O’Charley’s Black and Blue Steak Salad

If you want a hearty and filling entrée salad, O’Charley’s makes one of the best using fan-sliced steak and blue cheese.

O’Charley’s Black and Blue Steak Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender steak, crisp greens, and bold flavors. This salad is known for its delicious combination of blackened steak, blue cheese, and other fresh ingredients. It’s a popular choice for those who enjoy a hearty salad with a touch of elegance.

The star of the dish is the blackened steak, which is seasoned with a blend of spices to create a smoky and savory flavor profile. The steak is cooked to perfection and sliced into thin strips, adding a satisfying meaty element to the salad. The blackened seasoning adds a bit of heat and depth to the overall taste.

The salad is then complemented by the addition of blue cheese, which provides a creamy and tangy flavor. The blue cheese crumbles add a distinct richness and balance to the dish. Combined with the crisp greens, such as romaine lettuce or mixed greens, and other fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and red onions, the salad offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

To complete the Black and Blue Steak Salad, a tangy and zesty dressing is often drizzled over the top. This can include options like balsamic vinaigrette or a blue cheese dressing, which further enhances the flavors and ties all the elements of the salad together.

Overall, O’Charley’s Black and Blue Steak Salad is a delicious and well-balanced dish that satisfies both steak lovers and salad enthusiasts. It’s a great choice for those looking for a flavorful and filling meal that combines the best of both worlds.

SERVES: 1

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (6-ounce) sirloin steak
• 2 tablespoons melted margarine
• 1–2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1¼ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1¼ cups large croutons
• 3½ cups chopped romaine lettuce
• ¼ cup Caesar dressing
• 3 slices Roma tomato
• ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
• ¼ cup cooked diced bacon

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the grill.
2. Brush one side of the sirloin with margarine and sprinkle to taste with the Cajun seasoning.
3. Place seasoned-side down on the grill.
4. While the first side is cooking, brush the second side with margarine and sprinkle with additional seasoning.
5. Cook for about 2 minutes; then turn and cook for 2–3 minutes more, or to the desired degree of doneness. Cut the steak into ½” slices.
6. In a large bowl, sprinkle about half of the Parmesan and half of the croutons over the romaine. Add the Caesar dressing and toss well.
7. Place the dressed romaine in a chilled pasta bowl or large soup plate and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
8. Add the tomato slices and top with sliced steak, crumbled blue cheese, diced bacon, and remaining croutons.

VARIATIONS:

• Protein Variations: Instead of steak, you can use other proteins such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the salad.
• Cheese Options: While blue cheese is a classic choice for this salad, you can experiment with different types of cheese. Consider using crumbled feta, goat cheese, or gorgonzola for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will add its own distinct taste and creaminess to the salad.
• Vegetable Additions: Customize the salad by adding additional vegetables. You can include sliced bell peppers, cucumber, avocado, or grilled vegetables like zucchini and asparagus. These additions will provide extra freshness and crunch to the salad.
• Nutty Crunch: For added texture, consider sprinkling some toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans over the salad. The nuttiness will complement the other flavors and provide a satisfying crunch.
• Dressing Options: While a tangy dressing like balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing is commonly used, you can experiment with different dressings to change the flavor profile. Try a creamy Caesar dressing, a citrusy lemon vinaigrette, or a spicy chipotle dressing for a twist.
• Greens Variety: Instead of sticking to just one type of greens, mix different types of lettuce or leafy greens in the salad. This will add more variety in terms of textures and flavors.