Cool & Crisp: Delicious Cold Summer Salads with Beef

Summer is almost here, and it’s time to shake things up with cool and refreshing salads that pack a punch. If you're grilling up some juicy steak or using leftover roast, these beef-packed salads are perfect for those warm days when you want something satisfying but light.

Check out these easy-to-make, protein-packed summer salad recipes that combine the best of beef with fresh, crisp veggies.

1. Taco Salad with Ground Beef (Joshua's FAVORITE salad)

Taco salad is a year round favorite, but especially loved during the warmer months! The great thing about this salad is how customizable it is. With seasoned beef, crunchy lettuce, tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of cheese, every bite is full of flavor. Top it off with a dollop of sour cream, salsa, and some tortilla chips for crunch.  Or a squirt of Western Dressing!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or use your favorite homemade seasoning)
• 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (never enough!)
• 1/2 cup sliced red onions
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced  (optional for my crew)
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips 
• Salsa and sour cream for topping

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and add taco seasoning with a bit of water according to package directions.
2. Toss your chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and olives in a bowl.
3. Add the seasoned beef and top with shredded cheese and tortilla chips.
4. Serve with salsa and sour cream for an extra kick.

2. Cheeseburger Salad

A cheeseburger in salad form? Yes, please! This hearty salad has everything you love about a cheeseburger but in a lighter, refreshing salad. Think juicy beef patties, cheddar cheese, pickles, and all the fixings—minus the bun.  Try it with Thousand Island dressing!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or leftover grilled steak, chopped)
• 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, arugula)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pickles, or dill pickle relish
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2 tbsp mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Arrange mixed greens in a bowl and top with the cooked beef, shredded cheddar, pickles, onions, and tomatoes.
3. Drizzle with ketchup and mustard (or Thousand Island!) for that classic burger flavor.
4. Toss and enjoy!

3. Steak Salad with Blue Cheese & Balsamic Vinaigrette

This is my dish to pass when we're invited to a barbecue, because this steak salad with blue cheese is a perfect option. Tender, juicy steak paired with creamy blue cheese, peppery arugula, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette makes for a sophisticated and flavorful dish.  More than we deserve!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb grilled dry aged steak (ribeye or sirloin), sliced thin
• 4 cups arugula or mixed greens
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Grill your steak to desired doneness (ours is medium rare) and let it rest before slicing thin.
2. Toss arugula and tomatoes in a bowl with balsamic vinaigrette.
3. Add sliced steak and top with crumbled blue cheese and red onion.
4. Serve immediately for a fresh, bold salad.

4. Asian Beef Salad

Packed with colors and bold flavors, this Asian-inspired beef salad is an easy one to make. With fresh veggies, our beef, and a sesame-ginger dressing, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.  Even my picky eaters take on the adventure without saying anything!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, grilled and thinly sliced
• 6 cups shredded cabbage (or a coleslaw mix)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

For the dressing:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Grill steak to your liking and slice thinly.
2. In a large bowl, toss cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro.
3. Whisk together dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad.
4. Add steak slices on top, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve!

5. Mediterranean Beef Salad

Craving something light but still filling? We love this Mediterranean-inspired beef salad with olives, feta, and a lemony dressing is perfect for those warm days. We make beef roasts year round for their simplicity, and this is an EASY way to use up the leftovers! 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb grilled steak (or leftover roast), sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (also optional for my crew!)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Grill your steak and slice thin.
2. Toss mixed greens, tomatoes, olives, and feta together in a bowl.
3. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Drizzle dressing over salad, top with steak, and enjoy!

These beef-filled summer salads are a great way to enjoy fresh, light meals without sacrificing flavor or protein.  You don't need to go without either of those!

Whether you're serving up a taco salad, cheeseburger salad, or something a little more Mediterranean, these recipes are a great start for our warm weather dining. Try them out and let these cool dishes become your go-to for summer meals!

If you make one of these - tell me how it goes!

XOXO, 

Louisa