If you are craving a salad that perfectly balances bold flavors with fresh, crisp textures, then look no further than this Gorgonzola Steak Salad Recipe. It’s a vibrant medley of tender, marinated skirt steak paired with crunchy spring greens, charred sweet corn, and the tangy creaminess of Gorgonzola cheese, all brought together with a zingy homemade balsamic dressing. This salad is both hearty and refreshing, making it an absolute favorite for dinner parties or any meal where you want something light yet deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Gorgonzola Steak Salad Recipe has a special role to play, combining simple, fresh elements that build the salad’s complex flavor profile. From the juicy skirt steak to the fresh herbs and charred veggies, every component adds color, texture, and taste that elevates this salad far beyond the usual greens.
- Steak Marinade: The marinade infuses the skirt steak with deep, rich flavor, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
- Skirt Steak: Known for its bold beefy taste, this cut is perfect for grilling and slicing thin to complement the salad.
- Yellow Sweet Corn: Boiled and then charred, it adds a sweet smokiness and burst of color.
- Zucchini: Sliced and grilled to bring out a subtle charred flavor and tender texture.
- Spring Mix: A lively assortment of greens for freshness and crunch.
- Arugula: Provides a peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese.
- Endive: Adds a slightly bitter crunch to brighten the salad.
- Petit Medley Grape Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, the halved tomatoes give pops of vibrant red and freshness.
- Green Onions: Thinly sliced, they contribute subtle sharpness and color.
- Shallot: Offers a delicate, mild onion flavor sliced thin for texture.
- Basil and Parsley: Freshly minced herbs brighten and lift the entire salad.
- Garlic and Lemon Zest: Essential aromatics that add zestiness and depth.
- Gorgonzola Cheese: The star ingredient for creamy, tangy, and slightly salty flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil: Combine to create a rich, acid-forward dressing that ties everything together.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds just the right amount of tang and emulsification to the dressing.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
How to Make Gorgonzola Steak Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by mixing your marinade ingredients in a large ziplock bag; this simple step ensures the steak absorbs all those delicious flavors. Adding the skirt steak to the marinade and letting it rest allows the meat to become tender and intensely flavorful, which is essential for a steak salad that stands out.
Step 2: Grill the Steak
Once marinated, grill your steak to your preferred level of doneness. The charred exterior locks in juices and adds that classic grilled flavor. After cooking, give it a 5-10 minute rest so the juices redistribute, making each slice succulent and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Corn
While the steak is resting, boil your corn for 5-7 minutes to soften it, then pat it dry and char it over high heat. This adds a smoky, caramelized note that complements the sweetness and enhances the overall taste experience.
Step 4: Grill the Zucchini
Heat a pan or grill on medium-high, drizzle with olive oil, and add the zucchini. Cooking it until beautifully charred on each side adds a silky texture and a hint of smokiness to this versatile veggie, balancing the salad’s flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Toss the Greens and Veggies
In a large bowl, combine your spring mix, arugula, endive, tomatoes, green onions, shallots, herbs, and lemon zest. Adding a pinch of salt and optional lemon juice brightens the flavors, making the salad feel light and refreshing. You can toss it with some dressing now or let your guests dress their own plates for a personalized touch.
Step 6: Assemble the Salad
On a large platter, spread out your greens and vegetable mixture as a vibrant base. Lay slices of the rested steak on top and scatter crumbles of Gorgonzola cheese generously. The creamy cheese melts slightly from the warmth of the steak, creating a rich, tangy contrast.
Step 7: Make the Dressing
Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a mason jar. Shake vigorously until well emulsified. This dressing ties the entire salad together with its perfect balance of acidity and smoothness.
How to Serve Gorgonzola Steak Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil and parsley sprinkled on top brighten the flavors and add a pop of color. A few extra twists of fresh cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality balsamic glaze can also enhance presentation and taste beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toasted baguette slices for soaking up the dressing. If you want something more substantial on the side, roasted potatoes or a warm quinoa pilaf complement the steak’s richness without overpowering the salad’s freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, consider serving the salad family-style on a large wooden board with ingredients artfully arranged rather than mixed. Or make individual salad plates with neatly sliced steak fan-arranged over the greens and cheese. This adds elegance and makes your guests feel truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the steak separately from the greens and dressing to keep everything fresh. Place the greens in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture, and keep the steak wrapped to maintain juiciness for up to two days.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftover cooked steak before adding it to the salad. Be sure to thaw slowly in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain tenderness. Avoid freezing the salad with dressing or fresh greens, as they will become soggy.
Reheating
Warm the steak in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave on a gentle setting just until heated through. Reassemble your salad fresh with crisp greens and a squeeze of lemon to restore the original vibrancy and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have Gorgonzola?
Absolutely! Blue cheese varieties like Roquefort or Stilton also work well, offering similar creamy and tangy notes, but feel free to experiment with feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor twist.
What cut of steak works best for this salad?
Skirt steak is ideal due to its rich flavor and quick cooking time, but flank steak or sirloin can be great alternatives. Just adjust grilling times based on thickness and personal preference.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the steak and add hearty roasted vegetables or grilled portobello mushrooms to maintain that satisfying, meaty texture without the meat.
Can I prepare the salad in advance for a party?
You can prep all the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to assemble fresh right before serving to keep greens crisp and cheese from melting too much. Store components separately and combine just before guests arrive.
How long should I marinate the steak?
Marinate the steak for at least 2 hours, though overnight yields the best flavor and tenderness. A good marinade will help break down the fibers and infuse the meat with bold taste.
Final Thoughts
This Gorgonzola Steak Salad Recipe is a sensational blend of hearty and fresh, tangy and smoky, creamy and crisp—truly a salad that satisfies on every level. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or impressing at a gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to salad masterpiece!
Print
Gorgonzola Steak Salad Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Gorgonzola Steak Salad featuring marinated grilled skirt steak, charred sweet corn, and zucchini, served on a bed of spring mix, arugula, and endive, topped with grape tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a tangy balsamic dressing infused with garlic and Dijon mustard.
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Steak and Marinade
- 1 Best Steak Marinade (see note)
- 1 Skirt Steak
Vegetables and Greens
- 1 ½ Ears Yellow Sweet Corn (boiled for 5–7 minutes)
- 1 Zucchini (sliced and quartered)
- 6 Cups Spring Mix
- 1 Cup Arugula
- 2 Endive Heads (core removed and roughly chopped)
- 2 Cups Petit Medley Grape Tomatoes (about 8–10 oz container, tomatoes halved)
- ½ Stalk Green Onions (sliced)
- 1 Shallot (thinly sliced)
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Zest
Herbs and Aromatics
- 2 Tablespoons Basil (minced)
- 2 Tablespoons Parsley (minced)
- 1 Clove Garlic (minced for salad)
- 1 Clove Garlic (minced for dressing)
Cheese and Seasoning
- 4 Ounces Gorgonzola Cheese
- Crack of Black Pepper
- Pinch Kosher Salt and Pepper
Dressing
- ¼ Cup Balsamic Vinegar
- ⅓ Cup Olive Oil
- 1 Clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a large ziplock bag, combine all ingredients for the marinade. Seal the bag and squish to thoroughly mix. Add the skirt steak, seal, and marinate according to the marinade recipe instructions, generally for several hours to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat the grill to high heat. Remove steak from marinade and grill according to recipe directions until desired doneness. Once done, set aside and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
- Char the Corn: Heat a gas burner or grill on high. Dry the boiled corn thoroughly and char each side over the flame until blackened spots develop. Let cool slightly, then cut kernels off the cob into a bowl.
- Cook the Zucchini: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced and quartered zucchini, seasoning with salt and pepper. Char each side for about 2 minutes or until grill marks appear. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine spring mix, arugula, chopped endive, grape tomatoes, green onions, shallots, fresh basil, parsley, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Add a pinch of salt and optional squeeze of lemon juice. Toss well to mix flavors evenly.
- Arrange and Dress the Salad: Arrange the greens mixture on a large platter. Top with sliced grilled steak and sprinkle with crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. Drizzle desired amount of the prepared dressing or serve remaining dressing on the side for guests to add as preferred.
- Make the Dressing: In a mason jar, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until emulsified and well combined.
Notes
- Marinate the steak for at least 4-6 hours or overnight for best flavor infusion.
- The corn is boiled briefly before charring to ensure it cooks through and gains a smoky flavor.
- Use a gas burner flame or grill to char the vegetables for authentic smoky char marks.
- The salad can be served either with dressing tossed in or served on the side to accommodate guests’ preferences.
- Allow the steak to rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American