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Grilled Steak Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette

This grilled steak salad with tomato vinaigrette is a sophisticated, high-protein dish that celebrates the bold flavours of summer. By using a fresh tomato pulp as the base for the dressing, you create a vibrant, umami-rich sauce that perfectly complements the smoky, charred notes of the grilled beef and spring onions. It is a wonderful way to elevate a simple steak into a complete, balanced meal that feels both light and deeply satisfying.

Ideal for outdoor dining or a quick midweek treat, this recipe uses store-cupboard staples like red wine vinegar and olive oil to transform fresh produce into something special. The addition of crunchy, grill-charred ciabatta croutons provides a delightful contrast in texture to the tender slices of steak and soft summer leaves. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious, iron-rich dinner without sacrificing on flavour.

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Ingredients for Grilled Steak Salad with Tomato Vinaigrette

  • 450g hanger, skirt, or flank steak

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 medium tomato (about 170g ), halved

  • 1 tablespoon minced shallot

  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

  • 60ml plus 5 teaspoons olive oil, divided

  • 4 spring onions or 6 spring onions, bulbs halved, dark-green parts discarded

  • 5 1/2-inch-thick slices ciabatta

  • 8 cups mixed summer lettuces (such as mizuna, baby mustard greens, and tatsoi)

  • 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into 1/2-inch-strips

Season steak with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper; set aside. Grate cut sides of tomato on coarse holes of a box grater into a medium bowl down to the skin; discard skin. Add shallot and vinegar; whisk in 60ml oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside. DO AHEAD: Tomato vinaigrette can be made 1 day ahead.

Build a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill, or heat a gas grill to high. Toss spring onions in a medium bowl with 1 teaspoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill onions until just tender, 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 2" pieces.

Grill steak until seared and cooked to desired doneness, 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on steak's thickness. Transfer to a cutting board. Let rest, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, make croutons: Brush both sides of bread slices with remaining 4 teaspoons oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill bread until dark golden brown and nicely charred in spots, about 2 minutes per side. Set toast aside until cool enough to handle, then break toast into roughly 1" pieces.

Thinly slice steak against the grain. Toss lettuces, basil, spring onions, croutons, and some of the vinaigrette in a large bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add steak and toss gently to coat. Serve with remaining vinaigrette alongside.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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