Grilled Corn Steak Salad Recipe
Power your meals with this hearty Grilled Corn Steak Salad—a bold, high-protein dish that brings char-grilled flavor, vibrant vegetables, and satisfying texture to your plate. Ideal for post-workout recovery or a clean summer dinner, this salad balances savory grilled steak with sweet corn and a fresh, citrusy dressing.
Whether you’re cooking outdoors or using a grill pan inside, this recipe delivers juicy beef, caramelized corn, and crisp greens without excess carbs or sugar. It’s perfect for anyone living a fitness-forward, high-protein lifestyle.
Why This Salad Works
When you need more than leafy greens to fuel your body, this steak salad hits the mark. Unlike typical heavy beef recipes, this bowl keeps things clean by using lean sirloin, heart-healthy olive oil, and plenty of fiber-rich vegetables. The grilled corn adds a slightly sweet crunch, balancing the richness of the beef without relying on sugary dressings or starchy sides.
This dish works great for:
- Post-workout meals
- Meal prep bowls
- Low-carb dinners
- Clean bulking phases
Let’s get to it.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salad:
- 1 lb lean sirloin steak (trimmed)
- 2 ears of corn, husked
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by combining olive oil, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl or zip-top bag. Add the steak and coat it well. Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes at room temperature. This short marinade adds flavor without overpowering the beef.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the cumin—it enhances the grill flavor and pairs perfectly with corn.
Step 2: Grill the Corn and Steak
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan. Add the corn first and rotate it every few minutes until charred in spots and tender, about 10 minutes total.
Once the corn is halfway done, place the steak on the grill. Grill it for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it well done. After cooking, let the steak rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
Slice the corn off the cob once it’s cool enough to handle. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, Dijon mustard, honey (optional), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing adds a tangy kick without processed sugars or dairy.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, avocado, and grilled corn. Drizzle with half the dressing and gently toss.
Plate the salad and top each serving with sliced steak. Add extra dressing as needed, and finish with chopped cilantro.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Total Sugars | 4 g |
| Total Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
| Potassium | 800 mg |
Nutrition estimates use 1 lb lean sirloin, 2 ears corn, and optional honey excluded. Adjust based on your ingredients and portion sizes.
Meal Prep + Storage
This salad works well for meal prep. Store components separately for up to 3 days:
- Keep the sliced steak and corn in an airtight container.
- Store greens and avocado separately to prevent wilting or browning.
- Add dressing right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This salad can stand alone as a complete meal, but it also works well alongside:
- Grilled sweet potatoes (for carb cycling)
- Cauliflower rice (for lower carbs)
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on top for extra protein
Make It Your Own
Want to mix it up? Try these easy swaps:
- Use flank steak or skirt steak instead of sirloin
- Swap corn for grilled zucchini for fewer carbs
- Add feta or cotija cheese for a salty finish (if not dairy-free)
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Corn Steak Salad combines clean ingredients, bold flavors, and muscle-building macros in one vibrant bowl. It’s everything a fitness-forward dinner should be: quick to make, loaded with protein, and bursting with color and crunch.
