Balsamic Steak Salad

Name: Balsamic Steak Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 teaspoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper; 1 beef flat iron steak or top sirloin steak (3/4 pound); 1 package (9 ounces) ready-to-serve salad greens; 8 cherry tomatoes, halved; 4 radishes, sliced; 1/2 medium ripe avocado, peeled and thinly sliced; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; Crumbled blue cheese and additional pepper, optional

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. + marinating Grill: 15 min. YIELD: 4 servings.

My husband loves blue cheese and I like a hearty salad that eats like a meal, so I put the two things together to make this steak salad recipe. The sweet-tartness of dried cranberries pairs deliciously with the cheese, creamy avocado and balsamic vinegar. It's irresistible! —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Ingredients

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1 beef flat iron steak or top sirloin steak (3/4 pound)
1 package (9 ounces) ready-to-serve salad greens
8 cherry tomatoes, halved
4 radishes, sliced
1/2 medium ripe avocado, peeled and thinly sliced
1/4 cup dried cranberries
Crumbled blue cheese and additional pepper, optional

Directions

1. For dressing, whisk together first six ingredients. Place steak and 1/4 cup dressing in a resealable plastic bag; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Reserve remaining dressing; cover and refrigerate until serving.
2. Drain beef, discarding marinade. Grill steak, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 160°), 6-8 minutes per side. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.
3. To serve, divide salad greens among four plates. Top with steak, tomatoes, radishes and avocado; sprinkle with cranberries and, if desired, cheese and pepper. Serve with reserved dressing.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 321 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable.