Zesty Grilled Mesquite Flank Steak with Summer Corn & Black Bean Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Bowl

Dive into the vibrant flavors of summer with this spectacular Grilled Mesquite Flank Steak and Corn & Black Bean Salad. Imagine perfectly grilled, tender flank steak infused with smoky mesquite, paired with a lively salad bursting with sweet corn, creamy black beans, crisp seasonal vegetables, and the delightful tang of queso fresco. All of this is brought together by a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette, creating an irresistible “summer in a bowl” experience. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of outdoor cooking, perfectly timed with OXO and their inspiring #WhatAGrillWants campaign, designed to elevate your grilling game with essential tools. This dish promises a symphony of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for a light yet satisfying dinner or a show-stopping addition to any backyard barbecue.

Now, I’ll admit, the name of this dish – Grilled Mesquite Flank Steak with Corn & Black Bean Salad – might seem like a bit of a mouthful. But sometimes, a truly exceptional dish demands a title that does justice to every star ingredient. I wrestled with simplifying it, yet each component, from the succulent mesquite-marinated flank steak to the sweet kernels of corn and creamy black beans, plays an indispensable role in creating this harmonious culinary masterpiece. This isn’t just a simple salad; it’s a carefully crafted medley of flavors and textures, where every element contributes to an unforgettable dining experience. So, please, excuse the “chapter-long” title, just this once. It merely serves as a prelude to the incredible taste sensation awaiting you.

Summer means grilling season is in full swing, and our trusty grill has certainly been earning its keep. We’ve pushed “the old gal” to her limits, so much so that one of the burners decided to call it quits! Thankfully, my partner, Squirrel, is incredibly handy with a drill and had us back in business in no time. For any aspiring or seasoned grill master, having the right tools is paramount, transforming a good grilling experience into a great one. Among my absolute essentials, the tool I reach for most often without a doubt, is a reliable pair of long tongs. OXO graciously sent me a pair of their 16-inch tongs, featuring a comfortable rubber grip handle, and honestly, I’ve fallen head-over-heels for them. The extra length provides crucial safety, keeping my hands a comfortable distance from the searing heat, while the non-slip grip offers precision and control when flipping or moving items on the grates. My fingers, and really my entire grilling experience, are profoundly thankful for this high-quality addition to my BBQ arsenal. These tongs are truly a testament to what a grill wants – efficiency, safety, and a touch of professional ease.

Let’s talk about corn, shall we? Is anyone else as utterly obsessed with those sweet, succulent, juicy kernels this summer as I am? I truly cannot get enough! Each trip to the farmers’ market or grocery store inevitably results in a few extra ears finding their way into my market bag. The challenge often lies in efficiently removing those precious kernels from the cob without making a huge mess or, worse, risking a finger. This is where another incredible innovation from OXO comes into play: their ingenious corn stripper. This handy-dandy gadget is nothing short of magic! With just a single, smooth swipe, the kernels effortlessly detach from the cob. Gone are the days of precariously balancing an ear of corn and attempting to slice off kernels with a sharp knife, fearing an accidental cut. What makes this tool truly exceptional is its design: it not only strips the corn with ease but also cleverly captures the kernels as you go. It even doubles as a measuring cup and a convenient holding container, keeping your workstation tidy until you’re ready to incorporate those fresh kernels into your recipe. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone who loves fresh corn. (As the sole photographer in my household, I confess to performing a bit of “Cirque du Soleil” with my arms to capture that perfect action shot of the corn stripper in use – I’m pretty sure I can now cross “contortionist” off my list of potential job opportunities!)

For this vibrant summer salad, I opted for flank steak as the star protein. This cut is an absolute dream for grilling; it cooks quickly, requiring only about 4-5 minutes per side to achieve a perfect medium-rare, making it an excellent choice for a speedy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend cookout. Flank steak, while incredibly flavorful, can sometimes be a bit on the tougher side. To ensure ultimate tenderness and juiciness, I turned to my new OXO bladed meat tenderizer. This tool is fantastic! It works by creating tiny channels in the meat, which not only helps to break down tough fibers but also allows marinades to penetrate much deeper and faster, infusing every bite with flavor. Following the tenderizing step, I prepared a luscious mesquite marinade. This blend, with its distinctive sweet and smoky notes, perfectly complements the beef. Allowing the flank steak to soak overnight in this flavorful marinade is key; it not only imparts an incredible depth of flavor but also further aids in tenderizing the meat, guaranteeing a supremely succulent and juicy result straight off the grill. The combination of the OXO tenderizer and the overnight marinade ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience every time.

While the mesquite flank steak is undeniably delicious, the corn and black bean portion of this salad holds a special place in my heart – it might just be my favorite part! This vibrant blend is a testament to fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s brimming with crisp, colorful vegetables like chopped red and cubanelle peppers, a hint of spicy jalapeño, finely diced red onion, and sweet grape tomatoes, all mingling with creamy black beans and bright, fresh cilantro. The crumbled queso fresco cheese adds a delightful salty, tangy creaminess that truly elevates the entire dish. Honestly, once I start, it’s hard to stop; I’ve been known to devour an entire bowl until it’s completely empty! What’s truly fantastic about this salad is its incredible versatility. If you’re looking for a meat-free option, simply omit the flank steak, and you still have a hearty, flavorful vegetarian meal. Alternatively, for those who prefer poultry, feel free to substitute with thick slices of perfectly grilled chicken. Whether served as a robust main course or a vibrant side, with or without the steak, this salad consistently “rocks my socks” and is sure to become a summer staple in your home.

No outstanding salad is complete without an equally outstanding dressing, and this cilantro-lime vinaigrette is truly “wicked delicious.” I whipped it up effortlessly in my wonderful little OXO salad dressing shaker, which is an absolute kitchen MVP. This vinaigrette is a powerhouse of flavor: brimming with the bright, herbaceous notes of fresh cilantro, the zesty punch of freshly squeezed lime juice, and the warm, smoky depth of cumin. A few dashes of Tabasco add a subtle kick that perfectly complements the other ingredients. This isn’t just dressing; it’s “flavor central, folks,” and it beautifully ties all the diverse components of the salad together. The OXO shaker makes emulsifying dressings a breeze, ensuring a perfectly blended and consistently delicious vinaigrette every single time. I always make sure to prepare a generous batch, as I, for one, love to add an extra drizzle (or two!) to my salad bowl to maximize that fresh, zesty goodness.

So, if you’re looking to impress your taste buds and make the most of the glorious summer grilling season, this Grilled Mesquite Flank Steak with Corn & Black Bean Salad is your answer. It’s fresh, flavorful, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. My grill, and frankly, my entire household, definitely crave this beef-topped summer salad goodness, especially when supported by reliable tools like those from OXO. Get ready to fire up your grill, gather your fresh ingredients, and prepare a meal that truly celebrates the best of summer. Happy grilling!

Disclosure: oxo was kind enough to send me a #WhatAGrillWants package to play with. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.