Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
Introduction
This Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing combines juicy, flavorful steak with a fresh and vibrant tomato and mozzarella salad. It’s a perfect dish for summer nights or any time you want a simple yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds flank steak
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a zip-top bag or shallow dish, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the flank steak and coat thoroughly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
- Step 2: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 4–5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.
- Step 3: Let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Step 4: In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 5: Arrange the steak slices and Caprese salad on a serving platter. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the tomato and mozzarella mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect steak doneness: 130°F for medium-rare.
- Substitute fresh burrata for mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the balsamic dressing.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the steak gently in a pan or eat cold as part of a salad. The Caprese salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored separately for up to one day.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes, skirt steak or sirloin can be used as alternatives, though flank steak offers the best texture for slicing thinly against the grain.
How do I make balsamic glaze at home?
Simmer balsamic vinegar over low heat until it reduces by half and becomes syrupy, then let it cool before drizzling over the dish.
PrintGrilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing Recipe
This Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing is a fresh and flavorful dish combining tender, marinated flank steak with a classic Caprese salad of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Finished with a rich balsamic glaze, it’s perfect for a quick summer grill or an elegant weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Steak Marinade
- 1½ pounds flank steak
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Caprese Salad
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a zip-top bag or shallow dish, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the flank steak and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness.
- Rest and Slice the Steak: After grilling, let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes to retain its juices. Then, slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prepare the Caprese Salad: In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped fresh basil. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with a pinch of salt, then toss gently to combine.
- Assemble and Serve: On a serving platter, arrange the sliced flank steak alongside the Caprese salad. Just before serving, drizzle everything with the balsamic glaze for a tangy, sweet finish.
Notes
- Marinate the steak for at least 1 hour to enhance flavor and tenderness; overnight marination is ideal.
- Use reduced balsamic vinegar if balsamic glaze is not available; it provides similar sweetness and acidity.
- For best results, slice the steak thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- This recipe serves well as a light main course or paired with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
Keywords: grilled flank steak, caprese salad, balsamic glaze, summer recipe, easy steak recipe, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil
