A celebration of bold flavors and satisfying textures, this Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn is the perfect dish when you’re craving something hearty yet refreshing. The seared sirloin steak brings rich, juicy depth to the plate, beautifully complemented by the tang of creamy gorgonzola and the sweetness of charred corn. It’s finished with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette that ties all the elements together for a truly mouthwatering experience.
This salad is not only stunning in presentation but also offers a nutritious and well-balanced meal. Ideal for summer gatherings, quick weeknight dinners, or special date-night meals at home, it delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. The combination of grilled ingredients and crisp greens creates an unforgettable dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) sirloin steak
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4 cups mixed salad greens
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2 ears of corn, husked
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
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1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
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Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Remove and let rest before slicing thinly against the grain.
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Brush corn with a little olive oil and grill for 10 minutes, turning occasionally until charred. Let cool slightly, then slice kernels off the cob.
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In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
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In a large bowl, combine salad greens, grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled Gorgonzola.
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Add sliced steak on top of the salad. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with chopped parsley.
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Serve immediately while the steak is still warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn
If you’re looking to elevate your salad game with bold flavors, hearty textures, and a touch of gourmet flair, this Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn is the perfect recipe to add to your culinary collection. It’s not just a salad, it’s a full meal that satisfies every craving for something savory, sweet, tangy, and indulgent, all while keeping things fresh and balanced.
This dish combines several powerhouse ingredients to create a harmonious plate that’s just as visually appealing as it is delicious. The star of the show is the juicy grilled sirloin steak, seasoned simply to allow its natural flavor to shine. When sliced thinly and placed atop a bed of fresh salad greens, it adds a rich, meaty component that turns this salad into a complete and satisfying entrée.
What truly sets this salad apart is its balance of textures and flavors. Sweet, smoky grilled corn brings a caramelized crunch to each bite, contrasting beautifully with the creamy and pungent Gorgonzola cheese. The balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a perfect blend of tanginess and richness, offering a sharp and zesty finish that enhances every ingredient on the plate.
Why This Salad Works
One of the reasons this salad is such a hit is because it hits all the flavor notes, umami from the steak, sweetness from the corn, creaminess from the cheese, and acidity from the balsamic dressing. It’s this balance that makes it a showstopper, whether you’re serving it at a casual backyard barbecue, packing it for lunch, or enjoying a special dinner for two.
Texture also plays a key role. Mixed salad greens provide a crisp and refreshing base, while the grilled steak and corn offer warm, tender, and slightly charred elements that bring depth and interest to the plate. The creamy Gorgonzola crumbles melt just slightly on the warm steak, adding richness and flavor in every forkful.
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe isn’t just about great taste, it’s also packed with nutrition. Sirloin steak is a lean cut of beef that’s high in protein and iron, making it a great choice for muscle building and energy. Salad greens, especially varieties like arugula or spinach, are rich in vitamins A and C, while grilled corn offers fiber and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote eye health.
Gorgonzola cheese, though indulgent, provides calcium and protein as well. While it is higher in fat, using it in moderation allows you to enjoy its unique flavor without overwhelming the rest of the dish. The homemade balsamic vinaigrette is another healthy component, it uses olive oil for heart-healthy fats and vinegar to aid digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Ingredient Versatility
One of the best things about this salad is how versatile it can be. While sirloin is the recommended cut, you can easily substitute it with flank steak, ribeye, or even grilled chicken if you prefer a different protein. For a vegetarian version, grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu can replace the steak and still bring plenty of flavor and satisfaction.
Not a fan of Gorgonzola? Try swapping it with blue cheese, feta, or goat cheese. Each of these cheeses adds its own distinctive taste and texture, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking.
When it comes to greens, don’t feel restricted to a single type. A mix of arugula, baby spinach, and romaine provides both color and texture, while fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or even chives can be added for extra aroma and brightness.
Seasonal Appeal
This salad is especially ideal during the summer months when corn is in season and the grill is in full swing. Fresh, locally-sourced corn adds unbeatable sweetness and crunch that frozen corn just can’t match. Grilling the corn brings out its natural sugars, giving it a slightly smoky and caramelized flavor that blends beautifully with the steak.
That said, it’s also a dish you can enjoy year-round. In colder months, you can use a stovetop grill pan or broiler to prepare the steak and corn indoors. With just a few ingredient swaps based on what’s available, this salad can easily become a year-round staple.
Tips for the Perfect Salad
To get the most out of your salad, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
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Let the steak rest before slicing. This helps retain the juices and ensures tender, flavorful slices.
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Toss the greens lightly with some of the dressing before plating. This ensures every bite has flavor and helps the ingredients stick together.
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Add the cheese last, right before serving, to preserve its texture and prevent it from becoming overly soft from the heat of the steak.
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Serve immediately to enjoy the best contrast of warm and cold elements. The warmth of the steak and corn against the cool, crisp greens creates a satisfying balance.
Great for Entertaining
Because of its visual appeal and impressive flavor profile, this salad is a fantastic option for entertaining. It looks elegant on a platter, especially when garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra balsamic reduction. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, holiday dinner, or even a casual weeknight get-together, this dish delivers both wow-factor and ease of preparation.
You can also prepare parts of it ahead of time. The dressing can be made and stored in the fridge for several days. The corn can be grilled in advance and stored in an airtight container. Even the steak can be grilled ahead of time, then reheated gently before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
To make this a complete meal, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir, both of which complement the flavors of steak and Gorgonzola well. If you’re serving this for lunch or as a lighter dinner, it also pairs beautifully with a chilled sparkling water infused with lemon or cucumber.
As for side dishes, you may not need much since the salad is quite filling. However, a light baguette or slice of sourdough bread on the side can help soak up any leftover vinaigrette. For a more robust dinner, consider serving it with a small bowl of soup, such as roasted tomato or creamy potato leek.
Conclusion
This Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn isn’t your ordinary salad. It’s an elegant, flavor-forward dish that brings together the boldness of seared steak, the sweetness of charred corn, and the richness of creamy Gorgonzola, all layered over crisp greens and drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for warm weather meals, dinner parties, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent yet balanced, this recipe proves that salads can be hearty, gourmet, and deeply satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking to impress or just need a quick and delicious dinner option, this salad hits the mark every time. Try it once, and it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites.