prepared pesto
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt and black pepper

Instructions:

Prepare the Steak and Corn:

• Take the steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about an hour. This ensures even cooking.
• Season the steak generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides. Drizzle with olive oil.
• For grilling: Heat your grill to high. Grill the steak for about 8 minutes per side for a medium-rare doneness (internal temperature of 135-140°F). Let it rest tented with foil for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
• Grill the corn with husks on for 3 minutes per side, then peel back the husks and char the corn directly on the grill for a few more minutes.

Prepare the Salad:

• In a large bowl, massage the chopped kale with a bit of olive oil to soften it.
• Add halved cherry tomatoes, grilled corn kernels (cut off the cob), sliced steak, crumbled gorgonzola cheese, and dollops of prepared pesto.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Toss everything together gently to combine all the flavors.
• Serve immediately and revel in the summer freshness!

Tips for Making the Perfect Grilled Steak Summer Salad

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of cooking that perfect steak:

Choosing the Cut: Opt for NY/KC Strip Steak for its balanced marbling, ensuring juicy flavor without feeling too greasy.

Pre-cooking Prep: Take the steak out of the refrigerator ONE HOUR before you are going to cook it and let it come to room temperature. I can’t stress this simple step enough! It’s like a warm-up for your steak that will help it perform even better on the grill.

Seasoning: We’ve been obsessed with The Ball Foods All-Purpose Seasoning lately but I promise all you really need is kosher salt and pepper. Season well on both sides and press the s+p into the steak to help permeate.

Cooking:

If grilling the steak: If you’re using a NY Strip that’s about 1 1/2″ thick, plan to grill for about 8 minutes per side over flames. The key is to cook until the steak is about 135-140 degrees internally, because it will continue to cook once removed from the grill. Take off, tent with foil and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

If cooking on the stove top: Turn your overhead fan on. Heat a high-heat oil like vegetable or avocado over medium high heat. The pan and oil should be hot enough that you can’t hold your hand over top! Place your steak in the pan – it should sizzle – and don’t touch! Let it cook for 2 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 2 minutes. THEN turn down the heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat, tent with foil and let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Pro tip: use the same pan to grill the corn for extra charry steaky flavor.

Different Cooking Methods

Can I Cook Steak on a Stovetop?

Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, a stovetop can be just as effective. Heat a high-heat oil like vegetable or avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for a few minutes on each side, then turn down the heat and continue to cook until desired doneness is achieved. Make sure to sear the sides of the steaks too!

What Other Veggies Can I Grill Besides Corn?

While corn adds a sweet and smoky flavor, you can also grill bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms to add variety and texture to your salad.

More Salad Inspiration

Looking for more salad ideas to elevate your summer dining experience? Try these recipes:

• Chicken Sausage and Cornbread Panzanella Pasta
• Italian Chopped Salad Recipe
• Kale Seared Steak Salad with Peanut Dressing
• Turkey Cheeseburger Salad
• Whole30 Taco Salad

Cooking Tips for Juicy Steaks

What’s the Best Seasoning for Steak?

For a simple and delicious seasoning, use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also experiment with garlic cloves, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and a touch of lemon juice for added zest.

Additional Cooking Techniques and Tips

Using Different Cuts of Steak

When it comes to grilling steak, choosing the right cut can make all the difference. Consider experimenting with skirt steak, hanger steak, or flank steak for a change in texture and flavor. Skirt steak, for example, is perfect for quick grilling due to its thin cut and robust flavor when marinated with soy sauce and grilled over a hot charcoal outdoor grill.

Mastering the Grill

Grilling on charcoal adds a unique smoky flavor that enhances the taste of your steak. Make sure your charcoal grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve those perfect grill marks.

Marinating for Flavor

For tougher cuts like flank steak, marinating in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar can tenderize the meat and infuse it with rich flavors. Aim to marinate for at least 4-6 hours in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best results.

Checking Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of thicker steaks. For medium-rare steak, aim for 130-135°F.

Exploring Steak Variations

Easy and Flavorful Grilled Carne Asada Tacos

Looking for a steak taco that’s easy to make and full of flavor? This carne asada recipe is your answer! Juicy, marinated flank steak, grilled to perfection over direct heat, is sliced thin and served in warm tortillas with red onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

This delicious recipe, featuring a quick marinade with citrus and Mexican spices, offers a juicy grilled steak experience perfect for a summer cookout or special occasion. Whether you’re using a hot grill or looking for easy flank steak recipes, this dish will satisfy you. Check out the full recipe Here​!

There you have it—a comprehensive guide to creating the perfect grilled steak salad and mastering the art of grilling steak. Whether you prefer the smoky flavors of a charcoal grill or the convenience of a stovetop, these tips and recipes provide the best way to elevate your summer cooking. So, next time you fire up the grill, remember to savor the flavors, enjoy the process, and share your culinary creations with loved ones.

Thank you for being an amazing reader of The Savvy Spoon! If you make this recipe and love it, I would so appreciate you rating it below. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more recipes, workouts and lifestyle content!

Thank you for being an amazing reader of The Savvy Spoon! If you make this recipe and love it, I would so appreciate you rating it below. Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more recipes, workouts and lifestyle content!