Description
This Steak and Squash Salad is a hearty and flavorful fall-inspired meal that combines tender slices of steak with caramelized roasted butternut squash, mixed leafy greens, tangy balsamic dressing, and crunchy pumpkin seeds or pecans. It’s a nutrient-packed, satisfying dinner salad perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, flank, or skirt steak)
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, or arugula)
- 2 cups roasted butternut squash cubes
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds or pecans
Balsamic Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly, then place on a baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes until the squash is tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- Cook Steak: Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4–6 minutes on each side, adjusting time based on thickness and desired doneness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, roasted squash cubes, thinly sliced red onion, steak slices, crumbled goat cheese or feta, and toasted pumpkin seeds or pecans.
- Make Dressing and Serve: Whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve the salad warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For smoky heat: add chipotle powder or chili flakes to the dressing.
- Make it dairy-free: omit cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Add cooked quinoa to the salad to make it extra filling and gluten-free.
- Use leftover steak from previous meals for a quick and meal-prep-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Salad, High-Protein
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
