Buffalo steak salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the bold flavors of grilled buffalo steak with crisp salad greens, fresh vegetables, and a tangy blue cheese dressing. This salad is a wonderful way to enjoy the lean and flavorful meat of buffalo, which adds a unique twist to the traditional steak salad. With its combination of hearty protein, vibrant vegetables, and creamy dressing, this salad is a perfect choice for a light and nutritious meal.
Buffalo, also known as bison, has a long history in North America and was a vital food source for Indigenous peoples. Bison roamed the plains in large herds, and their meat provided sustenance for many Native American tribes. The buffalo’s meat is leaner and has a slightly sweeter flavor compared to beef, making it a popular choice for health-conscious individuals and those looking for alternatives to traditional red meat.
Buffalo meat gained wider recognition and popularity in recent years due to its nutritional benefits and sustainable farming practices. Bison is naturally raised, primarily on grass, and is typically free from hormones and antibiotics. The meat is high in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients, making it a nutritious and flavorful choice.
The buffalo steak salad brings together the unique qualities of buffalo meat with the freshness of salad greens and vegetables. The tangy blue cheese dressing adds a creamy and zesty element that complements the richness of the meat. It is a dish that celebrates the natural flavors of the ingredients and provides a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
PREP: 10 MIN. + CHILLING
GRILL: 15 MIN.
MAKES: 4 SERVINGS
INGREDIENTS
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- Dash Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 buffalo sirloin or beef ribeye steaks (about 8 ounces each)
- 6 cups torn salad greens
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced
- ½ cup thinly sliced onion
- ¼ cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly blended. Stir in the crumbled blue cheese. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Preheat the grill to medium-hot heat. Grill the buffalo sirloin or beef ribeye steaks uncovered for 6-10 minutes on each side, or until the desired doneness is reached. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C); for medium, it should read 160°F (71°C); and for well-done, it should read 170°F (77°C). Once cooked, remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Thinly slice the meat.
- On a serving platter or individual salad plates, arrange the torn salad greens as the base. Top the greens with the thinly sliced tomato, carrot, onion, and sliced pimiento-stuffed olives. Place the sliced grilled steak on top of the salad.
- Drizzle the prepared blue cheese dressing over the steak and salad. Alternatively, you can serve the dressing on the side for individual preferences.
- The buffalo steak salad is now ready to be served. Toss the salad gently to combine the ingredients and ensure the dressing coats the greens and steak evenly. Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious salad as a satisfying meal.
The buffalo steak salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with the grilled buffalo steak providing a hearty protein component to the crisp salad greens and fresh vegetables. The tangy blue cheese dressing adds a creamy and savory element that ties the ingredients together. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a dinner centerpiece, this salad is sure to impress with its deliciousness and unique twist of buffalo meat.