Imagine all your summer favorites—juicy steak, sweet corn, peppery greens, and creamy cheese—coming together in one gloriously vibrant bowl. That’s the magic of Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn! Every forkful offers a brilliant blend of smoky, savory, tangy, and fresh flavors, making it an irresistible star for lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Explosion of Texture: Between the smoky grilled corn, juicy steak, crisp greens, and creamy Gorgonzola, every bite is truly exciting.
- Easy Yet Impressive: You don’t need fancy culinary skills—just simple prep and grilling that yield mouthwatering results every time.
- Make It Your Own: This salad shines as a main course, but it’s easy to adapt for picnics, potlucks, or even a cozy meal for two.
- Bold Flavors (& Color!): The balsamic marinade, fresh gremolata, and all those colorful veggies make this a feast for your eyes and your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn earns its keep—think tender steak, a lively balsamic marinade, crunchy greens, and pops of sweet grilled corn all brought together with a punchy vinaigrette. Even better, most of these are easy to find but utterly essential for building layers of flavor and texture.
- Sirloin steak: The star protein—choose a well-marbled steak for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds tangy depth to both the marinade and the vinaigrette, marrying sweet and savory notes.
- Worcestershire sauce: Rounds out the marinade with umami richness—don’t skip it!
- Extra virgin olive oil: Softens the marinade, helps with grilling, and creates a silky dressing.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the marinade and vinaigrette a pleasant sharpness for balance.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle garlicky warmth without raw bite in the marinade.
- Coarse salt & freshly cracked black pepper: Brings all the savory elements to life—generous seasoning is key.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of brightness that play well with smoky steak and corn.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, punchy crunch in every forkful.
- Gorgonzola cheese: Creamy, tangy pops of flavor—sub for blue cheese if you wish, but Gorgonzola is perfection here.
- Endive lettuce: Its gentle bitterness contrasts beautifully with sweet corn and umami steak.
- Mixed spring greens: Adds softness and color, creating a perfect salad base.
- Corn on the cob: Grilled corn is a must for juicy texture and caramelized sweetness.
- Basil & parsley: Fresh herbs make the gremolata zingy and fragrant.
- Lemon zest & garlic: Bright, fresh, and a little bit punchy—just what you want in a gremolata topper.
Variations
One of the best things about Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn is how easily you can tweak it for your mood, what’s in your fridge, or special dietary needs. Here are just a few ideas to spark your creativity!
- Chicken or Shrimp Swap: Swap out the steak for grilled chicken breast or shrimp for a lighter twist (and they soak up the balsamic marinade beautifully).
- Dairy-Free Delight: Skip the Gorgonzola or use a plant-based cheese—the salad is still vibrant and satisfying.
- Different Greens: Instead of endive and spring mix, try arugula, baby spinach, or crunchy romaine—the contrast is delightful!
- Veggie-Forward: Toss in sliced cucumber, roasted bell pepper, or even grilled zucchini for more veggie love.
- Herb Adventure: Experiment with mint or chives in the gremolata for a unique flavor pop.
How to Make Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire, olive oil, Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Place your sirloin steak in a ziplock bag, pour in the marinade, seal, and shake until well-coated. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this infuses the meat with tangy, garlicky flavor and guarantees each slice will be ultra-tender.
Step 2: Make the Gremolata
While the steak marinates, stir together minced basil, parsley, lemon zest, and fresh garlic in a small bowl. This simple, punchy herb blend delivers freshness and zing to your finished salad—don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Grill the Corn
Drizzle the shucked corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, then place the corn on and turn every couple of minutes. You’re looking for charred grill marks and tender kernels—about 10 minutes. Let it cool, then slice the kernels off the cob for glorious golden pops throughout the salad.
Step 4: Grill and Rest the Steak
Take the marinated steak out of the fridge. Grill it for about 4-5 minutes per side to reach rare or medium-rare, depending on your preference (and grill temp). Once done, move the steak to a plate and let it rest for five minutes before thinly slicing against the grain. This step ensures every piece is juicy and never dry.
Step 5: Whisk the Vinaigrette
Stir together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and fresh pepper in a small bowl until you have a glossy, flavorful vinaigrette. This will tie the whole salad together with its bright, tangy kick.
Step 6: Build the Salad
In your largest salad bowl, toss together half the vinaigrette, half the gremolata, mixed greens, endive, cherry tomatoes, Gorgonzola, sliced grilled corn, and red onion. Arrange the steak slices on top, then finish by drizzling with remaining gremolata and more vinaigrette to taste. Stand back and admire your restaurant-worthy masterpiece!
Pro Tips for Making Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn
- Rest for the Best: Always let your steak rest after grilling—five minutes is magic for locking in those flavorful juices before slicing.
- Char But Don’t Burn: Rotate that corn and pull it off the grill when it’s caramelized but still tender for the sweetest crunch.
- Layer the Flavors: Toss some vinaigrette and gremolata into the greens before topping—this ensures every forkful is perfectly seasoned.
- Slice Steaks Across the Grain: For melt-in-your-mouth tender steak, ALWAYS cut against the grain in thin strips—it makes all the difference.
How to Serve Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn
Garnishes
For a truly eye-catching finish, scatter extra crumbled Gorgonzola, some fresh basil or parsley leaves, and maybe a sprinkle of lemon zest on top. A pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving amplifies every flavor and gives beautiful sparkle, too.
Side Dishes
This bold salad shines on its own, but it’s fabulous with a warm loaf of crusty bread or garlicky toasts for dipping. Pair with simply roasted potatoes or a chilled glass of dry rosé to turn it into a true summer feast!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn family-style on a large platter for dramatic effect, or build individual bowls for an elegant dinner party vibe. Layer the steak, corn, and cheese in neat stripes on a big salad board if you want to wow at a potluck or BBQ—it always gets rave reviews!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the steak, greens, and dressing separately in airtight containers. This keeps the greens crisp and the steak juicy for up to two days—just reassemble before serving and drizzle with fresh vinaigrette.
Freezing
While greens and fresh veg don’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked steak for up to a month. Slice before freezing and thaw in the fridge overnight. Avoid freezing the fully assembled salad for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
If reheating steak, use a quick sizzle in a hot skillet or a short zap in the microwave—just until warmed. Don’t overheat or it can dry out! Rebuild your bowl over fresh greens for that just-made delight.
FAQs
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Can I make Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate and grill the steak, prepare the gremolata, and grill the corn a day in advance. Store all the components separately and toss together right before serving for ultimate freshness and great texture.
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What other cheeses work well if I don’t like Gorgonzola?
If blue cheeses aren’t your thing, try crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan instead—they’ll each add their own character to the Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn.
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Can I use frozen or canned corn instead of fresh?
Fresh corn definitely brings the sweetest flavor and best texture, but if it’s out of season, frozen (thawed) or well-drained canned corn can be sautéed in a pan for a quick “grilled” effect—still delicious in this salad!
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How should I slice the steak for the salad?
Always slice steak thinly and against the grain for the most tender, easy-to-eat bites. This also makes your Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn look extra inviting atop the greens.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a salad that eats like a meal, and Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn is just that—vivid, hearty, and bursting with summer flavor in every bite. I hope you give it a try and let it become a new favorite, whether for cozy dinners or sharing with friends under the sun!
PrintBalsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and satisfying Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn recipe that combines savory marinated steak with fresh greens, tangy Gorgonzola cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, and charred corn for a perfect summer meal.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 lb sirloin steak
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Salad
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 2 heads endive lettuce, outer leaves removed, halved and roughly chopped into 2 inch pieces
- 6 cups mixed spring greens
- 1 corn on the cob, husk removed
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling corn
For the Gremolata
- 2 tablespoons basil leaves, minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- Dash of salt and fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the steak: In a medium size bowl, stir together ingredients for the marinade. Place steaks in a large ziplock bag. Pour marinade over the steaks, seal the bag, and shake to coat. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Make the gremolata: Combine the basil, parsley, lemon zest, and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat a cast iron grill pan at medium-high heat or an outdoor grill. Drizzle corn on the cob with 1 tablespoon olive oil and liberally sprinkle salt and pepper. Using tongs, place on the heated grill. Cook each side until grill marks form on the corn kernels and they are somewhat softened, about 10 minutes total. Remove from heat when done and let cool. Slice corn kernels off the cob.
- Remove the steak from the fridge. Place on the grill or grill pan. Grill both sides 4-5 minutes for rare to medium rare. Remove steak to a plate and let rest for five minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for vinaigrette.
- Toss together half of the vinaigrette, half of the gremolata, mixed greens, endives, tomatoes, gorgonzola, sliced corn, and red onion in a large bowl.
- Lay sliced steak on top of salad. Drizzle steak and salad with gremolata and remaining vinaigrette as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 770mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg