When my sisters were both in college, they worked at a gourmet deli nearby. One sister was a server, and the other worked the front counter taking to-go orders and handled the deli. To say I took advantage of their 20% family discount would be an understatement!
This place served ginormous sandwiches, specialty desserts, and one of my favorite salads of all time – a Bistro Steak Salad; grilled steak, caramelized onions, tomatoes and black olives, with a creamy ranch dressing. I did have other favorite menu items at this deli, but I could never commit to another dish because I loved this salad so much.
Having a sister who was a sever meant I was privy to the recipe for the tangy, flavorful beef, and knew exactly which ranch dressing the deli used. 2006 was a good year, my friends. My sisters have both moved on to bigger and better things, and the deli has since closed, so I had to learn to make my own Bistro Steak Salad if I wanted my fix.
The not-so secret ingredient to marinating the steak was from a bottle of French dressing. As a kid, I used to beg my mom to buy this sweet, and colorful dressing. As an adult, I know how much sugar and other unnecessary ingredients go into making this same dressing. And since ignorance isn’t always bliss, I had to find a cleaner way to make a batch of homemade French dressing (I make my own from this recipe). And you guys, if you’re a French dressing fan, you won’t even miss it, after you make your own. #promise
To keep this salad clean, and flavorful all the way around, I make sure to use a lean cut of beef. I personally like to use a tenderloin, or strip steak boneless for this salad, but any lean cut will do.
Bobbi from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
Now this is a salad I would gladly eat everyday!!
Nichole says
I knew I could count on you, my fellow meat loving friend!
Amanda Elizabeth says
Putting steak on salad is pretty much the only way I can get Mark to eat it 😉 That one looks so good!
Nichole says
Haha, BOYS!
Sue Lau says
I love the caramelized onions in this!
Nichole says
I am not a huge onion fan, but the carmelized onions for this salad are what make it!
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere says
What a great way to amp up a salad! So tasty!
Biana @ Blovedboston says
The steak on this salad makes it so hearty!! I really want to try this soon! YUM! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Renee says
Seriously, this is my kind of salad. I could eat it for days. For lunch or dinner. Yum!
Senika @ Foodie Blog Stalker says
Mmmmmm… This is one good lookin’ salad! That beef is cooked to absolute perfection. I love/hate when I find my “thing” on a menu. I can never stray from that order! What if I try something new and it’s not as good?! Even worse, when insanely good delis, restaurants, hole-in-the-walls close down and you lose your favorites forever. Gahhhh!!! This Bistro Steak Salad looks beyond restaurant-worthy and is making me drool on my desk – yum!
Nichole says
Right?! I love trying new things, but then yes what if I order something else and it isn’t nearly as good?! So I always have a default or two. I tend to try new recipes at home, but when dining out, I like what I like and this salad was it!
Jen says
We have a thing for steak salads in our house, they are so simple but so delicious! Yum!
marie says
This looks so good! I totally need to make this and soon.
Christie says
This truly does look restaurant quality. Perfect plate of lean beef and salad for a delicious dinner.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
This salad looks great and my hubby loves French dressing, but I never buy dressing anymore so I am totally making this!
Hezzi-D says
I love steak salads and yours look delicious. French just happens to be my favorite salad dressing but I’ve never made it at home. Totally trying this soon!
Mary Ellen says
Love this delicious looking salad!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
I love the sound of this Nichole! Beef salads rock!
Renee@Renee's Kitchen Adventures says
Steak Salads are my favorite. This looks just perfect!
Nichole says
There is something extra special about steak on a salad, isn’t there?!
Liz says
Whoa, I could live off this gorgeous salad! And I haven’t made French dressing in years—time to remedy that!
Nichole says
The homemade version of this French dressing seriously tastes just the bottled version! It’s sooo tasty!
Shelby says
That salad looks delish! I am going to have to give that French dressing a try and make this salad. I always loved French dressing too.
Nichole says
It’s seriously SOOOO good!