Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing
Grilled Flank Steak Caprese with Balsamic Dressing is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining smoky, tender grilled flank steak with juicy fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Finished with a tangy balsamic dressing, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory and fresh tastes in under 30 minutes, ideal for casual dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 well-marbled flank steak (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
- 2–3 ripe firm tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened), sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls or slices
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for steak seasoning
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Steak: Trim any excess fat from the flank steak and pat it dry. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to lock in juices and add flavor during grilling.
- Make the Balsamic Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until well blended. This dressing will add a tangy brightness to the dish.
- Grill the Steak: Heat your grill or grill pan to high heat. Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your preferred doneness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices, then slice thinly against the grain for tender slices.
- Assemble the Caprese: On a serving platter, alternately layer slices of grilled steak with fresh tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil leaves in an eye-catching pattern for a colorful display.
- Drizzle and Serve: Generously drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the entire assembled dish just before serving to maximize flavor impact.
Notes
- Rest the steak after grilling to keep it tender and juicy.
- Bring mozzarella to room temperature before serving for creamier texture.
- Use a sharp knife to slice steak thinly against the grain to reduce chewiness.
- Choose the freshest tomatoes and basil for authentic, vibrant flavors.
- Experiment with aged balsamic vinegar for a sweeter, more syrupy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: grilled flank steak, caprese, balsamic dressing, steak salad, summer recipe, gluten free, easy dinner