Go Back

Million Dollar Buffalo Steak Salad - Bold, Fresh, and Surprisingly Simple

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Buffalo steak: 12–16 oz (sirloin or ribeye), about 1-inch thick
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: to season
  • Garlic powder and smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon each
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 2 tablespoons, divided
  • Mixed greens: 6 cups (spring mix or romaine + arugula)
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • English cucumber: 1/2, thinly sliced
  • Red onion: 1/4 small, thinly sliced
  • Avocado: 1, sliced
  • Crumbled blue cheese: 1/3 cup (or feta if preferred)
  • Toasted almonds or walnuts: 1/3 cup, roughly chopped
  • Fresh herbs: 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley
  • Plain Greek yogurt: 1/3 cup
  • Buttermilk: 1/4 cup (more to thin as needed)
  • Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon
  • Crumbled blue cheese: 1/4 cup
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Honey: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring steak to room temp: Pat the buffalo steak dry and let it sit out for 20–30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly and sear well.
  2. Season simply: Rub with 1 tablespoon oil, then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika on both sides. Press to adhere.
  3. Preheat your pan: Heat a cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high until hot. Add the remaining oil and swirl.
  4. Sear the steak: Lay the steak in the pan and don’t move it for 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Cook longer if you prefer, but avoid overcooking—buffalo is lean.
  5. Rest and slice: Transfer to a plate and rest 5–7 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
  6. Make the dressing: Whisk yogurt, buttermilk, mayo, lemon juice, Dijon, and honey. Fold in blue cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Thin with a splash more buttermilk if you like it pourable.
  7. Prep the salad base: Toss greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion in a large bowl with a light drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of salt. This quick step brightens the veggies before dressing.
  8. Assemble: Add sliced steak, avocado, and blue cheese over the greens. Sprinkle almonds and herbs.
  9. Dress and serve: Spoon or drizzle the blue cheese dressing over the top. Serve immediately while the steak is warm and the greens are crisp.