Grilled Coffee Crusted Flank Steak Salad is the perfect grilled salad for summertime. With fresh seasonal produce right from the farm stand, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes and will make both your inner grilling enthusiast and health nut happy.
Are you on the hunt for the best steak salad recipe that’s hearty and healthy? Well, congratulations because you’ve stumbled upon one of our favorite beef recipes! It’s super tasty, easy to make, and packs a punch of protein and fresh vegetables, making it a great option for a weeknight meal or family gathering! So, get your cutting board, and let’s dive into this healthy recipe that’s anything but boring!
What Is Flank Steak Salad?
Flank steak salad is exactly what it sounds like – a salad featuring thin slices of grilled flank steak as the star of the show! It’s a hearty and filling salad that’s perfect for when you want to add some protein to your greens. Flank steak is a lean cut of beef that comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow, which means it has a lot of muscle fibers running through it (check out our What Is Flank Steak guide for more info). But don’t let that scare you – when cooked properly, flank steak is tender and flavorful.
For this recipe, we forgo the flank steak marinade and opt for a delicious, aromatic coffee rub instead. And when you pair it with a variety of fresh veggies, like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and creamy avocado, you’ve got a meal that’s delicious and pretty darn healthy. So, next time you’re looking for easy dinners that aren’t boring, whip up this flank steak salad recipe and thank us later!
Flank Steak Salad Ingredients
Flank Steak Salad
- Cooked Bacon – We’re reserving the fat for the honey lime vinaigrette!
- Flank Steak – A lean cut of beef from the abdominal muscle of the cow.
- Steak House Coffee Rub – The flavorful rub that brings this dish to life!
- Salt and Pepper – we use kosher salt and freshly ground lack pepper when cooking.
- Olive Oil – For grilling the avocado.
- Romaine Lettuce – The base for our flavorful flank steak salad.
- Avocado – Grilled to perfection and served with the salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Adds a burst of sweetness and acidity that brightens up the dish.
- Red Pepper – Colorful and crunchy addition with mild sweetness to balance out savory flavors.
- Red Onion – Pungent and bold-flavored onion that adds a kick.
- Mushrooms – Earthy vegetable that pairs perfectly with steak.
- Scallions – Subtle onion flavor that adds a touch of freshness.
- Fresh Snipped Cilantro – Fragrant herb that gives a bright flavor.
Honey Lime Vinaigrette
- Local Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Lime – Zested and juiced. Adds a touch of tang.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – The acidity helps balance out the oil.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Provides a velvety, deep flavor that brings the vinaigrette together.
- Bacon Fat – Adds a savory touch.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Red Pepper Flakes to Taste
How to Make Flank Steak Salad
- While the grill is coming to temp and the grill grates are cleaned and oiled, prep your salad and steak.
- Meanwhile, rub the steak with a thick coat of the coffee rub. Then, grill steak for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping once halfway through until the internal temperature reaches at least 130 degrees F for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Place flank steak in foil and allow to rest.
- Rub the sliced avocado and Romaine lettuce in olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on the cool side of the grill and grill until nice and charred on all sides, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together in a large bowl, season to taste, and toss the sliced tomatoes, peppers, onion, and mushrooms in the vinaigrette.
- Arrange the grilled vegetables on a large platter and top with the sliced veggies and vinaigrette. Place steak on a cutting board and slice it against the grain at an angle. Place over the salad. Sprinkle with crushed bacon, scallions, and cilantro for a pop of color. Serve and enjoy!
Leftovers & Reheating
If you have any steak left over and you haven’t already eaten it all, make sure to store it in an airtight container or plastic bag and keep it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. But, if you want to enjoy your leftovers without sacrificing the taste and texture, reheating is the way to go!
Luckily, reheating your sliced flank steak is a breeze and can taste just as good as the first time around. If you’re in a rush, simply pop your steak in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top for 10-15 seconds to keep it moist and juicy.
If you have any leftover flank steak, which we highly doubt, you can make Grilled Flank Steak Tacos, Grilled Flank Steak Fajitas, or Foil-Wrapped Carne Asada Nachos.
What to Serve With Grilled Flank Steak Salad
This recipe is a meal in itself, but best side dishes to pair with it are smoked cream cheese or a charcuterie board as an appetizer or side, smoked corn on the cob, smoked potato salad, and a hearty grilled bread (with a rich compound butter or smoked garlic confit spread on top).
