7 Best Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn

Introduction

Did you know that a well-crafted salad can contain all five essential taste elements—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami—creating a perfectly balanced meal? The Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn exemplifies this balance, combining the umami richness of steak, the tangy bite of gorgonzola, sweetness from grilled corn, and the complex acidity of balsamic vinegar. This hearty salad isn’t just delicious; it’s nutritionally complete, offering protein, vegetables, and healthy fats in one vibrant dish. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner or an impressive meal to serve guests, this Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn delivers exceptional flavor while being surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why is it Perfect for You?

🔹 Perfect for busy professionals who want a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
🔹 Ideal for health-conscious eaters looking for a protein-rich meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
🔹 Great for summer entertaining when you want to showcase seasonal produce like fresh corn.
🔹 Excellent for meal prep—components can be prepared ahead and assembled quickly when needed.
🔹 Suitable for anyone looking to elevate their salad game beyond basic lettuce and dressing.
🔹 Perfect for those who appreciate the bold combination of savory steak and tangy cheese.

Ingredients List

For this flavorful Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn, you’ll need ingredients that create layers of complementary flavors and textures:

For the steak:

1 pound flank or sirloin steak (grass-fed recommended for richer flavor)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the salad:

2 ears fresh corn, husks removed
6 cups mixed greens (arugula and spinach work beautifully)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
4 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled (substitute blue cheese or feta if preferred)
1/4 cup toasted walnuts (can substitute pecans for a sweeter profile)

For the balsamic dressing:

1/3 cup aged balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 small shallot, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation Time and Servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

This Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn comes together in just 35 minutes, making it approximately 30% faster than many restaurant-quality dinner options. The efficiency comes from simultaneously grilling the steak and corn, maximizing your time without compromising flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub this mixture all over the steak and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while you prepare other ingredients. This brief marination period allows the flavors to penetrate without making you wait hours.

Step 2: Grill the Corn

Brush the corn with a light coating of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on a preheated grill (medium-high heat) and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until kernels are tender and charred in spots. Let cool slightly, then carefully slice the kernels off the cob.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Grill the steak over medium-high heat for approximately 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your preferred doneness (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium). Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced shallot in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should have a perfect balance of tangy and sweet notes.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with about half of the dressing. Arrange on a platter or individual plates. Top with grilled corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and sliced steak. Sprinkle with crumbled gorgonzola and toasted walnuts.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad, focusing primarily on the steak. Serve immediately while the steak is still warm and the contrast between warm and cool ingredients is at its peak.

Nutritional Information

This Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn provides a balanced nutritional profile with approximately:

Protein: 32g per serving
Carbohydrates: 18g per serving
Healthy Fats: 25g per serving
Fiber: 4g per serving

Calories per person

Each serving contains approximately 420 calories, making it a satisfying yet reasonable option for a main meal. The combination of protein from the steak, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the nuts and olive oil creates a meal with excellent satiety that won’t leave you hunting for snacks an hour later.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To reduce calories or accommodate dietary preferences:

Substitute chicken breast or grilled portobello mushrooms for the steak
Use a reduced-fat cheese option instead of full-fat gorgonzola
Replace half the oil in the dressing with additional vinegar or lemon juice
Add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumber to increase volume without calories
Use a honey alternative like monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar dressing

Serving Suggestions

This Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn pairs beautifully with:

A slice of crusty whole grain bread to soak up extra dressing
A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir
A simple side of grilled asparagus for additional vegetables
Fresh sliced summer peaches for a sweet complement to the savory flavors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🔸 Overcooking the steak, which can make it tough—use a meat thermometer for perfect results
🔸 Under-seasoning the components—be generous with salt and pepper throughout
🔸 Not allowing the steak to rest before slicing, causing juices to run out
🔸 Using cold cheese straight from the refrigerator—let it sit out for 15 minutes for better flavor
🔸 Overdressing the salad—start with less dressing and add more as needed
🔸 Cutting the steak with the grain instead of against it, which makes it chewier

Storing Tips for the Recipe

For best results, store components separately:

Keep grilled steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Store grilled corn kernels separately for up to 2 days
Prepare the dressing and keep in a sealed jar for up to 5 days
Wash and dry greens thoroughly, then store with a paper towel to absorb moisture
Assemble just before serving to maintain optimal textures and prevent wilting

Conclusion

The Balsamic Steak Gorgonzola Salad with Grilled Corn represents the perfect balance of convenience, nutrition, and gourmet flavor. By following these seven expert tips, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy salad that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs. The combination of savory steak, sweet corn, tangy cheese, and balsamic dressing creates a memorable meal that’s impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. Give this recipe a try and discover how a thoughtfully composed salad can become the highlight of your meal rotation.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
Yes, but store components separately and assemble just before serving. Grill the steak and corn up to a day ahead, and prepare the dressing up to three days in advance.

What’s the best cut of steak to use for this salad?
Flank, sirloin, or ribeye work well. Choose a cut with good marbling for the best flavor, and always slice against the grain for tenderness.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, though you’ll miss some of the smoky char. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before quickly charring in a hot skillet.

How do I prevent my greens from getting soggy?
Dress the greens lightly just before serving, and make sure all components are at room temperature to prevent condensation.

Is there a non-dairy alternative to gorgonzola?
Try avocado for creaminess or a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a savory note without dairy.