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Flank Steak Salad

This Flank Steak Salad is a Southern-inspired favorite that brings together big taste and fresh, simple ingredients in every bite. Tender, marinated flank steak is sliced thin and served over crisp greens, ripe vegetables, and a flavorful dressing that ties it all together. It’s the kind of dish we love around here, easy enough for a weeknight supper but special enough to serve when company comes calling. Fresh, hearty, and full of Southern charm, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy steak in a lighter, brighter way.

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Why You’ll Love this Flank Steak Salad Recipe

  • Hearty enough to be a full meal
  • Simple ingredients, big flavor.
  • Quick marinade that does most of the work.
  • Great for lunch or dinner.
  • Feels fresh but still comforting.

Easy Flank Steak Salad Recipe

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Flank Steak Salad: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe with quantities.)

  • Beef – 2 pounds flank steak is an inexpensive cut of beef that has a wonderful flavor.
  • Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce and Lemon Juice – Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor, and lemon juice adds acidic notes to the taste of the marinade ingredients.
  • Oil – Olive oil for richness. Avocado oil would also work.
  • Garlic – Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor.
  • Honey – A small amount of honey balances the flavor.
  • Spices – Seasoned salt, black pepper, dried Italian seasoning and onion powder.
  • Mustard – Dijon mustard expands the flavor profile.
  • Salad Fixings – The sky’s the limit here! Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion and crumbled feta cheese or shaved parmesan for a salty bite.
  • Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette – Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, dijon mustard plus salt and pepper.
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How to Make Flank Steak Salad Recipe

  • Marinate the Steak – Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Coat the mixture all over the flank steak and let it rest and soak in all the flavor
  • Grill or Pan Sear Steak – Cook the steak: in a hot pan for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and how done you like it. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. 
  • Make the Balsamic Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar. olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper-nothing fancy, just enough to bring it together. Taste and adjust-this is your moment!
  • Assemble the Salad – in a large bowl or on plates, layer mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Slice the steak thinly against the grain and place on top. 
  • Finish and Serve – Drizzle with balsamic dressing and sprinkle with feta cheese or parmesan cheese. 

Kitchen Tools for Make Grilled Flank Steak Salad

  • Large skillet, grill pan or outdoor gas grill.
  • Tongs really help with turning for even cooking.
  • Small bowl and shallow dish or large Ziploc bag for marinating the steak.
  • Sharp knife and cutting board.
  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
  • Instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for desired doneness.
  • Large platter and plates for serving.
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Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

  • Steak – This recipe would work with any cut of beef. You could use skirt steak in place or flank steak. Each type cooks differently so adjust the cooking time to accommodate.
  • Searing Steak – Cast iron skillets are a terrific choice for getting a crust on the flank steak. l recommend using a smoking hot pan for a good sear.
  • Vinegar – For the dressing you can use red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar.
  • Stand Time – Let the steak rest so the juices can redistribute before slicing to ensure it remains juicy and flavorful.
  • Slicing Steak – Slice against the grain for tender bites.
  • Soy Sauce – You can use low-sodium soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.
  • Fresh Herbs – Feel free to toss in cilantro, basil, parsley or even mint for freshness.
  • Double the Dressing – You can easily double and triple the amounts for the dressing. Don’t overdress the salad, start light and serve the rest on the side to add more as needed.
  • Cheese – You can use blue cheese, feta cheese, or any variety that you enjoy.
  • Serving Options – Pair with crusty bread, serve as a light dinner or filling lunch, Turn it into a wrap with a soft tortilla, Or meal prep it (just keep the dressing separate)
  • Salad Toppings – Because salads should never be boring: You can use peppery arugula, romaine or green leaf lettuce for the base of the salad. 
  • Alternate Veggies – Add diced avocado for creaminess, fresh mushrooms for texture, corn, black olives or green olives, bell peppers, jalapeños or any of your favorite salad toppings. The sky’s the limit here!
  • Whole Grains – Add quinoa or farro for a heartier bowl.

Storage and Leftovers

  • Leftovers – If it’s already assembled: store in an airtight container and eat within 24 hours. Store leftovers separately in ziploc baggies or airtight containers chilled in the refrigerator. Steak: an airtight container, up to 3-4 days. Salad and veggies: airtight container, up to 2-3 days. Dressing: small sealed container or jar, up to 5 days. 
  • Reheating – Gently reheat flank steak in an air fryer or microwave, being careful not to overcook.
  • Freezer – You can freeze flank steak for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving. Serve it on salad greens, on a sub roll topped with melted cheese or an entree with a loaded baked potato.
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More Easy Salad Recipes to Make

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Flank Steak Salad

Tender grilled flank steak laid over crisp greens with fresh garden veggies and a tangy, down-home dressing. Big flavor, simple ingredients. Southern comfort in a fresh, hearty salad.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Stand time5 minutes
Total Time33 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: flank-steak-salad
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 649kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs flank steak
  • Steak Marinade:
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2-1 tsp salt
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette:
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1-2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp; each salt and black pepper
  • Salad Fixings:
  • 8 cups romaine lettuce or green leaf lettuce
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2-1 cup crumbled feta cheese or blue cheese
  • Optional Toppings: Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, boiled egg, avocado, corn kernels

Instructions

  • Marinate the Steak: In a small bowl, stir together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Coat the mixture all over the flank steak and let it rest & soak in all the flavor for at least 20-30 minutes (longer if you have the time, shorter if you don’t-no pressure)
  • Cook the Steak: in a hot pan for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and how done you like it. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. 
  • Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar. olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper-nothing fancy, just enough to bring it together. Taste and adjust-this is your moment!
  • Assemble the Salad: in a large bowl or directly on plates, layer mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Slice the steakthinly against the grain and place on top. 
  •  Finish & Serve: Drizzle with balsamic dressing and sprinkle with feta or parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Steak – This recipe would work with any cut of beef. You could use skirt steak in place or flank steak. Each type cooks differently so adjust the cooking time to accommodate.
  • Vinegar – For the dressing you can use red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar.
  • Soy Sauce – You can use low-sodium soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.
  • Fresh Herbs – Feel free to toss in cilantro, basil, parsley or even mint for freshness.
  • Double the Dressing – You can easily double and triple the amounts for the dressing. Don’t overdress the salad, start light and serve the rest on the side to add more as needed.
  • Cheese – You can use blue cheese, feta cheese, or any variety that you enjoy.
  • Salad Toppings – Because salads should never be boring: You can use peppery arugula, romaine or green leaf lettuce for the base of the salad. 
  • Alternate Veggies – Add diced avocado for creaminess, fresh mushrooms for texture, corn, black olives or green olives, bell peppers, jalapeños or any of your favorite salad toppings. The sky’s the limit here!
  • Whole Grains – Add quinoa or farro for a heartier bowl.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 649kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 153mg | Sodium: 817mg | Potassium: 1440mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 8885IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 213mg | Iron: 6mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!

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