Delicious Steak Pasta Salad Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Steak Pasta Salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience. Imagine succulent steak pieces mingling with vibrant veggies, all tossed in a zesty dressing that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and promising a flavor explosion that will elevate any meal. For more inspiration, check out this Lunch ideas recipe.

This recipe isn’t just for dinner; it’s perfect for summer barbecues, casual weeknight dinners, or even as a delightful potluck contribution. My first bite took me back to sunny picnics with friends, where laughter and good food were the highlights of our day. You can’t help but anticipate that mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures.

I remember the first time I made this salad; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Steak: Choose tender cuts like flank or sirloin for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Pasta: Any short pasta works well, but I love using rotini for its ability to hold onto dressings.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for firm tomatoes that burst with sweetness when you bite into them.
• Cucumber: Fresh cucumbers add crunch and a refreshing element to balance the richness of the steak.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives a sharp bite that complements the other flavors beautifully.
• Bell Peppers: Use colorful bell peppers for both visual appeal and a sweet crunch in every forkful.
• Italian Dressing: A store-bought or homemade dressing adds zest and ties all the ingredients together perfectly.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta offers creamy tanginess that elevates this salad to new heights of deliciousness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Sear the Steak: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak with salt and pepper, then sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked to your liking. Let it rest before slicing.

Chop the Veggies: While waiting on the steak, chop up your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. The more colorful your salad, the happier it looks!

Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped veggies, sliced steak, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with Italian dressing—don’t be shy; this is where flavor magic happens!

Chill & Serve: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This waiting period allows all those amazing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Now you have a delicious Steak Pasta Salad ready to impress! Enjoy this dish with family or friends while basking in compliments about your culinary skills!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the steak to lock in flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing your vegetables. This sequence ensures everything comes together seamlessly, allowing you to serve a delicious, harmonious dish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out veggies according to season or preference; try adding roasted peppers or olives for extra flavor. You can also experiment with dressings—balsamic vinaigrette or ranch make great alternatives.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or enjoy cold straight from the fridge; it tastes fantastic either way!

Cooking this Steak Pasta Salad takes me back to family barbecues where laughter filled the air and plates were piled high with food—a reminder that great meals create wonderful memories.

FAQ

Can I use chicken instead of steak in the pasta salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken works wonderfully and adds a different flavor profile.

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli hold dressing well and add great texture.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options available at most grocery stores.

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Steak Pasta Salad

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Steak Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary delight. Tender steak pieces blend seamlessly with colorful vegetables, all tossed in a zesty dressing that tantalizes the taste buds. Perfect for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or potlucks, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also visually stunning. With its delightful balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe collection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 lb flank or sirloin steak
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mixed colors)
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta: Boil salted water, add rotini, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Sear steak: Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper; sear for 4-5 minutes per side. Let rest before slicing.
3. Chop veggies: Dice cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and slice red onion into bite-sized pieces.
4. Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, chopped veggies, sliced steak, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss well.
5. Chill & serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: None specified
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Substitute grilled chicken for steak if preferred. Use different dressings like balsamic vinaigrette for variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.