Imagine the thrill of sinking your fork into a vibrant, flavor-packed Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn—tender, smoky steak, sweet grilled corn, robust greens, and creamy tangy cheese, all harmonized by a punchy balsamic vinaigrette. This dish isn’t just a salad, it’s a celebration on your plate—bold textures and colors meld with savory and sweet layers for a meal that’s as stunning as it is irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to a dinner that feels fancy, you’ll find yourself craving this creation again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great cooking starts with great ingredients! The list for Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn is refreshingly simple yet purposeful—each item plays a crucial role in creating layers of taste, texture, and color that make this salad shine.
- Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank): Choose your favorite cut; just be sure it’s well-marbled for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Fresh corn on the cob: Grilling brings out the sweetness and adds that magical char every summer salad needs.
- Mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix): The crisp, peppery greens are the perfect bed for juicy steak and creamy cheese.
- Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled: Its sharp, tangy creaminess elevates every bite—don’t skimp here!
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: For juicy bursts of color and subtle tartness.
- Red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a sweet, sharp crunch that balances the richness of the steak.
- Balsamic vinegar: The backbone of your zesty, sweet, and slightly acidic vinaigrette.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use your best oil; this builds the body of your dressing.
- Honey or maple syrup: A touch of sweetness helps meld all the flavors together.
- Dijon mustard: For creaminess and a gentle kick in the vinaigrette.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Chopped herbs add fresh, aromatic notes to your finished salad.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Don’t underestimate seasoning—every ingredient tastes its best with a little love.
How to Make Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn
Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Steak
Let’s kick things off by giving your steak a quick flavor bath! Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, then let the steak soak in this marinade for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have time). Fire up your grill or a grill pan until smoking hot, then sear the steak to your preferred doneness, usually about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. After grilling, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly across the grain—it’s the secret to juicy, tender bites!
Step 2: Grill the Corn
While your steak is resting, throw your shucked corn onto the grill. Turn until it’s charred in spots and gorgeously tender—usually 8-10 minutes. Once cooled, cut the kernels from the cob. This golden, smoky corn is the sweet heart and soul of the Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn!
Step 3: Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette
Grab a jar or bowl and combine balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Whisk in olive oil until smooth and glossy. Taste and tweak to your liking—the magic of a homemade vinaigrette is striking your personal balance between sweet, tangy, and bold!
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
On a beautiful platter or large bowl, layer your mixed greens, scatter the grilled corn kernels and cherry tomatoes, then tumble on the red onion slices. Arrange the sliced steak over top and shower with crumbled gorgonzola. Drizzle generously with the balsamic vinaigrette, and don’t be shy with fresh herbs if using. Every forkful should offer a taste of everything!
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Give the salad a final flourish of salt and cracked black pepper, then let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors can mingle. The result? A Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn that’s equal parts hearty and fresh, warm and cool—a masterpiece worthy of your favorite people.
How to Serve Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn
Garnishes
For a splash of color and flavor, finish your Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn with extra fresh basil or parsley, a dusting of cracked black pepper, and maybe even a few more crumbles of gorgonzola. A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving adds brightness that makes all the flavors sing!
Side Dishes
This salad is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs fabulously with warm crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or grilled asparagus for a truly memorable feast. Want something lighter? A sparkling water with citrus or a bold glass of red wine brings out the best in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn family-style on a vibrant platter, or plate individual servings for a beautiful elegant dinner. For parties, layer the ingredients in wide-mouth mason jars for a portable, picnic-perfect option. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through with unique serving dishes or playful arrangements!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you wind up with extra Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn, store the steak, salad, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keeping the components apart helps preserve the texture of the greens and the steak’s juiciness. Leftovers are best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
While you can freeze the grilled steak by wrapping it well and storing in a freezer bag for up to 2 months, the rest of the salad ingredients—especially fresh greens and gorgonzola—won’t fare well in the freezer. Assemble fresh when ready, but feel free to make extra steak for easy salad assembly later on!
Reheating
To warm up leftover steak for your next Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn, gently reheat slices in a skillet over medium-low heat or briefly in the microwave, just until warmed through. You want to avoid overcooking and drying out the steak. Everything else can be tossed cold—salad is best served just lightly chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I substitute a different cheese if I don’t like gorgonzola?
Absolutely! Blue cheese, feta, or even creamy goat cheese work beautifully if you prefer a milder or different tang. The key is to choose a cheese that crumbles easily and adds a burst of flavor to balance the steak and grilled corn.
What’s the best steak cut for this salad?
Sirloin, flank, or ribeye are my favorites. Sirloin gives robust flavor, flank is lean and slices beautifully, and ribeye brings extra richness. Just make sure your steak is marbled and don’t overcook it—it’s delicious medium-rare to medium.
How can I grill the corn if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
A grill pan on the stovetop gets similar charred results, or simply roast the corn under your oven’s broiler while turning occasionally. The goal is juicy, sweet corn with smoky brown spots for that signature flavor.
Can I make the balsamic vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes—you can prepare the vinaigrette up to 5 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just whisk or shake well before using, as homemade dressings naturally separate when chilled.
Is this salad meal-prep friendly?
Definitely! Grill the steak and corn and prep the veggies and vinaigrette a day early. Store everything separately and assemble just before serving to keep the salad vibrant and the textures fresh.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let another ordinary salad night pass you by—treat yourself and your loved ones to the bold, unforgettable flavors of Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn. With every bite, you’ll taste the perfect harmony of summer’s sweetness, hearty steak, and those dreamy creamy morsels of cheese. Give it a go, and watch this dish become a fast favorite at your table!
PrintBalsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn is a vibrant and satisfying main-course salad, combining juicy balsamic-marinated steak, charred sweet corn, crisp greens, tangy gorgonzola, and a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It’s perfect for summer dinners or any time you’re craving an elevated yet easy-to-make salad.
Ingredients
For the Balsamic Steak
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin steak
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed leafy greens (such as arugula, spinach, or baby romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
For the Grilled Corn
- 2 ears sweet corn, husked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Add the steak and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
- Grill the Corn: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the corn with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning occasionally, until charred in spots and tender, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then slice kernels off the cobs.
- Grill the Steak: Remove steak from the marinade and pat dry. Grill over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness is reached. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and grilled corn kernels. Toss gently to mix.
- Add the Steak and Gorgonzola: Top the greens with sliced steak, crumbled Gorgonzola, and avocado slices.
- Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small jar, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until well combined.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle desired amount of vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, and toss gently. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan or even a heavy skillet works great for both steak and corn.
- Let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Feel free to swap Gorgonzola with blue cheese or feta for a milder flavor.
- This salad can be prepped ahead, just dress right before serving to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 81mg
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