Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing

Sink your teeth into the irresistible Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing, a dish that perfectly marries the smoky allure of grilled steak with the fresh burst of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and the tangy zing of balsamic. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a lively celebration of vibrant flavors and textures that come together effortlessly for a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to share again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold and Fresh Flavors: The combination of juicy grilled flank steak, fresh tomatoes, and basil creates an invigorating taste profile that’s both savory and bright.
• Simple Yet Impressive: With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe delivers a wow-worthy dish perfect for casual dinners or special occasions.
• Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein, antioxidants from tomatoes, and healthy fats from olive oil, this meal supports a wholesome diet without compromising taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great as a standalone main or paired with sides, it suits summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or even elegant gatherings.
• Quick to Prepare: Takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy food lovers eager to enjoy gourmet flavors swiftly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering quality ingredients is the heart of this Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing recipe. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly crave-worthy.

• Flank Steak: Choose a well-marbled flank steak for tender, juicy results after grilling.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe, firm tomatoes like heirloom or vine-ripened for vibrant sweetness and juiciness.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Opt for soft mozzarella balls or slices to add a creamy, mild contrast that melts in your mouth.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright, aromatic basil leaves bring herbal freshness that complements both steak and tomatoes beautifully.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a silky richness and helps marry all the ingredients for a smooth flavor experience.
• Balsamic Vinegar: The tangy, slightly sweet balsamic vinegar elevates the dish with its complex acidity and depth.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses a subtle punching flavor that enhances the steak and dressing.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.

Variations for Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing

This Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing recipe is wonderfully adaptable, perfect for tweaking to suit your personal taste, dietary preferences, or whatever you have available in your kitchen.

• Swap Steak for Chicken: Use grilled chicken breast or thighs for a lighter, leaner version without sacrificing flavor.
• Add Avocado: Incorporate fresh avocado slices for a creamy texture and healthy fats that balance the acidity.
• Include Arugula: Toss in peppery arugula leaves for an extra layer of vibrant greens and subtle spice.
• Use a Honey Balsamic Glaze: Replace regular balsamic with a honey-infused glaze for a sweeter, richer dressing.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the mozzarella with vegan cheese and use grilled tofu or tempeh for protein.

How to Make Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by trimming any excess fat from the flank steak and patting it dry. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. This prep helps lock in juices and adds flavor during grilling.

Step 2: Make the Balsamic Dressing

Whisk together balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until blended. This quick dressing will bring a tangy brightness to the dish.

Step 3: Grill the Steak

Heat your grill or grill pan to high and cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

Step 4: Assemble the Caprese

On a serving platter, layer slices of steak alternately with fresh tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil leaves. This alternating pattern brings an eye-catching, colorful display.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Finish by generously drizzling the balsamic dressing over the entire dish just before serving for maximum flavor impact.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing

• Rest the Steak: Letting the steak rest after grilling redistributes juices, keeping each bite tender and moist.
• Use Room Temperature Mozzarella: Bring the cheese to room temperature for creaminess that doesn’t compete with the steak’s char.
• Sharp Knife for Slicing: Cut the steak thinly against the grain with a sharp knife to prevent chewiness.
• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Choose the freshest tomatoes and basil for an authentic, vibrant Caprese flavor.
• Customize Balsamic Vinegar: Experiment with aged balsamic for a sweeter, more syrupy finish.

How to Serve Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing

Garnishes

Garnish with extra basil leaves, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and a crack of fresh black pepper to amp up the aroma and presentation. A few microgreens can add a lovely fresh bite and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when paired with light, complementary sides such as garlic-roasted potatoes, a crisp mixed green salad, or grilled asparagus drizzled with lemon. These choices balance the richness of the steak and mozzarella beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the steak and Caprese ingredients stacked on toasted ciabatta for a hearty sandwich or arranged beautifully on individual plates for a refined dinner. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze artistically around the plate for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to preserve the freshness of the tomatoes and mozzarella.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh; freezing is not recommended as the tomatoes and mozzarella can become watery and lose texture after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the steak slices gently in a microwave or skillet over low heat, but avoid reheating the assembled Caprese to maintain the distinction of fresh and cooked elements.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its flavor and texture, skirt or hanger steak works well too, offering a similar beefy taste and grill-friendly thickness.

Is it possible to make the dressing without garlic?

Yes, you can omit garlic if preferred; the balsamic and olive oil blend will still bring plenty of flavor to the dish on their own.

How long should I marinate the steak?

This recipe doesn’t require a long marinade, but allowing the steak to rest with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 15-30 minutes before grilling enhances tenderness and flavor.

Can I prepare this dish for a large group?

Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredients and assemble the Caprese platter lots of layers for beautiful, crowd-pleasing presentation perfect for parties or family meals.

What if I do not have a grill?

No grill? No problem. You can use a hot grill pan or cast-iron skillet to sear the steak indoors and achieve similar caramelization and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing. It’s a dish that brings fresh, vibrant ingredients together with grilled goodness for a flavor combo hard to beat. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe ticks all the boxes for ease, taste, and a bit of wow factor. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to for any occasion.

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