This easy chopped salad features fresh veggies and tender grilled steak, making it a colorful and tasty meal. Quick to prepare, it’s loaded with flavor with every bite.
I love how the juicy steak pairs perfectly with the crunchy greens. Sometimes, I toss in my favorite dressing and call it a day—so simple and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Flank or skirt steak works great here because they stay tender after grilling. If you need a more affordable option, you can use sirloin or even grilled chicken for a leaner alternative.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine adds a nice crunch. If you prefer softer greens, use spinach or mixed greens. You could also add kale for an extra nutrient boost.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using a mix of red and yellow tomatoes for color and sweetness. If you don’t have them, diced regular tomatoes work well, too. Just make sure to remove some of the seeds to prevent extra moisture.
Cheese: Feta brings a tangy flavor to the salad. If you’re not a fan, try goat cheese, or skip it altogether for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Grill Steak Perfectly Every Time?
Grilling steak is simple but requires paying attention to a few details. Proper seasoning and letting the steak rest after cooking are key!
- Before grilling, make sure your grill is preheated. This way, you get nice grill marks and help seal in the juices.
- Season generously with salt and pepper, and rub a bit of olive oil. Oil helps prevent sticking.
- Grill your steak for about 4-5 minutes per side. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer; 130°F is medium-rare.
- After removing the steak from the grill, let it rest for about five minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Easy Chopped Salad with Tender Grilled Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mix of red and yellow)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/2 cup creamy herb dressing (ranch or homemade herb dressing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10-15 minutes for grilling the steak. Altogether, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grill:
First, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This will ensure your steak gets a lovely sear. While it’s heating up, go ahead and season your steak.
2. Seasoning the Steak:
Rub the flank or skirt steak all over with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Make sure it’s well-coated to help enhance the flavor while it cooks.
3. Grilling the Steak:
Place the seasoned steak on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting the cooking time according to your preferred level of doneness. Once done, take it off the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
4. Preparing the Salad:
While the steak is resting, grab a large bowl or platter. Combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, corn, and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Toss them together gently.
5. Slicing the Steak:
After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain. This helps keep each piece tender and juicy. Lay the slices over the salad mix.
6. Finishing Touches:
Add the sliced avocado on top of your salad. Then, generously drizzle the creamy herb dressing all over the salad. If you’d like, you can also sprinkle on the crumbled feta or goat cheese.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Gently toss the salad if you want everything mixed together, or simply serve as is with the dressing on top. Enjoy your fresh, hearty chopped salad with tender grilled steak!
FAQ for Easy Chopped Salad with Tender Grilled Steak
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak are great choices, you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary based on the cut you choose.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the steak and replace it with grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein. You can also add additional veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra flavor and texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain the freshness of the greens and prevent them from wilting.
Can I Prep This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep most of this salad ahead of time! Chop the veggies and cook the steak in advance. Just store everything separately (especially the dressing), and combine them when you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crisp.
