Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

March 17, 2026

Springtime invites a fresh approach to outdoor meals, and warmer days bring a natural shift toward lighter plates that still deliver bold flavor. Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette sets the tone for relaxed, open-air dining when paired with crisp greens and a rich, tangy dressing, creating a balance that feels satisfying without feeling heavy. Time outside becomes part of the experience, where cooking, lounging, and entertaining happen in the same space.

Grilling adds depth that carries through every bite. A well-prepared cut develops a flavorful sear while staying tender inside, giving the salad a strong foundation. Fresh ingredients bring contrast—cool textures, bright notes, and a clean finish that works perfectly for the season. Meals like this keep things simple while still feeling intentional, making them ideal for afternoons that stretch into evening.

Outdoor dining plays a key role in how these moments come together. A thoughtfully designed patio keeps everything within reach, so preparation, serving, and conversation all stay connected. Surfaces made from durable materials help maintain a clean, cohesive look while withstanding everyday use.

Spaces designed for comfort encourage you to spend more time outside. A nearby dining area and defined zones for cooking and seating keep everything easy to use. Nicolock pavers, engineered with paver-shield™ technology, retain their color and character over time, providing a reliable backdrop for every gathering. Meals move from grill to table without interruption, and guests naturally settle in.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor spaces? Nicolock Paving Stones has everything from pavers to fireplaces for outdoor living at its best. Whether planning a new grill setup or refining your layout, explore outdoor dining products and discover more ideas through the recipe collection.

Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette is a simple way to enjoy the season, combining fresh ingredients with the bold flavor of the grill. Gather, serve, and make the most of every meal outdoors.

Serves 2

Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Ingredients

• 2 filets or strip steaks
• kosher salt and pepper
• 12 ounces spring greens
• 2 baby cucumbers, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 avocado, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons roasted pepitas
• pickled red onions, for topping

Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• pinch of salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 3 to 4 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese

Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette Directions

1. Preheat your grill to the highest setting. Take the steak out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes to take the chill off. While the steak comes to room temperature, I make the dressing and the salad.
2. Assemble the salad by tossing the greens with a big pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add in the tomatoes, cucumbers, and red (pickled) onions.
3. Place the steak on the grill grates and cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more. I like to cook mine until they reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees F. Remove the steaks and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
4. Add the avocado and the sliced steak to the salad. Sprinkle with the pepitas. Drizzle with the blue cheese vinaigrette and serve immediately!

Blue Cheese Vinaigrette

1. Whisk together the vinegar, garlic, chives, honey, and Dijon. Stream in the olive oil while whisking until emulsified. Stir in the blue cheese. This stays great in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

Taken from howsweeteats.com