Name: Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds flank steak; ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar; ¼ cup olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 large ripe tomatoes (sliced); 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (sliced); 20 fresh basil leaves; 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

If you’re in the mood for a fresh, mouthwatering dish that combines the best of grilled meats and vibrant salad flavors, then the Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese recipe is exactly what you need! This recipe takes the traditional Caprese salad—featuring juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil—and adds an incredible, smoky twist with marinated grilled flank steak. The result is a satisfying, hearty meal that works perfectly for a casual dinner, a special occasion, or even a weekend barbecue.

In this post, we’ll dive deep into how to make this delicious dish step by step, explore helpful tips, discuss possible variations, and share some unique serving suggestions that will make this recipe the star of your next meal.

Why You’ll Love Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand why this Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese is so special:

Flavor-packed: The tangy balsamic vinegar marinade perfectly complements the smoky, charred flavors from the grilled flank steak, while the freshness of the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds brightness and contrast.
Perfect balance: This dish strikes an ideal balance between rich, savory, and fresh ingredients. The steak provides protein, the Caprese salad offers vibrant, refreshing elements, and the balsamic glaze ties everything together with a burst of acidity.
Versatile: Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy dinner party entrée, this recipe fits the bill. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal but elegant enough for a special gathering.

Healthy and satisfying: Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. It’s a great choice for those seeking a well-rounded, flavorful meal.

Ingredients for Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this irresistible recipe. The ingredients are divided into two categories: the steak marinade and the Caprese salad components.

For the Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak:

1 ½ pounds flank steak: Flank steak is perfect for grilling due to its natural tenderness and ability to soak up marinades. It’s flavorful and cooks quickly, making it ideal for this dish.

⅓ cup balsamic vinegar: This will be the star of the marinade, lending that signature tangy-sweet flavor to the steak.
¼ cup olive oil: Olive oil helps tenderize the steak and adds a smooth, rich flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth to the marinade.

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: The mustard adds a subtle zing and helps emulsify the marinade, creating a balanced flavor profile.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano is a classic herb that pairs beautifully with both beef and tomatoes, giving a Mediterranean flair to the dish.
1 teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavor of the meat and the marinade.

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper will add a little heat and a lot of flavor to the marinade.

For the Caprese Salad:

2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced: Tomatoes should be at the peak of ripeness to add juiciness and sweetness to the salad.
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced: Fresh mozzarella is essential for this Caprese dish. Its mild, creamy flavor and soft texture contrast beautifully with the smoky grilled steak.

Fresh basil leaves: About 20 large basil leaves. Fresh basil is a must to bring a fragrant herbaceous element to the dish.
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties the flavors together. It’s a more concentrated version of balsamic vinegar, offering a sweet and tangy finish.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season the salad and elevate the flavors.

How to Make Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese

Creating this dish is relatively simple, and it’s the perfect recipe for those who love bold, vibrant flavors with minimal effort. Here’s how you’ll assemble the Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese.

Step 1: Marinate the Flank Steak

To ensure the steak is tender and flavorful, you’ll need to marinate it for at least 30 minutes, though marinating it for up to 4 hours is even better for maximum flavor infusion.

Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the steak: Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).

Step 2: Prepare the Caprese Salad

While the steak marinates, you can prepare the Caprese salad components. This can be done just before grilling the steak, so everything stays fresh.

Slice the tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices. Arrange them on a large platter or individual plates, overlapping slightly for an elegant presentation.

Slice the mozzarella: Slice the fresh mozzarella into similar thickness as the tomatoes and arrange it on top of the tomatoes.
Add the basil: Tuck whole basil leaves between the tomato and mozzarella slices. Feel free to tear a few leaves for an added rustic touch.
Season the salad: Lightly season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can add a small drizzle of olive oil at this stage, but the real flavor will come from the balsamic glaze later.

Step 3: Grill the Flank Steak

Now it’s time to fire up the grill and cook the flank steak.

Preheat your grill: Get your grill hot and ready by preheating it to medium-high heat (around 450°F or 230°C).
Grill the steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).

Rest the steak: After grilling, let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting ensures the juices stay locked in, making the steak even more flavorful and juicy.

Step 4: Assemble the Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese

Slice the steak: Once the steak has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. Thin slices of flank steak are tender and full of flavor, making them the perfect complement to the fresh ingredients of the Caprese salad.
Combine with the salad: Arrange the sliced steak on top of the Caprese salad or serve it on the side. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the entire dish for a touch of sweetness and tanginess.

Serve and enjoy: Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately while the steak is still warm.

Tips for Perfecting Your Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese

Don’t skip the marinade: The marinade is essential for infusing the steak with flavor. If you’re short on time, a 30-minute marinade will still work, but for the most flavor, marinate the steak for several hours.
Use fresh ingredients: The freshness of the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is crucial to this dish. Look for the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find, and try to use high-quality mozzarella and fresh basil leaves.

Grill the steak properly: Flank steak can become tough if overcooked. For a tender result, be sure to cook it to no more than medium, and always slice against the grain to maximize tenderness.
Balsamic glaze vs. vinegar: Balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter than balsamic vinegar, which makes it perfect for drizzling over the salad. If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can easily make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar with a bit of sugar until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.

Variations on the Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese Recipe

This recipe is flexible and can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few fun variations to try:

Add grilled vegetables: For an even heartier dish, add grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant alongside the steak and Caprese salad.
Try a different protein: If flank steak isn’t your thing, this recipe can work with other proteins such as grilled chicken or even shrimp. Simply adjust the marinade and grilling time accordingly.
Use a different cheese: While fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like burrata (for extra creaminess) or goat cheese (for a tangy kick).

Serving Suggestions

The Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese recipe is a beautiful dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

Garlic bread or crostini: Serve alongside freshly baked garlic bread or crispy crostini to mop up the flavorful balsamic glaze and steak juices.
Grilled vegetables: Pair with a side of grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, or portobello mushrooms, for a well-rounded meal.

Roasted potatoes: If you’re craving a heartier side, try roasted potatoes tossed in olive oil, rosemary, and garlic.

Conclusion

This Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese recipe is a showstopper that’s sure to impress your guests or make any meal feel special. With its bold flavors, tender steak, and fresh, vibrant Caprese salad, this dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a family meal, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.

So, next time you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying dish, give this Balsamic Grilled Flank Steak Caprese a try. The smoky grilled steak combined with the refreshing Caprese salad and sweet balsamic glaze will leave you craving more!