This Steak Pasta Salad combines perfectly grilled steak with fresh pasta, topped with vibrant vegetables and a creamy dressing. It’s both refreshing and filling, making it the perfect meal for a warm day or a hearty dinner.
The combination of grilled steak, pasta, and salad vegetables creates a flavorful dish that feels indulgent without being too heavy. The light dressing brings all the ingredients together, making each bite a satisfying experience. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be a great meal to bring to potlucks or serve for a casual family dinner.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 steaks (ribeye or sirloin)
- 8 oz pasta (your choice of shape)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Season the steaks with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred level of doneness.
- While the steaks are grilling, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Slice the grilled steaks thinly against the grain and add them to the salad.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 500 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Steak Pasta Salad: A Delicious and Satisfying Meal for All Occasions
Steak pasta salad is a perfect combination of hearty protein, fresh vegetables, and pasta, all coming together in one delightful dish. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, preparing a quick dinner, or looking for a flavorful lunch, this dish offers the right balance of flavors and textures. The grilled steak adds depth and richness, while the fresh veggies bring a refreshing crunch. Tossed together with pasta and a light dressing, this recipe can easily become a go-to meal that impresses guests and satisfies family members.
Why Steak Pasta Salad is a Must-Try
There are numerous reasons why this steak pasta salad stands out. First, it offers a hearty meal that is packed with flavor and nutrients. The combination of lean steak and vegetables ensures that you’re getting a filling, well-rounded meal without being overly heavy. Second, it’s highly customizable, meaning you can tweak it to suit your dietary preferences or what you have in the fridge.
In addition, this dish is an excellent option for meal prep. You can make it in advance, and it stores well in the fridge for a couple of days. It’s a great solution for busy workweeks when you want something quick, healthy, and satisfying. Moreover, the vibrant colors of the vegetables make this dish visually appealing, elevating it from a basic meal to something more sophisticated.
The Role of Steak in the Salad
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the grilled steak. Whether you choose ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak, the meat provides a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables and pasta. Grilling the steak adds a smoky, charred element to the dish, giving it a depth of flavor that you wouldn’t get from cooking it any other way.
The key to a perfect steak for this salad is cooking it to your desired level of doneness. A medium-rare steak is often recommended, as it retains its juiciness and tenderness. However, you can cook the steak to your liking, whether that’s rare, medium, or well-done. Once grilled, the steak is sliced thinly and scattered over the salad, allowing each bite to contain a little bit of that delicious meat.
Choosing the Right Pasta for Your Salad
The pasta is another crucial element in creating the perfect steak pasta salad. While you can technically use any type of pasta, the best options are those that can hold up to the dressing and complement the flavors of the steak and vegetables. Opt for a pasta shape like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle, which have nooks and crannies that can trap the dressing and other ingredients.
When cooking the pasta, it’s important to not overcook it. Al dente pasta will provide the ideal texture, giving it a slight chew that pairs well with the tender steak and fresh veggies. After draining the pasta, it’s a good idea to rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and help it cool down quickly. This also prevents the pasta from becoming too sticky or soggy when combined with the dressing.
The Vegetables: Fresh and Flavorful
The vegetables in this dish add freshness, crunch, and a burst of color. Cherry tomatoes are a popular choice, as they are sweet and juicy, providing a great contrast to the savory steak. Cucumbers add a crisp, refreshing element to the salad, while red onions contribute a mild sharpness that complements the other ingredients.
Adding fresh herbs like parsley not only enhances the flavor but also elevates the dish visually. The vibrant green color of the parsley contrasts beautifully with the red and yellow vegetables, making the salad even more appetizing. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables or herbs depending on what’s in season or what you prefer.
The Dressing: Simple Yet Flavorful
A simple, light dressing is all that’s needed to bring the steak pasta salad together. A combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder provides a tangy yet subtle flavor that ties the ingredients together. The mustard adds a slight zing, while the balsamic vinegar brings sweetness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the grilled steak.
For an added kick, you can include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of lemon juice to brighten the salad. The beauty of this dressing is its simplicity – it’s easy to make, and you likely already have the ingredients in your kitchen. The dressing is also versatile, so feel free to adjust the quantities to your taste or swap out ingredients for something else you enjoy.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the reasons this steak pasta salad is so beloved is because it works well for virtually any occasion. It’s a fantastic option for a summer barbecue, where the grill is already fired up and you’re looking for a refreshing side or main dish. It also works for a light but satisfying dinner, especially on a busy weeknight when you want something nutritious but not time-consuming.
This salad can easily be served at a potluck or family gathering as a shareable dish. The flavors are universally loved, and the recipe is scalable, so you can adjust the quantities based on the number of people you’re serving. Whether it’s a formal dinner party or a casual picnic, this steak pasta salad has the versatility to shine.
Health Benefits of Steak Pasta Salad
Despite being a rich and filling dish, steak pasta salad can still be considered a healthy option. The grilled steak provides a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The vegetables offer a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, all of which are vital for maintaining good health. The olive oil in the dressing provides healthy fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Additionally, the pasta provides carbohydrates, which give you the energy needed for your day. By using whole grain or gluten-free pasta, you can increase the fiber content of the dish, making it even more nutritious. While the feta cheese adds a bit of extra flavor and richness, it can also be omitted or substituted for a lower-fat cheese to make the salad lighter if desired.
Tips for Customizing Your Steak Pasta Salad
While this steak pasta salad is delicious as is, it’s also highly customizable. Here are a few ideas to personalize the recipe:
- Add More Veggies: You can add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional content and flavor.
- Swap the Dressing: For a creamy variation, try a Caesar dressing or a yogurt-based dressing instead of the balsamic vinaigrette.
- Add a Protein Boost: If you’re looking for an extra protein boost, consider adding boiled eggs, grilled chicken, or chickpeas to the salad.
- Make It Spicy: For those who love heat, add some jalapeños or chili flakes to the salad or the dressing.
Conclusion
Steak pasta salad is a delightful dish that combines the richness of grilled steak, the freshness of vegetables, and the satisfying texture of pasta. It’s a versatile and customizable recipe that works for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. With simple ingredients and a flavorful dressing, this dish brings out the best in each component. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetable enthusiast, steak pasta salad is sure to satisfy. The ability to tweak and personalize the recipe makes it an excellent choice for those who want to experiment in the kitchen while still creating a meal that’s both delicious and nourishing. Try it for your next meal, and you’ll see why it’s a crowd favorite.