For a deeper flavor, use aged balsamic vinegar in the vinaigrette. If you don't have Cabernet Sauvignon, a dry Merlot or Pinot Noir will work well. Make the candied pecans ahead of time to save on prep time.
A symphony of flavors awaits with this Grilled Peppercorn Steak and Caramelized Pecan Salad. Tender, perfectly grilled steak meets the crunch of sweet and savory pecans, all drizzled with a luscious Cabernet-Cherry Vinaigrette. A restaurant-worthy salad you can easily create at home.
In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon olive oil, brown mustard, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, cracked pepper, and port wine. (2 minutes)
Pour marinade into a resealable plastic bag. Add the beef, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (up to 5 days if necessary). (5 minutes)
In a saucepan, bring Cabernet wine and dried cherries to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. (5 minutes)
Cook, stirring occasionally, until wine has reduced to about 1/3 of its original volume, about 20 minutes. (20 minutes)
Dissolve 1 teaspoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt into the wine mixture, then pour in extra-virgin olive oil. Remove from heat and let dressing cool. (5 minutes)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a sheet pan. (10 minutes)
In a bowl, toss pecan pieces with water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until thoroughly coated. (3 minutes)
Spread coated pecans onto the prepared sheet pan. (2 minutes)
Bake pecans until the coating adheres to the nuts and pecans are fragrant and brown, 15 to 20 minutes. (20 minutes)
Remove from pan and immediately transfer to a large heatproof plate to finish cooling. Be careful, candied pecans are extremely hot. Set pecans aside to cool. (5 minutes)
Preheat an outdoor grill for very high heat and lightly oil the grate. (10 minutes)
Remove steak pieces from marinade, shake off excess marinade, and grill until steaks are seared and done to your desired degree of rareness, 1 1/2 to 3 minutes per side. (6 minutes)
An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a steak should read 145 degrees F (65 degrees C) for medium-well. Discard used marinade. Let steaks stand for 5 minutes after grilling before cutting into thin slices. (5 minutes)
To serve, mix baby greens with shaved carrot and radishes in a salad bowl and divide onto 4 large serving plates. (5 minutes)
Lay slices of beef in a spoke pattern on top of greens and sprinkle each salad generously with candied pecans. (5 minutes)
Whisk dressing and drizzle over salads, distributing a few cherries onto each salad. (2 minutes)
For a deeper flavor, use aged balsamic vinegar in the vinaigrette. If you don't have Cabernet Sauvignon, a dry Merlot or Pinot Noir will work well. Make the candied pecans ahead of time to save on prep time.
Candida Bartell
Jun 8, 2025The Cabernet-Cherry Vinaigrette is so good that I could drink it! I will definitely be making this salad again.
Guillermo Kuvalis
May 28, 2025I made this for a dinner party, and everyone raved about it. The recipe was easy to follow, and the results were outstanding.
Assunta Welch
May 15, 2025This salad was absolutely divine! The combination of the steak, pecans, and vinaigrette was perfect.