Description
Steak Caprese Salad
Ingredients
1 lb steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your favorite cut)
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking steak)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed or sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil (for salad)
1 tbsp balsamic glaze (more for drizzling)
Optional: Crusty bread for serving
Directions
Cook the steak:
Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak to your desired doneness (3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare). Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Assemble the salad:
On a platter, arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Lay the sliced steak over the top.
Drizzle & garnish:
Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Serve:
Enjoy immediately as a light meal or pair with crusty bread for a hearty dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This ensures a good sear. Season liberally on all sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your preference. Avoid moving it to develop a crust.
3. Rest the Steak: Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for a full 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy result.
4. Prepare Salad Base: While the steak rests, halve the cherry tomatoes, cube the mozzarella, and thinly slice the basil (chiffonade). Arrange them on a large serving platter.
5. Slice and Assemble: Thinly slice the rested steak against the grain. Arrange the slices over the prepared tomato and mozzarella base.
6. Final Drizzle: Drizzle the entire platter with 2 tbsp of good-quality olive oil and 1 tbsp (or more) of balsamic glaze. Add a final pinch of flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is versatile. Serve it warm with the steak just sliced for a comforting dinner, or let it come to room temperature for a fantastic lunch. For a complete meal, pair it with grilled asparagus, garlic bread, or a simple arugula side salad. It also makes an impressive centerpiece for a summer gathering.
How-to Summary
Season and sear a steak until perfectly cooked, then let it rest. Arrange fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a platter. Top with thinly sliced steak. Finish with a generous drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Absolutely. While ribeye and sirloin are excellent, flank steak or skirt steak work wonderfully. Just remember to slice them thinly against the grain.
Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep components ahead, but assemble just before serving. Cook and slice the steak, and store it separately. Combine with the fresh ingredients and dress right before eating.
What can I use instead of balsamic glaze? A high-quality aged balsamic vinegar can be used, or reduce regular balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens into a syrup.
Is there a vegetarian alternative? Yes. Omit the steak and add grilled portobello mushrooms, chickpeas, or marinated tofu for a protein-rich vegetarian version.
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The steak may become more done, and the tomatoes will soften, but it will still be tasty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Resting the Steak: Slicing immediately causes all the flavorful juices to run out onto the board, leaving the meat dry.
- Slicing With the Grain: Always slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Since this salad is simple, the quality of your olive oil, balsamic glaze, and fresh mozzarella is paramount.
- Overcrowding the Pan: This steams the steak instead of searing it. Cook in batches if necessary.
Conclusion
The Steak Caprese Salad is the perfect fusion of a hearty main course and a light, fresh salad. It takes a classic flavor combination and elevates it with savory, juicy steak, creating a meal that is both impressive and deceptively simple to prepare. In just 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on your table that is sure to satisfy any appetite. Enjoy this versatile recipe as your new go-to for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner.