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+ servings

Chimichurri Steak Salad

A vibrant California-style chimichurri steak salad with perfectly grilled steak, peppery arugula, and a tangy homemade vinaigrette.
Prep Time 22 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Dinner, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the steak
  • 10 ounces grilling steak (boneless ribeye, top sirloin, skirt, or NY strip)
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the balsamic vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil California-grown preferred
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey local or organic
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper a pinch
For the salad
  • 4 cups baby arugula lightly packed
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 avocado Hass, sliced
  • 1/2 cup pickled red onions store-bought or homemade
  • 2 ounces blue cheese crumbles such as Point Reyes or Maytag
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives roughly sliced

Method
 

Make the dressing
  1. In a small bowl or a mason jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk briskly or shake the jar with the lid on until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
Season the steak
  1. Take the steak out of the fridge about 20 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. Preheat an outdoor grill or a cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Pat the steak dry with paper towels, then season generously on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
Grill the steak
  1. Place the steak on the hot grill and close the lid. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and continue grilling for another 3 to 4 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 130°F for medium-rare. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Assemble the salad
  1. Arrange the arugula on two serving plates or a large platter. Top with the sliced steak, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, pickled red onions, crumbled blue cheese, and chives. Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette right before serving—you'll likely only need about half the dressing; save the rest for another salad later in the week.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 35gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 620mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g

Notes

For a more robust flavor, let the steak marinate in the vinaigrette for 30 minutes before grilling. If you don't have an outdoor grill, a hot cast-iron skillet works beautifully for pan-searing the steak. Store leftover salad components separately in the fridge; the dressed salad won't keep well. For a dairy-free version, skip the blue cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The dressing can be made up to a week ahead and kept in the fridge—just shake or whisk before using. Be careful not to overcook the steak; medium-rare gives the best texture. For extra crunch, add toasted almonds or walnuts.

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