Description
Fresh and vibrant Balsamic Steak Salad with Mozzarella combines tender ribeye steak, crisp mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and creamy shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) with a tangy balsamic dressing. This salad is a bold, balanced, and nutritious meal perfect for quick lunches or elegant dinners, customizable to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Protein
- 1 ribeye steak (about 8 oz), tender and juicy
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (for cooking steak)
- Optional: smoked turkey bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
Salad Base
- 3 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: Season the ribeye steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if preferred well done. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste, balancing tanginess with a touch of sweetness if desired.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, toss mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. If using smoked turkey bacon, cook until crisp, chop, and add to the salad for extra smoky crunch and texture.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the salad base on plates or a serving platter. Top with sliced steak and generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) over the salad. Drizzle the balsamic dressing evenly over the top for flavor and gloss.
- Final Touches: Gently toss the salad if preferred or leave layered for a rustic presentation. Serve immediately to keep greens crisp and mozzarella soft.
Notes
- Allow the steak to rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for deeper, richer dressing flavor.
- Slice the steak thinly to ensure it blends well with the salad.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy greens while maintaining vibrant flavor.
- Let salad components come to room temperature before assembling to enhance flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (approximately 1/2 recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: balsamic steak salad, mozzarella salad, ribeye salad, healthy steak salad, balsamic dressing, mixed greens salad