Skirt Steak Salad Recipe

Picture this: I’m savoring a vibrant salad, where juicy slices of perfectly seared skirt steak meet creamy avocado and tangy bites of blue cheese, all nestled on a bed of crisp greens. If you’re ready to elevate your salad game and indulge in a symphony of flavors, this recipe is your next culinary adventure!

A Skirt Steak Salad is one of my favorites. It’s an excellent source of nutrition, and the flavors are absolutely wonderful.

But first, let me say, I very much enjoy cooking and am really into food, but I am not a fancy cook. My go-to cooking style is simple, and I prefer recipes that are easy to make yet source high-quality ingredients.

So that’s how this post is styled.

Skirt Steak Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Skirt Steak: Rich in protein, it provides essential amino acids and adds a savory, umami flavor to the salad.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats that enhance the salad’s flavor while providing antioxidants.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet taste to the dressing, balancing the flavors.
• Dijon Mustard: Offers a sharp, pungent taste, adding depth to the dressing.
• Mixed Salad Greens: Low in calories, high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals for a nutrient-dense base.
• Avocado: Creamy and rich in healthy fats, enhancing texture and providing potassium.

Skirt Steak Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound skirt steak
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Mixed salad greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, and watercress), about 6 cups
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles or feta cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced (for dressing)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for dressing)

How to Make this Skirt Steak Salad Recipe

1. Generously sprinkle both sides of the skirt steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat until hot. Add the skirt steak to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness.

3. Take the steak out of the skillet; give it a moment to rest—about 5 minutes should do. Then slice the steak thinly against the grain.

4. In a tiny bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, leftover tablespoon of olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, chopped garlic, and lemon juice. Whisk together to form the dressing. Add salt and pepper as you see fit to make it even tastier.

5. In a big salad bowl, mix the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Lightly coat them with a small amount of the dressing.

6. Lay the sliced steak over the salad base, and add the avocado slices on top.

7. If using, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese and fresh herbs that have been finely chopped.

8. Add any extra dressing you might like to the top of the salad.

9. Gently toss the salad to mix the combined ingredients.

10. Enjoy your skirt steak salad, served immediately and delicious.

Skirt Steak Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Tongs
3. Cutting board
4. Sharp knife
5. Small bowl
6. Whisk
7. Measuring spoons
8. Salad bowl
9. Serving tongs or large salad servers

FAQ

• Can I use a different cut of steak for this salad?If skirt steak is unavailable, flank steak or sirloin could be good substitutes; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• How should the steak be cooked?Cook the steak over high heat, either grilled or seared in a pan, until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.
• Is the blue cheese necessary?The cheese can be omitted for a dairy-free option or replaced with feta, but it is not necessary.
• Can I prepare the salad in advance?It is possible to prepare the salad ahead of time; however, it is recommended to add the avocado and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
• What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar in the dressing?For a somewhat different flavor, use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as an alternative.
• Are there alternative herbs I can use?The flavors are also complemented well by fresh basil, dill, or chives.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep any remaining components of the salad individually stored in sealed containers in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. Combine all parts of the salad just before consuming.

Skirt Steak Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Flank steak or sirloin steak makes a good substitute for skirt steak because they have the same texture and flavor.
Balsamic vinegar can be swapped with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. These would give the dish a different acidity.
Whole grain mustard or yellow mustard can be used to achieve a milder flavor. So, whole grain mustard or yellow mustard can replace Dijon mustard with no flavors altered.
Sweetener: Use maple syrup or agave nectar to bring different sweetness profiles to your dishes.
Goat cheese or feta cheese instead of blue cheese crumbles: offers a different
cheesy, tangy flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade the Steak: For extra flavor, consider marinating the skirt steak for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. Use a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce to tenderize and infuse the meat with added flavor.