Zesty Pioneer Woman Steak Salad Recipe: Fresh Summer Joy!

Pioneer Woman’s steak salad bursts with rustic charm and culinary creativity, transforming simple ingredients into a flavor-packed feast.

Sizzling beef strips mingle with crisp greens, creating a tantalizing dance of textures and tastes.

Vibrant vegetables add depth and brightness to every forkful, elevating this dish beyond ordinary salad expectations.

Each ingredient tells a story of freshness and bold seasoning, promising a meal that satisfies both hunger and gourmet cravings.

Summer or winter, this recipe adapts beautifully to seasonal produce and personal preferences.

Professional-level techniques make crafting this salad surprisingly effortless for home cooks.

One bite will transport you to a world of delectable, mouthwatering excitement that celebrates the art of simple, elegant cooking.

Suggestions to Switch Up Your Steak Salad

• Maximize Roasting Potential: Ensure vegetables are cut uniformly to guarantee even caramelization and prevent burning during high-heat roasting.
• Customize Steak Preferences: Adjust grilling time based on thickness and desired doneness, using a meat thermometer for precise temperature control.
• Elevate Flavor Combinations: Swap goat cheese with blue cheese or feta for different taste profiles, adding depth and personal flair to the salad.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dressing and chop vegetables up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to streamline meal preparation and reduce day-of cooking stress.

Steak Salad Serving Ideas You’ll Love

• Plate with Rustic Charm: Create a beautiful, rustic presentation by arranging the salad on a wooden cutting board or large ceramic platter for a farm-to-table feel.
• Pair with Robust Wines: Select a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich flavors of the grilled steak and roasted vegetables.
• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the salad just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish and extra layer of flavor.
• Customize Side Options: Serve alongside warm crusty bread or quinoa to make the meal more filling and provide additional texture to the dining experience.

Refrigerating or Planning Pioneer Woman Steak Salad

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store roasted vegetables and cooked steak separately in airtight containers within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate components maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm refrigerated vegetables in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Gently reheat sliced steak in skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking and preserve tenderness.
• Smart Dressing Management: Keep tangy vinaigrette in sealed mason jar inside refrigerator for maximum 5-7 days. Shake vigorously before each use to re-blend separated ingredients.
• Advance Preparation Hack: Chop vegetables and prepare dressing one day ahead. Store in sealed containers to streamline meal assembly and reduce day-of cooking time. Components stay fresh and ready for quick assembly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 680 kcal

Servings: 5

Your Go-To Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Steak Salad

• Olive Oil: Choose cold-pressed for richer flavor and higher quality.
• Maple Syrup: Select pure, grade A syrup for authentic sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Look for organic, unfiltered version with natural cloudiness.
• Dijon Mustard: Pick tangy, smooth French-style mustard.
• Garlic: Select firm, plump cloves without sprouting.
• Kosher Salt: Use coarse, flaky salt for better texture.
• Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground for maximum aroma.

• Acorn Squash: Select firm, heavy squash with deep green color.
• Delicata Squash: Choose squash with vibrant yellow-orange skin.
• Red Onion: Pick firm onions with tight, glossy skin.
• Dried Sage: Ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for roasting vegetables.

• Steak: Select well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness.
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Choose blend with vibrant citrus notes.
• Mixed Salad Greens: Pick crisp, varied mix for texture.
• Goat Cheese: Select creamy, fresh cheese.
• Candied Walnuts: Look for freshly prepared, crunchy nuts.

Kitchen Basics to Prepare Steak Salad

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat metal pan for roasting vegetables evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
• Mason Jar: Perfect for shaking and blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise chopping of squash and onions.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and dressing components.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Creates beautiful char and sear marks on steaks.
• Large Serving Platter: Elegant platform for arranging final salad presentation.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping steaks and transferring roasted vegetables.
• Mixing Spoon: Helps toss salad and distribute dressing evenly.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Steak Salad from Scratch

• Fire Up the Oven and Prep Baking Surface

Crank the oven to a sizzling 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for hassle-free cleanup.

• Whip Together Zesty Dressing

Grab a jar and combine olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and a minced garlic clove. Shake like crazy until everything melds into a smooth, tantalizing blend.

• Slice and Arrange Vibrant Produce

Chop squash and red onion into rustic cubes. Spread these colorful gems across the prepared baking sheet, creating a beautiful canvas of seasonal vegetables.

• Enhance and Roast Vegetable Medley

Drizzle the veggies with olive oil and sprinkle generously with dried sage, salt, and pepper. Roast until edges turn golden and crispy, about 25-35 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Sear and Season Succulent Steaks

Massage steaks with olive oil and coat generously with lemon pepper seasoning, ensuring every inch is packed with flavor.

• Grill to Perfection

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side, creating a beautiful char and achieving that perfect medium-rare doneness.

• Let Steaks Relax

Transfer steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and intensify the rich, meaty flavor.

• Assemble Showstopping Salad

Layer mixed greens on a platter, top with thinly sliced steak, roasted vegetables, crumbled goat cheese, and candied walnuts. Drizzle with the zesty dressing and serve immediately to capture the warmth and freshness of each ingredient.

Tangy Pioneer Woman Steak Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman Steak Salad combines succulent grilled steak with crisp greens and zesty ranch dressing. Hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal perfect for summer dinners and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 2–3 strip beef steaks
• 10 cups mixed baby greens (kale, spinach, arugula, etc.)
• 6 oz (170 g) goat cheese
• 1 cup candied walnuts
• 1 acorn squash, seeded and quartered
• 1 delicata squash, halved, seeded and sliced into ¼-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, quartered
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil
• 3 tbsps maple syrup
• 3 tbsps apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon or grainy mustard
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
• 2 tsps kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1–2 tsps lemon pepper seasoning
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Roast Vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice acorn and delicata squash into half-moons, quarter red onions. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle sage, salt, and pepper. Roast 25-35 minutes until edges caramelize and vegetables become tender.
2. Craft Vinaigrette: Combine olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, whole grain mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic in a jar. Shake vigorously until ingredients blend into a smooth dressing.
3. Prepare Steak: Pat steaks dry, massage with olive oil, and coat with lemon pepper seasoning. Heat cast-iron grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Grill Steak: Cook steaks 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, creating beautiful grill marks and sealing in juices. Rest on cutting board for 10 minutes to redistribute internal moisture.
5. Compose Salad: Layer mixed greens on serving platter. Top with sliced steak, roasted vegetables, crumbled goat cheese, and candied walnuts. Drizzle vinaigrette over entire salad, ensuring light, even coating. Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Vegetable Roasting Tip: Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent oil and caramelized bits from dripping in the oven, ensuring easy cleanup and even roasting.
• Meat Resting Technique: Allow steak to rest after grilling, which helps juices redistribute, preventing dryness and maintaining optimal tenderness and flavor.
• Vinaigrette Preparation Hack: Shake dressing ingredients in a sealed glass jar to create a perfect emulsion, eliminating the need for whisking and ensuring smooth blending.
• Temperature Control Strategy: Monitor grill heat to achieve medium-rare doneness, preventing overcooking and preserving the steak’s natural juiciness and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 680
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 54 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 40 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg