Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing
There’s a certain magic in the air when summer arrives, a sweet promise of backyard barbecues and bright, sun-kissed evenings. I can still remember those golden days from my childhood where the aroma of grilled meats would waft through the yard, mingling with laughter and the distant sound of children playing. Among those cherished memories, one dish that always brings me back is a fluffy Caprese salad paired with a perfectly grilled flank steak. If you’ve been searching for an easy weeknight dinner that is not just delicious but also brimming with vibrant flavors, this Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing is just what you need. I can almost hear the sizzle of the steak and see the rich colors of fresh tomatoes and creamy mozzarella inviting you to take a bite. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish comes together fast for a satisfying family dinner.
- Flavor-Packed: The marinade infuses the flank steak with rich garlic and olive oil flavors that perfectly complement the fresh Caprese salad.
- Colorful Presentation: The bright reds, greens, and whites create a stunning platter that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Nutritious & Wholesome: Fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella make this a wholesome choice.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for make-ahead meals; simply marinate the steak earlier in the day and grill just before serving.
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To create this beautiful Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing, you’ll need just a handful of simple yet fabulous ingredients:
- 1½ pounds flank steak
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
Let’s Make It Together
Here’s how to create this dish that tells a story of summer on your plate:
In a zip-top bag or shallow dish, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the flank steak and coat it thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. The anticipation of that first sizzle should excite your senses!
Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until you reach your desired level of doneness. Remember, the key to a juicy steak is not to overcook it!
After grilling, let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes. This will ensure each slice is tender and juicy—slice thinly against the grain when ready.
In a mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Arrange the steak slices and Caprese salad on a beautiful serving platter. Just before serving, drizzle a generous amount of balsamic glaze over everything for that extra touch of sweetness and tang.
Delicious Variations to Try
If you want to personalize this dish, here are a few creative ideas to suit your taste:
- Add some heat: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or chili flakes for a spicy twist that heats things up.
- Swap the protein: Try this recipe with chicken breast or turkey cutlets for a lighter version.
- Mix in fruit: Add some sliced strawberries or peaches to your Caprese for a sweet, summery flavor.
- Cheese it up: Use burrata instead of mozzarella for a richer, creamier experience that melts in your mouth.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To help you create the perfect Grilled Flank Steak Caprese, here are some tried-and-true tips:
- Make-ahead magic: Marinate the steak in the morning for dinner later in the day—this will save time and enhance flavors.
- Slicing secrets: Always slice the steak against the grain to ensure those pieces melt in your mouth tender.
- Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for lunchtime wraps!
- Balsamic glaze can be stored in the fridge for weeks, so keep it handy for drizzling on salads or grilled vegetables.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition information to keep you informed:
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
Reader FAQs About Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! The steak can be marinated a few hours in advance or even overnight.Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to modify the veggies or use different types of cheese to suit your preferences.How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and enjoy cold or reheated.How long does it last?
When properly stored, it will last about 3 days in the refrigerator.
Wrapping It Up
This Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing evokes the warmth of summer evenings filled with laughter and good food. Each bite is a reminder of those blissful moments spent surrounded by family and friends. Whether you’re preparing for an intimate dinner or a lively gathering, this dish always impresses with its simplicity and freshness. Save this recipe to your cozy meals board so it’s ready whenever you crave a taste of summer bliss!
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Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A flavorful dish combining perfectly grilled flank steak with a fresh Caprese salad and a tangy balsamic dressing, ideal for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds flank steak
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
Instructions
- In a zip-top bag or shallow dish, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the flank steak and coat it thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
- Preheat your 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.
- After grilling, let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Arrange the steak slices and Caprese salad on a serving platter, drizzling with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Notes
Marinate the steak earlier in the day for enhanced flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Steak, Caprese, Grilling, Summer Recipes, Easy Dinner