The Perfect Match: Grilled Steak & Blue Cheese Salad with Grilled Corn paired with J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon

If you're looking for a new recipe that's delicious, hearty, and healthy, look no further than this grilled steak and blue cheese salad with grilled corn! This savory dish is made with flavorful steak, creamy blue cheese, and sweet grilled corn. Pair with a glass of the J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon to create a world-class meal that's sure to please. Not only is this dish tasty, but it's also easy to make, giving you a delectable dinner on the table in no time! One of my favorite go to salad meals and I am especially enjoying it on National Cabernet Day today!

Let me just say, that this unique combination of flavors will surely impress your dinner guests and make even the pickiest eater happy. A juicy steak is the perfect complement to the tangy blue cheese and smoky grilled corn for a flavor combination that is out of this world. Let's not forget that when accompanied by a glass of J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet, the dining adventure of this meal becomes truly epic! The bold, full-bodied flavor of the Cabernet adds the perfect touch of elegance to this dish, making it an ideal pairing for a casual dinner at home to an elegant dinner party.

A little background on the wine is that it is produced and bottled by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines in Paso Robles, CA. In the glass you’lll see a deep, bright, red-purple hue and on the nose an abundance of dark cherry and black currant fruit enhanced by accent notes of toasted pastry, hazelnut, and vanilla. This comes from their extensive barrel aging program. I find that you can pair this Cabernet with a variety of dishes, from pulled pork sandwiches and coleslaw to your favorite lasagna. Hard cheeses and beef are the best pairing of them all which is why I think this steak and blue cheese salad is the ultimate dish.

Steak Choices

The key to making this salad is to choose the right cut of steak. In my opinion, a grilled ribeye works best as the ribeye has a bold, beefy flavor that will stand up to the intense flavors of the blue cheese. For a juicy, flavorful steak, look for a steak with plenty of marbling. To get that perfect medium-rare steak, grill each side for 3-4 minutes at high heat. Make sure to rest the steak for 5-10 minutes after cooking, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure it’s perfectly juicy. Add grilled corn, blue cheese crumbles, and a drizzle of the blue cheese dressing to complete the salad.

Grilling Corn

Start lightly brushing the corn with extra virgin olive oil or melted butter before grilling. This will ensure even cooking and maximum flavor when it's time to add it to the salad. Grill the corn over medium-high heat, turning frequently, for approximately 8-10 minutes until it is lightly charred and tender. Add a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to the corn for optimal flavor before grilling. Once the corn is finished grilling, let it cool slightly before adding it to the salad.

Salad Ingredients

Serving 4

10 ounces of butter lettuce or mixed spring greens

2 - 10 oz ribeye steaks

1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

4 corn on the cob

1/2 a large red onion, sliced

6 oz cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise

3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk

1/2 cup sour cream

4 oz blue cheese crumbled

3 garlic cloves minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

1/4-1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Directions

1. Rinse and pat dry all fruit and vegetables.

2. Add all dressing ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. If you liked your blue cheese dressing more chunky, you can add crumbles into the dressing now. For a thinner consistency, leave alone after blending. This dressing can be premade in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days ahead.

3. Grill steaks and corn. Start your grill, butter corn on the cob, and add salt and pepper to corn and steaks. Place steaks and corn on the grill. Grill corn for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes. Grill Steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked to your liking. Remove all from the grill and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Slice steaks into strips and cut corn off of the cob.

4. Now, it's time to assemble the grilled steak blue cheese salad with grilled corn salad. Add butter lettuce roughly chopped into a large bowl with half the red onion, corn, blue cheese, and cherry tomatoes. Pour dressing over the top and stir together! Then, layer the remainder of the red onion, corn, cherry tomatoes, sliced steak, and avocado. Liberally sprinkle blue cheese on top and serve!

My husband and I always enjoy a great steak dinner with a chopped salad, the perfect way to enjoy it as a lighter fare. Nothing compares to the smoky, charred flavor of grilled steak and the blue cheese's nutty richness. Enjoy the flavors of this delicious steak salad paired with the J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon for a truly memorable experience. I love how this Cabernet brings out the charred flavors of the steak and the nutty flavors of the blue cheese. The sweetness of the grilled corn is a perfect balance for the bold cabernet, creating an unparalleled flavor combination.

For Other Recipes & Pairings with J.Lohr wines:

The Perfect Pair: Chicken Picatta and J. Lohr Wine

Planning the Perfect Romantic Picnic with J. Lohr Wines

The Bloggers Guide to Merlot

The Bloggers Guide to Merlot

If you're a wine lover like me, chances are you've seen the movie "Sideways", which showcases a large part of the beautiful, majestic wine region of the Central California Coast which contains 40 AVA's (American Viticultural Area). We all know the famous Paul Giamatti "not safe for the blog" line about Merlot in the movie, but I need you to forget about that line right now! This movie has actually been heavily mentioned as being a serious catalyst to the cause in the drop of the popularity of Merlot, affecting its sales, and even simultaneously increasing the popularity of other varietals such as Pinot Noir. Sideways couldn't take down Merlot though as it is the second most planted grape variety in the world! Being that it's Merlot month, I want to take you through the back story of this great wine and explain why it's become one of our favorites. Of course, the foodie in me has compelled me to share a few ideas on what you can pair Merlot with at your next dinner party!

Why We Like Merlot

It's quickly become one of our favorite wines in the Warren home, especially as a dinner wine. Merlot pairs so well with many of the things we like to cook. It's often compared to Cabernet but with a softer option and usually lower in tannins. I happen to be slight;y sensitive to tannins and find that I get headaches easier with some red blends that are heavy in them. Sometimes all it takes is one glass, and I can still wake up with a headache. Merlot doesn't have this effect on me however, and even though I also love a good cab, this is one reason why I find myself quicker to grab for Merlot off the shelf. Merlot also has a lower acidity and lighter body which I also feel helped fuel the rise in popularity of Pinot Noir as a replacement for a bit of lost popularity in the past. Depending on the region and climate of where the wine is produced will also have a factor on the taste. Growing in a warmer client will produce juicier, fruit forward notes. Whereas growing in cooler climates can produce a product closer to the taste of a Cab. This is why we love the J. Lohr Estate Los Osos Merlot from Paso Robles, CA. The climate in which its grown is a perfect mix of cooler nights and warmer days. The 2020 vintage is also blended with 14% Malbec which brings juiciness to the palate and 10% Cabernet Franc that adds layers of cocoa and peppery spice. This blend gives a lighter, juicier mouthfeel product with fantastic notes of fresh plum and bright raspberry flavors.

Characteristics of Merlot

Wine drinkers have been known to say that they can taste of the local flavor of the wine grapes. These can be sweet and sometimes dry, sometimes smooth and sometimes bitter at the finish, and often times that they can't taste any difference at all. Have you ever wondered about the different grape varieties themselves and how the wine has these differing tastes and textures? Merlot is a type of grape that has a soft, fruity taste and is grown in many wine-producing regions around the world. The grapes grow in different climates, soils, and with differing techniques will slightly alter the characteristics of it. This makes Merlot one of my favorite wines to enjoy and experience the uniqueness of it at wine tastings.

Merlot Growing Regions

Grown all over the world the four leading producers of Merlot grapes are

1.)Bordeaux, France 2.)Tuscany, Italy 3.) A northern region of Italy called Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and of course close to my heart, and my personal favorite, 4.) California. According to The Wine Institute the majority of California's Merlot vines are planted in Lodi/San Joaquin County, followed by Napa, Sonoma and Monterey counties. While the majority of California Merlot comes from these regions, there are not many other popular wined regions in California that produce world class Merlot, such as Paso Robles. Our favorite, the Los Osos Merlot from J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, is grown in the moderately cool El Pomar District of Paso Robles, which is acknowledged to be the ideal area for this variety in the Paso Robles AVA.

Food Pairings with Merlot

Merlot, while amazing to sip on its own, is just as wonderful to enjoy with food.

Our featured wine, the J. Lohr Estate Los Osos Merlot is a very versatile wine for food pairings as well. This wine goes absolutely great with a variety of foods ranging from a grilled sausage and vegetable shish kebob all the way to a decadent creamy spinach and tomato tortellini dish. I personally love pairing the Los Osos Merlot with lamb chops topped with a fig cherry glaze and a side of roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes.

No matter the occasion, be it elegant dinner parties, or just a weekend backyard BBQ the 2020 J.Lohr Estates Los Osos Merlot is going to please every guest that sits at your table. This perfect blend of 76% Merlot, 14% Malbec, and 10% Cab Franc gives the wine the bright, fruitful flavor that brings a juiciness to the pallet that you are sure to love. Do yourself a favor and uncork a bottle, then sit back and enjoy the smiles of all your satisfied friends.

For more about the J. Lohr Estate Los Osos Merlot or to visit the beautiful vineyards in Paso Robles, California click -here-.

Other Wine Related Blog Posts:

The Perfect Pair: Chicken Picatta and J. Lohr Wine

Planning the Perfect Romantic Picnic with J. Lohr Wines

This is a sponsored post by J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines. All opinions and research is my own.

Three Days in The Rainy City: A Seattle Washington City Guide

If you're looking for an exciting and unique destination to visit, Seattle, Washington is the perfect choice! This city is known for its lush green landscape and wet climate, making it a great spot to explore the outdoor activities while still having the convenience of a big city. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, this city guide will help you make the most of your three days in the Rainy City. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, you'll find something to do no matter the weather. Explore Seattle's vibrant neighborhoods, dine on delicious cuisine, and experience all that this city has to offer.

SEATTLE ITINERARY DAY ONE

As soon as we landed we hit the ground running! By 9am we had already dropped off our bags and were seated at the cutest restaurant overlooking the water above Pikes Place Market. Lowell’s had food just as good as the view. You wont want to miss this breakfast! Once we fueled up we were ready to explore. We shopped throughout Pikes Place where we watched the famous throwing of the fish, smelled all the fresh Peonies and checked out all the yummy looking food!

After exploring we hopped in an Uber and headed to the Seattle Mariners game! We grabbed some beers, garlic fries and sat in some excellent seats behind home plate! When teams aren't quite as good, or don't have the biggest fan base, or because its a mid week game you can often get seats like these for a steal! You know what that means…more money for shopping later!

Once the game was over we opted to walk with the rest of the crowd back towards our hotel and get our room situated. We stayed at the Kimpton Palladian Hotel. With its moody modern feel and being walking distance from Pikes Place, this was a perfect feel for us!

Now that we were all checked in we headed down to the Seattle waterfront and rode their famous ferris wheel before having a beautiful dinner over looking the water at Elliott’s Oyster House. They had the most amazing salmon we had ever had!

Taking a gorgeous walk along the water back to our hotel we spotted the first ever Starbucks! Although the last thing either of us needed was coffee we couldn’t pass up the fact that there was no line!! (This is unheard of! The lines are usually so long to get a coffee here. So I highly suggest going right before they close!)

SEATTLE ITINERARY DAY TWO

Waking up on Day 2 was my hubby’s actual birthday. He wanted to start it off no other way than with a great workout. Yeah, he’s one of those people.. (insert eye roll emoji) lol! Peep the photo of the hotel gym.. we also scout out where we will be staying according to if they have a gym. Yes, you can insert another eye roll if you like!

Now that we got the workout out of the way.. we headed out to…you guessed it…eat. Lets face it, we only workout so we can eat more! At the top of the Space Needle they have a restaurant called SkyCity, we headed here for brunch on the rotating top! Such a cool experience, with great food! Even a smoking dessert for the birthday boy! Our meal came with a voucher for visiting the next level on the Space Needle.

Next we walked a couple steps over to the Chihuly Garden and Glass. Talk about out of this world and such a unique experience you can only see in Seattle. Peep the photos below for how amazing it all was.

Now that our bellies were full and our minds full of art we called an uber and headed 30 min north of the city to the winery Chateau Ste. Michelle. Their Riesling was one of the first wines I ever started drinking. I have them to thank for my delicious habit. They have the most beautiful venue with free tours going all day and a large tasting room. They also do huge concerts throughout the year. We were one day late on our trip for seeing John Ledged. Be sure to check them out it was totally work the cost of the uber!

After a long day of fun we headed back to the hotel for a quick 20 min nap.. (its tiring drinking all that wine!) and a change of clothes before dinner. We ate at the Metropolitan Grill. One of my all time favorite restaurants we have been to. The food was amazing and the staff was the very sweetest! It’s no wonder its a favorite spot for Russell Wilson! My mouth is literally watering as I am typing this. If you don't go anywhere I suggest on this blog.. Go here!

SEATTLE ITINERARY DAY THREE

Woke up a little later today after sleeping in, ordering room service, and packing up for check out. We ran, literally, to catch the ferry to Bainbridge Island. I felt like I was on an episode of Greys Anatomy.. looking everywhere for McDreamy with no luck. Bainbridge is a cute little town, something out of a Hallmark movie with all the charm and quiet town vibes. We walked and admired the beauty all the way to the local diner, featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives! If it's on triple D’s we go! Two orders of burgers, fries and milkshakes later we were headed back on the windy ferry.

Once back on ground in Seattle we hopped in another Uber and went to Theo Chocolate Factory for a tour and delicious tasting! (Although we don't see much of these chocolate bars in Cali we did JUST see them in Yosemite last week!) Not far from the chocolate factory is the Fremont Troll which is a local tourist spot for photos that is nestled in between homes and under a bridge.

Back to Pike Place Market for a little shopping and some more FOOD! I am a terrible influence on vacation, but Beecher’s mac and cheese had to be sampled and it was oh so worth it!!

After a little exploring we picked up our bags from the hotel and headed to the cutest train station. Heading to Portland next, the train ride was super easy and convenient. We use Amtrak often on our trips over driving whenever we can get a straight shot. This gives us time to read, sleep, eat some more, and not have to deal with driving and traffic when getting around.

Thanks for following along our 3 day trip to Seattle, Washington! We had so much fun visiting this beautiful city and hope to go back again one day! If you have any other recommendations please let me know! OR if you visit any of the places we mention please let me know how you liked it! I always love to hear everyone’s travel plans! Until next time.. XO, Amanda

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