Steak and Bacon Salad with Chipotle Dressing: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Feast
Bold layers of tender meat, crunchy toppings, and zesty sauce bring every bite to life.
Steak and Bacon Salad with Chipotle Dressing
Looking for a salad that’s equal parts hearty, flavorful, and totally satisfying? This Steak and Bacon Salad with Chipotle Dressing brings together the best of smoky grilled steak, crispy bacon, crunchy greens, tangy blue cheese, and a zesty, creamy chipotle dressing. Perfect for meat lovers, this vibrant salad features layers of vegetables, texture, and bold taste, making it an ideal meal for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests who crave serious flavor.
Why This Salad is a Showstopper
- Packed With Protein: Grilled strip steak and thick-cut bacon make this salad extra hearty.
- Vibrant and Diverse Textures: Crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, toasted pecans, and crispy fried onions create an addictive combination.
- Flavor Explosion: Each bite boasts creamy blue cheese, sweet and smoky steak marinade, savory bacon, and a spicy-sweet chipotle dressing.
- Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or available pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers in adobo)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 strip steaks (about 1.5 inches thick, extra fat trimmed)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chipotle Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon minced chipotle peppers (in adobo sauce)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Salad
- 10 ounces mixed lettuce (or spring mix)
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp
- Crispy fried onions, for topping (homemade or store-bought)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Marinate the Steak
- In a jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, adobo sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and oregano until thoroughly combined.
- Place the steaks in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the steaks, seal the bag (or cover the dish), then massage to coat. Refrigerate and marinate for 2–4 hours for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Chipotle Dressing
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, minced chipotle peppers, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy. For best taste, chill the dressing in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
3. Grill the Steak
- Remove steaks from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill the steaks for about 5 minutes per side, or until medium-rare doneness is reached. Adjust cooking time for desired doneness.
- Transfer steaks to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice the steak against the grain.
4. Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together the mixed lettuce, grape tomatoes, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Add a little chipotle dressing, and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing if desired.
- Sprinkle in the toasted pecans and toss briefly.
5. Plating and Toppings
- Arrange the salad mixture onto serving plates or a large platter.
- Top each salad with slices of grilled steak.
- Crown with two slices of crispy bacon per plate and a handful of crispy fried onions.
How to Make Homemade Crispy Fried Onions
For an extra-special finishing touch, make homemade fried onions:
- Soak one thinly sliced onion in buttermilk for one hour.
- Drain the onions. In batches, toss slices in a mix of flour seasoned with salt and cayenne pepper.
- Fry onions in 375°F canola oil until golden brown and crisp (about 2 minutes per batch).
- Remove with a slotted spoon, season lightly with additional salt, and let drain on paper towels.
What others are reading
Ingredient Spotlight: Why Each Adds Magic
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Steak | Provides robust, meaty flavor and key protein. |
| Bacon | Adds smoky, savory crunch and richness. |
| Chipotle Peppers | Bring smoky heat and depth to dressing & marinade. |
| Blue Cheese | Offers creamy, tangy contrast to the bold meat. |
| Pecans | Delivers sweet crunch and nutty undertones. |
| Fried Onions | Crispy texture and a hint of sweetness. |
Expert Tips for Perfect Steak & Bacon Salad
- Let the Steak Rest: Resting after grilling seals in juices for tender, delicious slices.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: For maximum crunch and bold bacon presence.
- Chill Your Dressing: An hour in the fridge melds the flavors beautifully.
- Go Fresh With Greens: Spring mix, arugula, or even chopped romaine all work well.
- Customize Your Veggies: Add sliced cucumbers, radishes, or avocado for extra color and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Prep the dressing, pecans, and onions in advance for fast assembly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
- Excellent for summer cookouts and casual dinner parties.
- Pair with grilled country bread or garlic toast.
Nutrition and Variations
This salad is rich in protein and provides a balance of fresh veggies, healthy fats, and bold flavors. If you want to tailor the recipe further, consider these easy tweaks:
- Lighter Version: Substitute turkey bacon and use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for the dressing.
- Spicier Flavor: Add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing or steak marinade.
- No Blue Cheese? Try feta, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar.
- Nut-Free: Swap pecans for roasted sunflower seeds—or omit entirely.
- Low-Carb/Keto Option: Omit fried onions and opt for extra greens and avocado.
- Vegetarian: Replace steak and bacon with grilled portobello mushrooms and roasted chickpeas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: You can prep the components ahead—marinate the steak, make the dressing, cook bacon, toast pecans, and fry onions—then assemble everything just before serving to preserve freshness and texture.
Q: What steak cut works best for this salad?
A: Strip steak is ideal for its marbling and tenderness, but ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak are also excellent options.
Q: Is the chipotle dressing very spicy?
A: The dressing is mildly spicy with a pleasant smoky kick, but you can adjust the chipotle amount for more or less heat.
Q: Can I substitute the blue cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feta, crumbled goat cheese, or shaved parmesan all work beautifully in place of blue cheese.
Q: How should leftovers be stored?
A: Store assembled salad without dressing in the fridge for up to 1 day; keep steak, bacon, and dressing separate for 2–3 days for best texture.
Quick Recipe Recap
- Marinate steak in smoky-sweet adobo, honey, and spices.
- Grill steak to perfection, let rest, then slice thin.
- Mix creamy chipotle dressing with crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, blue cheese, and toasted pecans.
- Top with steak, bacon, and crispy fried onions for a knockout meal.
Pro Tips for Entertaining
- Serve the salad components on a platter for a DIY salad bar—guests can build their own bowls.
- Offer extra dressing and crispy fried onions on the side for topping as desired.
- Chill plates for an extra-refreshing presentation, especially in summer.
Conclusion: Salad, Elevated
This Steak and Bacon Salad with Chipotle Dressing proves that salads can be craveable, satisfying meals that delight every meat lover (and win over salad skeptics). With bold flavors in every bite, it’s a recipe that deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32252033/steak-and-bacon-salad-with-chipotle-dressing-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32905829/ranch-chopped-salad-recipe/
- https://betterwithcake.com/lunch/chipotle-steak-salad/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a9514/big-steak-salad/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10271/chipotle-steak-salad/
- http://theconvenientcook.blogspot.com/2011/08/pioneer-womans-chipotle-steak-salad.html
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