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:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and add taco seasoning with a bit of water according to package directions.
- Toss your chopped lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and olives in a bowl.
- Add the seasoned beef and top with shredded cheese and tortilla chips.
- 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:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Arrange mixed greens in a bowl and top with the cooked beef, shredded cheddar, pickles, onions, and tomatoes.
- Drizzle with ketchup and mustard (or Thousand Island!) for that classic burger flavor.
- 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:
- Grill your steak to desired doneness (ours is medium rare) and let it rest before slicing thin.
- Toss arugula and tomatoes in a bowl with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Add sliced steak and top with crumbled blue cheese and red onion.
- 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:
- Grill steak to your liking and slice thinly.
- In a large bowl, toss cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad.
- 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:
- Grill your steak and slice thin.
- Toss mixed greens, tomatoes, olives, and feta together in a bowl.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- 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
