Tangy Beef Salad
A vibrant, tangy beef salad featuring marinated flank steak, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful dressing, perfect for a hearty and refreshing meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons vinegar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons red wine
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon onion salt ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds flank steak ⓘ
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce, torn
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded carrot ⓘ
- Dressing (recipe follows) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine vegetable oil, vinegar, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and onion salt in a microwave-safe baking dish measuring 12 x 8 x 2 inches.
- Partially freeze the flank steak, then slice diagonally across the grain into thin slices and cut into 2-inch lengths.
- Place steak in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Cover the dish with wax paper and microwave at Medium-high (70% power) for 5 minutes, then stir.
- Microwave for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until desired doneness, stirring after 2 minutes.
- Remove from microwave and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Drain the steak and discard the marinade.
- Toss torn iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded carrot in a large bowl.
- Add the sliced steak on top and serve with your preferred dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the flank steak overnight instead of just 2 hours. If you don't have flank steak, sirloin or skirt steak can be used as substitutes. To save time, consider using pre-packaged salad mixes or frozen vegetables if you're in a hurry. Also, feel free to experiment with different dressings — a vinaigrette or ranch could work well. For a twist, try pairing it with the flavors from Good And Spicy Meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
This Tangy Beef Salad is great as a light meal on its own, but you can also serve it alongside crusty bread or a warm bowl of soup for a heartier dinner. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Lazy Cabbage Rolls or can be enjoyed with a side of grilled corn. For a refreshing beverage, consider a chilled white wine or sparkling water with lime.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tangy Beef Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the steak, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes are best added just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tangy Beef Salad contains roughly 753 calories, with 10g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), and potassium (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 812mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while flank steak is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute it with sirloin or skirt steak. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, since different cuts may vary in thickness and cooking time.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked grains like quinoa or farro, or tossing in some black beans. You could also incorporate avocado slices for creaminess. These additions will enhance the nutritional value and keep you satisfied longer.
What dressing works best with this salad?
While the recipe suggests a preferred dressing, a homemade vinaigrette works exceptionally well with the flavors of the salad. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard can complement the tangy beef beautifully. Alternatively, a creamy dressing, like ranch or blue cheese, could also be delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).