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homemade steak salad

Steak Salad Recipe

Steak Salad is a fresh, colourful and protein-packed meal that combines tender, perfectly seasoned steak with crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, cucumber, sweetcorn and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty homemade balsamic dressing. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavour, this easy recipe is perfect for healthy lunches, satisfying dinners, meal prep or entertaining guests. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of juicy beef, crunchy vegetables and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavours.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
RESTING TIME 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Continental
Servings 6 People
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife Essential for trimming the steak and slicing vegetables safely and precisely.
  • 1 Large Chopping Board: Provides a stable, hygienic surface for preparing all your fresh ingredients.
  • 1 Cast-Iron Skillet or Grill Pan – Produces an excellent sear and beautiful caramelisation on the steak.
  • 1 Meat Thermometer – Helps achieve your preferred steak doneness accurately without guesswork.
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl Perfect for gently tossing all the salad ingredients without bruising the leaves.
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl Ideal for whisking together the homemade dressing until smooth.
  • 1 Whisk Quickly combines oil, vinegar and seasonings into a silky dressing.
  • 1 Kitchen Tong - Makes turning the steak easy while preserving the beautiful crust.
  • 1 Large Serving Platter or Salad Bowl – Presents your Steak Salad beautifully for family meals or entertaining guests.
  • 1 Kitchen Timer – Ensures accurate cooking and resting times for a perfectly juicy steak every time.

Ingredients
  

For The Steak

  • 900 g Sirloin Steak – Choose well-marbled sirloin ribeye or rump steak for maximum tenderness
  • 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Helps create a beautiful golden crust while keeping the steak juicy.
  • 2 Teaspoons Sea Salt – Enhances the natural flavour of the beef and helps develop a delicious crust.
  • 1½ Teaspoons Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds gentle warmth and complements the rich beef.
  • 2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder – Provides savoury depth without overpowering the steak.
  • 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder – Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the seasoning.
  • 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano – Introduces a fragrant Mediterranean touch.
  • ½ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika – Gives the steak a light smoky flavour and attractive colour.

For The Salad

  • 2 Large Cos or Romaine Lettuces – Crisp crunchy leaves provide the perfect base for your Steak Salad.
  • 150 g Mixed Salad Leaves – Adds variety freshness and colour.
  • 300 g Cherry Tomatoes – Halved for bursts of sweetness and vibrant colour.
  • 2 Medium Cucumbers – Thinly sliced to add refreshing crunch.
  • 1 Large Red Onion – Thinly sliced for a mild slightly sweet bite.
  • 2 Large Avocados – Diced just before serving to keep them fresh and creamy.
  • 200 g Sweetcorn Kernels – Adds natural sweetness and texture.
  • 2 Mixed Bell Peppers – Thinly sliced to provide colour crunch and vitamin C.
  • 150 g Crumbled Feta Cheese – Offers creamy tangy richness that pairs beautifully with steak.
  • 100 g Black Olives – Adds a Mediterranean flavour and pleasant saltiness.
  • 3 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley – Finely chopped for freshness and vibrant colour.
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Chives – Adds a delicate onion flavour.

For The Homemade Dressing

  • 6 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Creates a smooth rich dressing.
  • 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens every ingredient with refreshing acidity.
  • 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar – Adds gentle sweetness and depth.
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey – Balances the acidity with natural sweetness.
  • 2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard – Helps emulsify the dressing while adding subtle tanginess.
  • 2 Garlic Cloves – Finely minced for bold flavour.
  • 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt – Brings all the dressing ingredients together.
  • ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper – Adds a gentle kick.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare The Steak

  • Remove the 900 g steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. Bringing the meat to room temperature helps it cook evenly and results in a juicier Steak Salad.
  • Pat the steak completely dry using kitchen paper. A dry surface creates a beautiful golden-brown crust during cooking.

Rub both sides with:

  • Olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Dried oregano
  • smoked paprika
  • Massage the seasoning gently into the steak so every part is evenly coated.

Step 2: Heat The Pan

  • Place a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat.
  • Allow the pan to heat for 3–5 minutes until it is very hot.
  • A properly heated pan creates the rich caramelised crust that makes Steak Salad taste like it came from a quality restaurant.

Step 3: Cook The Steak

  • Carefully place the seasoned steak into the hot pan.

Cook without moving it for:

  • 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare
  • 4–5 minutes per side for medium
  • 5–6 minutes per side for medium-well
  • Use kitchen tongs to flip the steak only once for the best sear.
  • If using a meat thermometer:
  • Rare – 50°C
  • Medium Rare – 54–57°C
  • Medium – 60–63°C
  • Medium Well – 65–68°C
  • Well Done – 71°C+
  • Perfectly cooked steak is the heart of an unforgettable Steak Salad.

Step 4: Rest The Steak

  • Transfer the cooked steak to a clean plate or chopping board.
  • Loosely cover with foil.
  • Allow it to rest for 8–10 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare The Vegetables

    While the steak is resting:

    • Wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly.
    • Tear larger leaves into bite-sized pieces.
    • Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
    • Thinly slice the cucumbers.
    • Slice the red onion into fine strips.
    • Slice the bell peppers.
    • Dice the avocados just before serving.
    • Drain the sweetcorn.
    • Chop the parsley.
    • Finely chop the chives.
    • Fresh vegetables are what give Steak Salad its colourful appearance and satisfying crunch.

    Step 6: Make The Homemade Dressing

      In a small mixing bowl, combine:

      • Extra virgin olive oil
      • Fresh lemon juice
      • Balsamic vinegar
      • Honey
      • Dijon mustard
      • Minced garlic
      • Salt
      • Black pepper
      • Whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until smooth and glossy.
      • Taste and adjust the seasoning if required.
      • A balanced dressing brings every ingredient in your Steak Salad together beautifully.

      Step 7: Assemble The Salad

        In a large serving bowl, add:

        • Romaine lettuce
        • Mixed salad leaves
        • Cherry tomatoes
        • Cucumbers
        • Bell peppers
        • Sweetcorn
        • Red onion
        • Black olives
        • Pour over about two-thirds of the dressing.
        • Using clean hands or salad servers, gently toss until every leaf is lightly coated.
        • Avoid overmixing to keep the vegetables crisp.

        Step 8: Slice The Steak

          Using a sharp knife:

          • Slice the rested steak against the grain.
          • Aim for slices about 5–8 mm thick.
          • Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibres, producing wonderfully tender bites throughout your Steak Salad.

          Step 9: Finish The Steak Salad

          • Arrange the sliced steak neatly over the prepared salad.

          Top with:

          • Diced avocado
          • Crumbled feta
          • Fresh parsley
          • Fresh chives
          • Drizzle the remaining dressing over the steak.
          • Serve immediately while the steak is still warm.

          Notes

          • 🥩 For the best Steak Salad, use a tender cut of beef such as sirloin, ribeye or striploin, and avoid overcooking to keep the steak juicy.
          • ⏲️ Always let the steak rest for 8–10 minutes before slicing to retain its natural juices and maximise flavour.
          • 🔪 Slice the steak against the grain for the most tender and enjoyable texture.
          • 🥗 Wash and thoroughly dry the salad leaves before assembling to keep the salad crisp and prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
          • 🥑 Add the avocado just before serving to maintain its fresh colour and creamy texture.
          • 🍋 Taste the dressing before mixing it with the salad and adjust the seasoning, acidity or sweetness to suit your preference.
          • ❄️ If preparing ahead, store the steak, vegetables and dressing separately, then assemble just before serving for the freshest results.
          • 🌿 Feel free to customise your Steak Salad with seasonal vegetables, your favourite cheese or toasted nuts and seeds for extra flavour and crunch.
          • 🍽️ This recipe is delicious served with warm crusty bread, garlic bread or roasted baby potatoes for a more substantial meal.
          • 💚 Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days, although the salad is best enjoyed fresh.
          Keyword Steak salad