Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the combination of a perfectly grilled steak and a fresh, zesty chimichurri pasta salad. This is a delicious take on classic spaghetti salad , bringing together the smoky, savory flavors of grilled steak with the vibrant, herbaceous notes of chimichurri sauce. It’s a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of summer barbecues with family and friends, where laughter and good food were always abundant.This meal is a visual feast as well as a delight for the senses, with its colorful presentation and tantalizing aroma.
What makes this recipe stand out is the simplicity of the ingredients, yet the complexity of the flavors. The grilled steak is seasoned to perfection, with a nice char on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside. The chimichurri pasta salad, on the other hand, offers a refreshing contrast, with its mix of pasta, fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of vinegar that cuts through the richness of the steak. It’s a balanced meal that satisfies both the meat lovers and the salad enthusiasts at the table.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, looking for a unique dish to bring to a potluck, or simply craving a hearty yet fresh meal, this grilled steak and chimichurri pasta salad is a perfect choice. It is simple to make and may be done in advance., and is sure to impress your guests with its delightful blend of flavors. Let’s dive into how you can enjoy this dish to the fullest.
Enjoyment Suggestions
Pairing Ideas
Pairing the grilled steak and chimichurri pasta salad with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Wine: A robust red wine, such as a Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, complements the rich flavors of the grilled steak.
- Beer: For beer lovers, a cold, crisp lager or a hoppy IPA would be an excellent choice to balance the smokiness of the steak.
- Non-alcoholic: If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a refreshing iced tea or a sparkling water with a slice of lemon works wonderfully.
Serving Occasions
This dish is versatile enough for various occasions:
- Summer Barbecues: The grilled steak and pasta salad combo is a hit at any backyard barbecue.
- Potlucks: It travels well and can be served It’s perfect served room temperature for a potluck meal.
- Family Dinners: It’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will enjoy, from kids to adults.
Complementary Dishes
Think about serving a few complementing items to complete your meal:
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up any extra chimichurri sauce.
- Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms add a healthy and colorful side.
- Green Salad: A basic green salad may liven up your meal with a mild vinaigrette.
FAQs
1. Is there another kind of meat I could use?
Absolutely! While steak is a classic choice, you can substitute it with grilled chicken, pork, or even a hearty fish like salmon.
2. How long can I store the chimichurri pasta salad?
You may keep the pasta salad in the fridge for up to three days. To disperse the dressing, just give it a quick swirl just before serving.
3. What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rotini are ideal as they hold the chimichurri sauce well and are easy to eat.
4. Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you may prepare the chimichurri sauce up to a week ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. In fact, the tastes become better with time.
5. Is there a way to make this meal gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
PrintGrilled Steak and Chimichurri Pasta Salad
- Author: ameliachef.com
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a delicious and refreshing Grilled Steak and Chimichurri Pasta Salad, perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner. This protein-packed salad combines the heartiness of steak with the zesty flavor of chimichurri.#GrilledSteak #ChimichurriPastaSalad #SummerBarbecueRecipe #QuickDinner #ProteinPackedSalad #RefreshingTangySalad #HeartyMeal #WeeknightDinner
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Steak: Season the flank steak with salt and pepper. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side or until it reaches desired doneness. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Cook the Pasta: To cook the pasta, according to the instructions on the package. rotini pasta in a big pot of boiling salted water. To cease cooking, drain and rinse with cold water. Put aside.
To prepare the chimichurri sauce, chop the parsley, cilantro, olive oil,In a medium-sized bowl, combine red wine vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. To blend, thoroughly mix.
Prepare the Salad: In a large basin, mix together cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. Pour the chimichurri sauce over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Serve: Place the sliced steak on top of the pasta salad. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add additional red pepper flakes for an even hotter kick. to the chimichurri sauce.
- You can substitute the flank steak with skirt steak or sirloin if preferred.
- You may serve this salad warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Argentinian, American
Keywords: grilled steak, chimichurri pasta salad, summer barbecue recipe, quick dinner, protein-packed salad, refreshing tangy salad, hearty meal, weeknight dinner.