Steak Salad with Spinach, Blueberries, & Toasted Pecans plus a Review of Wine Glasses from Wine Enthusiast

Combine steak, blueberries, feta cheese and toasted pecans in this simple salad and you have a healthy and satisfying supper.

There’s lots of room for substitutions in this recipe. For instance I used toasted pecans, but the original recipe called for walnuts. I think blue cheese or gorgonzola would be fabulous in place of the mild feta. Blue cheese would look pretty using raspberries for the blueberries. Strawberries and spinach always pair well, or you could use peppery arugula or baby greens for the spinach. If you’re not a meat lover, grilled chicken would be fine in place of the steak.

For a reason that I cannot explain, the only place other than on line that I can find raspberry vinegar is in Italian markets. Maybe someone who knows more about Italian food than we do could explain it. (By the way, if you can't find raspberry vinegar, fig vinegar is excellent in this recipe.)  To make a raspberry vinaigrette, combine 2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar with 2 tablespoons olive oil, a bit of honey and a dash of dry vermouth, a scant teaspoon crème fraiche or sour cream, and some sea salt and freshly ground black pepper in a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake well. Raspberry vinaigrette is also excellent with a tossed salad of baby greens and broiled or grilled salmon.

This salad can easily be put together in under 30 minutes if you’re looking for something quick when you’re pressed for time. With only 392 calories and 11 grams of carbohydrates, this could almost be called a slim dinner, especially for those such as ourselves who are watching our carbs and calories.

Steak Salad with Spinach, Blueberries & Toasted Pecans 
Adapted from Eating Well – serves 4

1 cup fresh blueberries, divided
½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
3 tablespoons raspberry vinegar or other fruity vinegar such as fig vinegar
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1 teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons walnut oil, or hazelnut oil
1 pound of steak, I used a NY strip
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
8 cups fresh baby spinach
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Preheat grill to medium. In a food processor, pulse ¼ cup blueberries, ¼ cup nuts, vinegar, shallot, sugar and a pinch of kosher salt to form a chunky paste. With the motor running, add the oil until incorporated. Transfer the dressing to a large bowl and set aside.

Sprinkle steak with salt and pepper. Grill the steak about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, 6 minutes per side for medium. Let rest on a plate for 5 minutes before slicing.

Add spinach to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat. Taste for seasonings and add more salt and pepper if desired. Divide the salad among 4 plates. Thinly slice the steak crosswise. Top the spinach with the steak, feta cheese and remaining blueberries and walnuts. Perfect with a glass of red wine.

Printable recipe

Speaking of wine, several weeks ago Wine Enthusiast asked if I would like to try a set of their wine glasses for review. How could I turn down an offer to try wine glasses? Of course I couldn’t. Here are the red wine glasses they sent me – their Fusion Whirl Pinot Noir.

The first thing I was attracted to was their shape. They aren’t too tall and I found the bowl very stylish and at the same time it allowed the wine to be swirled without spilling. The stem is narrow and feels very comfortable and nice in your hand. I used them at a dinner party the other night and received compliments on the glasses from my guests. Two other good things I like are that they are break resistant and can go in the dishwasher. I can say with enthusiasm that I highly recommend them. Thank you Wine Enthusiast. You definitely have won me over as a new customer. So the next time you need new wine glasses, give Wine Enthusiast a try. You will not be disappointed.

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This will be shared with Foodie Friday at Rattlebridge Farms, Miz Helen’s Country Kitchen Full Plate Thursday, Foodie Friday at Simple Recipes, Foodtastic Friday at Not Your Ordinary Recipes, Seasonal Sunday at the Tablescaper, and On the Menu Monday at Stone Gable.

Have a great weekend everyone.