Steak & Artichoke Salad Recipe

This steak and artichoke salad is a flavor-packed dish that combines tender, juicy steak with the unique taste of artichokes, all topped off with a tangy blue cheese dressing. The mixture of textures and flavors makes this salad an exciting alternative to your standard greens, and it's hearty enough to serve as a main course.

steak & artichoke salad with blue cheese dressing recipe

Photos of Steak & Artichoke Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

The key ingredient that you may not have on hand for this recipe is artichoke hearts. These are often sold in cans or jars and can be found in the canned vegetable aisle of most supermarkets. They have a unique, slightly tangy flavor that pairs excellently with the richness of the steak and blue cheese. If you can't find them, marinated artichokes can also work well in this salad.

Ingredients for Steak and Artichoke Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

Canola oil: Used for cooking the steak, it has a high smoke point and neutral taste.

Flank steak: Lean and flavorful, it's ideal for salads.

Mixed greens: They add freshness and a variety of textures to the salad.

Bacon: It adds a smoky flavor and satisfying crunch.

Artichoke hearts: They have a unique, slightly tangy flavor that pairs excellently with steak and blue cheese.

Red peppers: They add a splash of color and a sweet, slightly bitter flavor.

Walnuts: They give a nice crunch and are packed with nutrients.

Greek yogurt: It's the base of the blue cheese dressing, providing creaminess and tang.

Blue cheese: It's pungent and creamy, perfect for a tangy, rich dressing.

Garlic clove: It adds a kick of sharp, slightly spicy flavor to the dressing.

Red wine vinegar: It gives the dressing acidity and balance.

Lemon juice: It brightens up the flavors of the dressing.

Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch adds a hint of heat to the dressing.

One reader, Fanni Barger says:

This steak and artichoke salad with blue cheese dressing recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender steak, flavorful artichokes, and creamy blue cheese dressing is simply divine. It's a refreshing and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out!

Fanni Barger

Techniques Required for Making Steak and Artichoke Salad

How to cook the steak: The steak should be seasoned generously with salt and pepper on both sides. It can be cooked in a skillet or on a grill. If using a skillet, heat it on medium-high and add oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the steak in the skillet and cook without moving it for 5 minutes. Turn it once and cook for an additional 3 minutes for medium-rare. If grilling, cook the steak on high heat, turning once, for 4 to 6 minutes for medium-rare.

How to prepare the salad: The salad can be prepared by layering the mixed greens with crumbled bacon, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and walnuts.

How to make the blue cheese dressing: Whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, blue cheese, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until blended. Break up larger chunks of blue cheese if necessary.

How To Make Steak & Artichoke Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

This artichoke salad has steak slices and bacon bits for a fuller flavor. The yogurt and blue cheese dressing is a rich yet light addition.

Preparation: 7 minutes

Cooking: 8 minutes

Rest Time: 10 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Salad:

1tbspcanola oil
1flank steak,trimmed of excess fat
8cupsmixed greens
4slicesbacon,cooked and crumbled
14ozartichoke hearts,(1 jar), drained and roughly chopped
½cupred peppers,roasted, thinly sliced
½cupwalnuts,toasted

For Blue Cheese Dressing:

½cupplain greek yogurt
½cupblue cheese,crumbled
1garlic clove,finely minced
1tbspred wine vinegar
1tbsplemon juice
pinch of cayenne pepper
pinch of salt
pinch of black pepper

Instructions

Season steak generously on both sides with salt and many grinds of black pepper.
To cook steak in a skillet or grill pan, heat skillet on medium-high and add olive oil. When oil begins to shimmer, place steak in skillet and do not move it for 5 minutes. Turn it once, and cook for another 3 minutes for medium-rare. (Cook longer if desired for medium to well-done steak.)
To cook steak on the grill, grill steak on high heat, covered only if using a gas grill, turning once, 4 to 6 minutes total for medium-rare. (Cook longer if desired for medium to well-done steak.)
Remove steak once cooked and let sit for at least 10 minutes. Cut across the diagonal into thin strips.
Prepare the salads by layering the greens with the crumbled bacon, artichokes, roasted red peppers and walnuts. Drizzle with blue cheese dressing.

Blue Cheese Dressing:

Whisk together all ingredients until blended. Break up larger chunks of blue cheese if necessary.

Nutrition

Calories: 791.16kcal
Fat: 53.24g
Saturated Fat: 20.56g
Trans Fat: 0.10g
Monounsaturated Fat: 20.70g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.08g
Carbohydrates: 32.48g
Fiber: 13.56g
Sugar: 8.02g
Protein: 50.35g
Cholesterol: 141.85mg
Sodium: 1235.60mg
Calcium: 403.63mg
Potassium: 1652.10mg
Iron: 5.96mg
Vitamin A: 668.82µg
Vitamin C: 87.59mg

Mastering the Art of Grilling Steak for This Salad

When cooking your flank steak, it's important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes after it's been cooked. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy piece of meat. If you cut into the steak immediately after cooking, the juices will run out, leaving the steak dry. This resting period is a crucial step in achieving the perfect steak for your steak and artichoke salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Marinate the steak and prepare the blue cheese dressing a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.

Multi-task: While the steak is resting, use that time to prepare the salad ingredients to streamline the process.

Use pre-cooked bacon: Save time by using pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits instead of cooking bacon from scratch.

Buy pre-cut vegetables: Opt for pre-cut artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers to cut down on prep time.

Invest in a good quality steak: A high-quality steak will cook faster and more evenly, saving you time in the kitchen.

Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible to avoid wasting time searching for items.

Substitute Ingredients For Steak & Artichoke Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

canola oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar flavor and health benefits to canola oil.
flank steak - Substitute with skirt steak: Skirt steak has a similar texture and flavor profile to flank steak, making it a suitable substitute.
mixed greens - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can be a great alternative with its tender leaves and mild flavor.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta offers a similar smoky and salty flavor to bacon, making it a good substitute in the salad.
artichoke hearts - Substitute with asparagus spears: Asparagus can provide a similar texture and a fresh, earthy flavor to the salad.
red peppers - Substitute with yellow peppers: Yellow peppers can add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor similar to red peppers.
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans can offer a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the salad.
plain greek yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream can provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture to the dressing.
blue cheese - Substitute with gorgonzola: Gorgonzola cheese has a similar pungent flavor and creamy texture, making it a good alternative in the dressing.
garlic clove - Substitute with shallot: Shallots can offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor similar to garlic in the dressing.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar can provide a sweet and tangy flavor similar to red wine vinegar.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can offer a slightly acidic and tangy flavor similar to lemon juice.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a mild heat and a smoky flavor similar to cayenne pepper.

Presentation Tips for a Stunning Steak and Artichoke Salad

Elevate the steak: Slice the steak into thin strips and arrange them in a visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring each piece is showcased beautifully.
Artfully arrange the mixed greens: Carefully arrange the mixed greens in a way that creates a visually stunning base for the steak and other ingredients.
Incorporate the artichoke hearts: Strategically place the artichoke hearts around the plate to add pops of color and texture, enhancing the overall presentation.
Garnish with bacon and walnuts: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and walnuts over the dish, adding a delightful contrast in both flavor and visual appeal.
Drizzle with blue cheese dressing: Use a drizzling technique to apply the blue cheese dressing in an artistic manner, ensuring it enhances the flavors and aesthetics of the dish.
Add a touch of red peppers: Use the roasted red peppers to add a vibrant and visually striking element to the plate, creating a captivating presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Salad

Skillet or grill pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. A grill pan can also be used for grilling indoors.
Gas grill: An outdoor cooking appliance that uses gas as a fuel source for grilling and barbecuing.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and stirring ingredients together.
Knife: A sharp cutting tool used for slicing and dicing ingredients, including meats and vegetables.
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients, providing a safe and stable work area.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients together.
Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting items, such as the steak while cooking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring and portioning ingredients.
Grill tongs: Long-handled tongs specifically designed for use on a grill, allowing for easy handling of food over an open flame.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and stirring ingredients together.
Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting the prepared salad and steak.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Steak and Artichoke Salad

To store the steak and artichoke salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the blue cheese dressing separate from the salad to prevent the greens from getting soggy.
If you have leftover cooked steak, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the steak for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
The blue cheese dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a good stir before using it again, as the ingredients may separate over time.
If you have leftover bacon, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bacon for up to 1 month. To freeze, wrap the bacon tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the bacon in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
The artichoke hearts, red peppers, and walnuts can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you have leftover mixed greens, store them in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.

How To Reheat Leftover Steak and Artichoke Salad

Reheat the steak in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or butter until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Slice the steak thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness.
For a quick and easy reheat, microwave the steak on a microwave-safe plate for 30-second intervals until heated through, being careful not to overcook and dry out the meat.
To maintain the crispness of the bacon, reheat it separately in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Refresh the mixed greens by tossing them with a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil. This will help revive any wilted leaves and add a burst of flavor.
If the artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers have become soggy, briefly sauté them in a skillet over medium heat until they regain some of their texture and flavor.
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to enhance their flavor and crunch.
Assemble the reheated components of the salad on a plate, layering the greens, steak, bacon, artichokes, red peppers, and walnuts.
For the blue cheese dressing, give it a quick whisk to recombine any separated ingredients. If it has thickened, thin it out with a small amount of milk or buttermilk until it reaches the desired consistency.
Drizzle the blue cheese dressing over the assembled salad and serve immediately, ensuring that all components are warm and the greens are crisp.
If you have leftover steak and salad components, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble the salad just before serving for the best results.

Interesting Trivia About Steak and Artichoke Salad

Artichokes are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They are also known for their potential to aid digestion and promote heart health.

Is Making Steak and Artichoke Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This steak and artichoke salad with blue cheese dressing recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of flank steak and artichoke hearts may increase the cost slightly, but the dish offers a balanced combination of proteins and vegetables. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $35-$40. The flavors and textures in this dish are well-balanced, earning it a solid 8 out of 10.

Is This Steak and Artichoke Salad Recipe Healthy?

This steak and artichoke salad with blue cheese dressing recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. Let's break it down:

Healthy aspects:

Mixed greens provide a good base of vitamins, minerals, and fiber
Artichoke hearts are low in calories and rich in nutrients like vitamin C, folate, and magnesium
Red peppers offer vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds
Greek yogurt in the dressing provides protein and calcium while keeping the fat content lower than traditional blue cheese dressings
Walnuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals

Unhealthy aspects:

Flank steak, while lean, is still red meat and should be consumed in moderation
Bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess
Blue cheese is relatively high in calories and saturated fat compared to other cheeses
The dressing contains a significant amount of blue cheese, which may make it calorie-dense

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of bacon or replace it with a leaner alternative like turkey bacon
Use a smaller portion of steak and increase the amount of mixed greens and vegetables to create a more balanced salad
Opt for a lower-fat blue cheese or use a smaller amount in the dressing, replacing some of it with additional Greek yogurt
Add more nutrient-dense vegetables to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or shredded carrots
Use a lean cut of steak like sirloin or tenderloin, and trim any visible fat before cooking
Experiment with alternative dressings like a light balsamic vinaigrette or a yogurt-based herb dressing to reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the dish

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Steak and Artichoke Salad

This steak and artichoke salad with blue cheese dressing recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The perfectly cooked steak pairs beautifully with the crisp mixed greens, smoky bacon, tender artichoke hearts, and crunchy walnuts. The tangy and creamy blue cheese dressing adds a luxurious finish to the dish. The balance of savory, salty, and tangy elements creates a harmonious and satisfying salad that is sure to impress. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a light lunch or a flavorful dinner. Overall, this recipe is a winner for those looking for a delicious and elegant salad option.

Enhance Your Steak & Artichoke Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with a dollop of butter.

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a tangy honey mustard glaze, sprinkled with crispy bacon bits.

Delicious Alternatives to Steak and Artichoke Salad

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Grill until cooked through and serve with a side of roasted vegetables.

Mango Avocado Salsa: Combine diced mango, avocado, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing and flavorful salsa. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.

Butternut Squash Soup: Roast butternut squash, onions, and garlic until caramelized. Blend with vegetable broth, coconut milk, and spices for a creamy and comforting soup.

Berry Crisp: Toss mixed berries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Top with a mixture of oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter, then bake until golden and bubbly. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement This Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious start to any meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with crispy baguette slices topped with a vibrant mixture of tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. This classic Italian dish is sure to impress your guests with its fresh and bright flavors.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with a molten center when you dig in. The contrast of the warm, gooey interior and the slightly crisp exterior creates a delightful sensory experience.

Tiramisu: Transport yourself to Italy with a classic tiramisu, featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese. The delicate balance of flavors and textures makes it a timeless and elegant dessert option.

Why trust this Steak & Artichoke Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any steak and salad enthusiast. The flank steak is expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result. The addition of artichoke hearts and roasted red peppers brings a delightful Mediterranean twist, while the crunchy walnuts add a satisfying crunch. The creamy and tangy blue cheese dressing ties everything together beautifully. With high-quality ingredients and clear, easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Share your thoughts on the Steak & Artichoke Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance this delightful dish.

FAQ:

How long does it take to cook the steak?

The cooking time for the steak will depend on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, it takes about 8 minutes in a skillet or grill pan, or 4 to 6 minutes on a high-heat grill.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute blue cheese with other types of cheese like feta or goat cheese for the dressing. It will give a different flavor but will still be delicious.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

You can prepare the individual components of the salad in advance, but it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp.

Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different cuts of steak such as ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak.

How long will the blue cheese dressing keep in the refrigerator?

The blue cheese dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just give it a good stir before using it as the ingredients may separate slightly.