Ultimate Steakhouse Salad: A Flavorful Feast in Every Bite!

Welcome to my West Virginia kitchen!  When you're craving a hearty salad that doesn't skimp on flavor, texture, or satisfaction, nothing beats a Steakhouse Salad.    

Imagine a tender, juicy flank steak paired with the crunch of crispy buttermilk-fried onions, a perfect balance of tangy vinaigrette, and the richness of crumbled bleu cheese.  This recipe combines fresh ingredients with bold flavors to create a salad that is as filling as it is delicious.  Let's dive into the details and learn how to make this vibrant, mouthwatering dish!  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started! 

INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED:

  

For the Marinade:

• 1 Flank Steak
• Salt and Pepper
• 3/4 cup Neutral Oil
• 1 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
• 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1/2 tsp Sriracha 

For the Fried Onions:

• 1 Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Butter Milk
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Corn Meal
• 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
• Salt and Pepper

For the Salad:

• Mixed Greens
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
• 1 Carrot, shredded
• 1 cup Crumbled Bleu Cheese

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT STEAKHOUSE SALAD:

1. MARINATE THE STEAK:  The key to this steakhouse salad's deep flavor is in the marinade.  Begin by mixing your oil, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and sriracha in a bowl.  Add the minced garlic, then season generously with salt and pepper.  Coat the flank steak in HALF of the marinade (the other half will be used as the salad dressing later), making sure it's fully submerged.  Let it marinade for at least 30 minutes (but if you have time, marinate it for a few hours for maximum flavor infusion).  The sriracha adds a subtle kick, while the mix of vinegar and soy sauce ensures that the steak is flavorful and tender.   
2. PREPARE THE FRIED ONIONS:  While the steak is soaking up the marinade, it's time to prep your crispy onions!  Slice the onion thinly and set it aside.  Pour the buttermilk into a shallow dish.  In another shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornmeal, cayenne, salt, and pepper.  Seat canola oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.  Dip each onion ring into the butter milk, then dredge in the flour and cornmeal mixture.  Carefully fry the onions in the hot oil until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.  Once they're perfectly crisp, remove them from oil and let them drain on a paper towel.  These crispy onions will add a delightful crunch to your salad!  
3. GRILL THE FLANK STEAK:  Now that your marinade has done it's magic, it's time to cook the flank steak.  Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.  Remove the steak from the marinade and season both sides with a bit of extra salt and pepper.  Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the time to your desired doneness.  Once the steak is cooked to your liking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.  This will ensure each bite is tender and juicy.  
4. ASSEMBLE THE SALAD:  Now comes the fun part-assembling your salad!  In a large bowl, toss together the mixed spring greens, cherry tomatoes, and shredded carrot.  Gently add the sliced flank steak on top, ensuring each piece gets a fair share of flavor.  Scatter the crispy fried onions over the salad for that delightful crunch.  Top it all off with a generous handful of crumbled bleu cheese, which will melt into the warm steak, adding a creamy, tangy, contrast to the dish.  
5. DRESS IT UP:  For the final touch, drizzle the leftover marinade over your steakhouse salad, or use your favorite dressing.  Either way this salad is about to blow your tastebuds away!  

STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOGRAPHS:

WHY THIS SALAD IS A GAME CHANGER: 

• Bold Flavors:  The combination of tangy vinegar, soy sauce, and a hint of sriracha gives the steak a savory kick, while the bleu cheese adds richness and depth.
• Texture Galore: From the crispy onions to the tender steak and fresh green, this salad hits every texture note-crispy, crunchy, juicy, and creamy.  
• Perfectly Balanced:  The brown sugar in the marinade adds a subtle sweetness, balancing out the sharpness of the vinegars, while the cayenne and sriracha give it just enough heat to keep you coming back for more.  

SERVING TIPS:

Pair this salad with a cold, crisp glass of white or a light beer for an ideal combination.  The salad is filling enough on it's own, but if you want to add even more heartiness, serve it with a warm loaf of bread on the side.  

This Ultimate Steakhouse Salad makes the perfect meal for any occasion, whether it's a casual dinner or a special treat for yourself.  It's full of healthy greens, high protein steak, and a bunch of flavor making it a standout choice for lunch or dinner!  I know you and your family will love it, so get in the kitchen and give it a try tonight.  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~