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Grilled Steak Salad With Chimichurri

Grilled Steak Salad with Chimichurri

A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring perfectly grilled sirloin or ribeye steak, served over a bed of mixed greens with fresh vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and avocado, all drizzled with a zesty homemade chimichurri sauce.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 600 g sirloin or ribeye steak about 2.5cm thick
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for steak
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 200 g mixed salad leaves rocket, spinach, butter lettuce
  • 1 large cucumber deseeded and sliced
  • 200 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper deseeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado diced
For the Chimichurri
  • 1 large bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley about 60g, finely chopped
  • 1 small bunch fresh oregano about 15g, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red chilli deseeded and finely minced (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 60 ml red wine vinegar ensure it's alcohol-free if adhering to strict dietary guidelines
  • 120 ml extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels – this is crucial for a good sear. Rub both sides of the steak with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then generously season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Massage the seasonings into the meat until it's evenly coated, creating a lovely reddish hue. Let it marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or in the fridge for up to 2 hours, allowing the flavours to really sink in.
  2. Make the Chimichurri: While the steak marinates, prepare the chimichurri. In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, oregano, minced garlic, and minced red chilli. Pour in the red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the oil has emulsified slightly, taking on a vibrant green colour. Season with sea salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed. The aroma should be bright and pungent. Set aside to allow the flavours to meld.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over a high flame until it’s smoking slightly and very hot – you want to hear a distinct sizzle when the steak hits the surface. This high heat is essential for achieving a beautiful crust and those coveted grill marks.
  4. Grill the Steak: Carefully place the marinated steak onto the hot grill. You should hear a satisfying sizzle immediately. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature 55-57°C), or 6-8 minutes per side for medium (internal temperature 60-63°C), depending on thickness and desired doneness. The exterior should develop a deep, inviting brown crust with prominent grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy – it’s the best way to ensure your steak is cooked just right.
  5. Rest and Slice the Steak: Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is vital, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender, moist steak. If you cut it too soon, the juices will run out, leaving you with dry meat. The steak should feel warm to the touch and slightly springy. After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips, revealing a rosy pink centre.
  6. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the mixed salad leaves, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced yellow bell pepper, and diced avocado. Arrange the salad mixture onto individual plates or a large serving platter. Top generously with the sliced grilled steak, then spoon over a generous amount of the vibrant chimichurri dressing. Serve immediately, inviting everyone to enjoy the fresh aromas and rich flavours.

Notes

For best results, allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Resting the steak after grilling is crucial for tenderness. Ensure red wine vinegar is alcohol-free if adhering to strict dietary guidelines. Adjust red chilli in chimichurri to your preferred spice level.