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Grilled steak and fresh strawberry spinach salad with balsamic dressing

Classic Steak & Strawberry Spinach Salad — spring fruit + balsamic.

This refreshing salad combines perfectly seared steak with fresh spinach, sweet strawberries, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, making it a perfect light meal for spring.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • Small bowl
  • Large bowl

Ingredients
  

For the Steak:

  • 1 pound flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye about 1-inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Optional

For the Salad:

  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach washed and dried
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese optional, but highly recommended
  • ¼ cup sliced red onion thinly sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup toasted pecans or walnuts roughly chopped (for crunch!)

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • ¼ cup good quality balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic or ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Steak

  • Pat the steak dry, then season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the steak for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your preference, using a meat thermometer for desired doneness. Remove and let it rest, tented with foil, for 5-10 minutes.

Make the Vinaigrette

  • While the steak rests, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Assemble the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine the baby spinach, sliced strawberries, red onion, and toasted nuts.
  • Thinly slice the rested steak against the grain, then add it to the salad bowl with the crumbled cheese. Drizzle with vinaigrette and gently toss to combine.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes before cooking.