Healthy Moxie’s Copycat Grilled Steak Salad with Feta & Zesty Clamato Dressing: Your New Favorite Weight Watchers Friendly Meal

Craving a flavorful, satisfying, yet healthy meal that won’t derail your diet? Look no further! This incredible Grilled Steak Salad with Feta and Clamato Dressing is a lighter, Weight Watchers-friendly rendition of a beloved classic – the Moxie’s Steak Salad. It’s my absolute favorite go-to when I want something delicious and hearty, but still light and nutritious. Perfect for summer grilling or a special Father’s Day treat, this salad brings restaurant-quality taste right to your home kitchen.

This Moxie’s Steak Salad copycat recipe strikes the ideal balance between rich, meaty flavors and a fresh, vibrant lightness. It’s a filling dinner option that won’t leave you feeling weighed down, and it’s remarkably Weight Watchers friendly. With this recipe, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of the original while staying on track with your health goals. If you’re on the hunt for a healthy steak salad that tastes gourmet, this one is a winner! Enhance your meal by pairing it with my healthy grilled corn, WW cloud bread, or even some savory baguette garlic bread.

About Moxie’s Restaurant: The Inspiration

For those unfamiliar, Moxie’s is a popular Canadian restaurant chain known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu. If your travels ever take you north of the border, I highly recommend seeking out a Moxie’s location – you’ll find them in most major Canadian cities, including six in Calgary alone. Many describe its dining experience as comparable to American chains like “Original Joe’s,” offering a blend of casual elegance and delectable dishes. Their steak salad has long been a standout, inspiring many, including myself, to recreate its magic at home with a healthy twist.

If you’re already a fan of Moxie’s and their delicious offerings, you might also enjoy recreating their famous sides. I’ve developed a fantastic Moxie’s Sweet Potato Fries recipe that pairs wonderfully with this salad or any other grilled dish.

🥩 Ingredient Notes for the Perfect Steak Salad

Crafting this healthy steak salad requires a few key ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential for achieving that authentic Moxie’s-inspired flavor and texture:

• Spring Mix: While classic romaine lettuce works, I highly recommend a vibrant spring mix. It adds a delightful variety of textures and flavors, thanks to the inclusion of spinach, arugula, and kale. This diverse blend not only enhances the nutritional profile but also makes the salad visually more appealing.
• Steak: Choosing the right cut of steak is crucial. While ribeye or New York strip steak are traditionally favored for their tenderness and flavor, they can be quite expensive. For a more economical yet equally delicious option, I often use Cross Rib Steak. This cut, sourced from the chuck, offers exceptional beefy flavor that truly rivals a ribeye. While it might not be as inherently tender as premium cuts, it can be easily softened. Marinating it for a few hours or even cooking it via sous vide are excellent tenderizing methods. For this recipe, even without extensive tenderizing, cooking it to a perfect medium-rare and slicing it thinly against the grain (see video for a visual guide!) yields tender, succulent results. Always keep an eye out for sales to get the best value!
• Feta Cheese: To keep this recipe Weight Watchers friendly, I opt for light feta cheese. Feta provides a wonderful tangy and salty kick that perfectly complements the rich steak and zesty dressing. While Moxie’s traditionally uses goat cheese, feta is a fantastic, lower-calorie alternative that still delivers on flavor. (See the comparison table below for a detailed breakdown of feta vs. goat cheese.)
• Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes are ideal for salads. Unlike larger regular tomatoes, they maintain their shape and texture, preventing the salad from becoming watery or mushy. Their burst of sweetness adds a lovely contrast to the savory elements.
• Clamato Juice: This unique ingredient is the secret to our copycat dressing! Clamato juice, a blend of tomato juice and clam broth, provides a savory depth and a distinctive tangy flavor that sets this dressing apart. You don’t need to buy a large bottle; individual cans are readily available in most grocery stores, making it convenient to use just the right amount for the dressing.
• Fresh Basil: For the most vibrant flavor, fresh basil is undoubtedly superior. Its aromatic, slightly peppery notes elevate the dressing significantly. However, if fresh basil isn’t available, high-quality dried basil can be used in a pinch. If you’re like me and love dehydrating your own herbs in the fall, you’ll find that homemade dried basil tastes far better than store-bought versions. Here are instructions on how to dehydrate herbs in an air fryer.
• Grated Onion: Finely grated onion, using the small holes of a box grater, is crucial for the dressing. The liquid from the grated onion adds essential moisture and a pungent, fresh onion flavor that blends seamlessly into the dressing without large, overpowering chunks.

*Please see the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and precise quantities.

📖 Creative Variations & Easy Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as written, feel free to get creative and adapt it to your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:

• Greens Alternatives: If spring mix isn’t your preference or is unavailable, you can easily substitute with crisp romaine lettuce, delicate baby spinach, or a combination of your favorite leafy greens. Each will offer a slightly different texture and flavor profile, but all will work beautifully as a base for this hearty salad.
• Steak Choices: For those who prefer different cuts or are looking for a splurge, premium options like Ribeye steak, New York Strip steak, flat iron steaks, flank steak, or skirt steak are excellent choices. They all offer distinct flavors and textures when grilled. While Tip steak can be used, be aware it might not be as tender as other cuts, so ensure you slice it very thinly against the grain for best results.
• Moxie’s Chimichurri Steak Salad Adaptation: If you’re a fan of bold, herbaceous flavors, transform this into a Chimichurri Steak Salad. Prepare the recipe as directed, but instead of (or in addition to) the Clamato dressing, drizzle generously with store-bought chimichurri sauce or prepare your own homemade version for an extra fresh burst of flavor.
• Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and crunch by adding extra vegetables like sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), cucumber, avocado, or even grilled asparagus.
• Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the Clamato dressing or season your steak with a pinch of cayenne pepper before grilling.

🔪 Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Moxie’s Copycat Steak Salad

Follow these detailed steps to create a truly unforgettable grilled steak salad:

1. Step 1: Season the Steak. Begin by seasoning your steak generously on both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any other preferred steak seasonings. This enhances the meat’s natural flavor and creates a delicious crust when grilled.

2. Step 2: Grill the Steak to Perfection. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the seasoned steaks on the hot grates and grill for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a perfect medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

3. Step 3: Rest and Slice the Steak. Once grilled, remove the steak from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain for the best texture. (Need a visual? Check out the video below!).

4. Step 4: Begin the Clamato Dressing. While the steak rests, start on the star of the show: the Clamato dressing. Pour ½ cup of Clamato juice into a small saucepan and place it on the stovetop over high heat.

5. Step 5: Reduce the Clamato. Bring the Clamato juice to a rapid simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced by half, to approximately ¼ cup. This process happens quickly, usually within about 5 minutes, so keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

6. Step 6: Measure Reduced Clamato. For precision, I like to pour the reduced Clamato juice into a ¼-cup measuring cup to ensure I have the exact amount needed for the dressing. This guarantees the perfect balance of flavors.

7. Step 7: Finish the Dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the reduced Clamato juice with red wine vinegar, chopped basil, minced garlic, finely grated onion, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt. While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

8. Step 8: Assemble the Salad. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the spring mix, chopped red onion, and grape tomatoes. Add the croutons and crumble the feta cheese over the top. Arrange the thinly sliced steak artfully on the salad. You can either drizzle the Clamato dressing directly over the entire salad or serve it on the side, allowing each person to add their preferred amount. Enjoy immediately!

🎥 Essential Technique: How to Cut Steak Against the Grain

Achieving tender steak, especially with more economical cuts, largely depends on how you slice it. Cutting against the grain is a game-changer! It shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite much more tender and enjoyable. Watch this quick video to master the technique:

Click here to watch: How to cut steak against the grain

💡 Expert Recipe Tips for the Best Steak Salad

Elevate your grilled steak salad from good to extraordinary with these seasoned chef tips:

• Utilize a Meat Thermometer: The key to perfectly cooked steak is precise temperature control. A good instant-read meat thermometer ensures your steak reaches its ideal doneness (135-140°F for medium-rare) without the guesswork, preventing overcooked, tough meat.
• Always Slice Steak Against the Grain: This technique is crucial for tenderness, especially when using leaner or more economical cuts like cross rib. By cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibers, you shorten them, making the meat much easier and more pleasant to chew. Refer to our video guide for a clear demonstration.
• Allow Steak to Rest Before Slicing: After grilling, let your steak rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the internal juices, which collect in the center during cooking, to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful experience.
• Carefully Reduce Clamato Juice: When reducing the Clamato juice for the dressing, pay close attention. It thickens very quickly, and if left unattended, can easily burn, which would ruin the dressing’s delicate flavor. Stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as it reaches the desired ¼ cup volume.
• Gradually Whisk in Olive Oil for Dressing: For a perfectly emulsified and smooth Clamato dressing, add the olive oil slowly in a steady stream while continuously whisking. This method ensures the oil fully incorporates, preventing separation and creating a beautifully cohesive texture.
• Consider Serving Dressing on the Side: Serving the dressing separately has several advantages. It keeps the salad greens fresh and crisp, allows each diner to customize the amount of dressing to their taste, and can significantly reduce the overall Weight Watchers points for those tracking their intake.
• Prioritize Fresh Basil: While dried basil can be used, fresh basil offers a significantly brighter, more aromatic, and complex flavor that truly enhances the dressing. If possible, always opt for fresh herbs for the best results in salads and dressings.
• Toast Your Croutons for Maximum Flavor: Don’t underestimate the power of good croutons! If using store-bought, a quick toast in a pan or oven can revive their crunch and deepen their flavor. Even better, make homemade croutons seasoned with garlic and herbs to truly elevate your salad.
• Chill Ingredients Before Assembly: For the most refreshing salad experience, especially on warm days, ensure your greens and vegetables are well-chilled before tossing. Cold ingredients contribute to a crisp, invigorating salad texture.
• Double the Dressing for Future Use: If you love bold flavors or plan to make this salad often, consider doubling the dressing recipe. It stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days and can be used on other grilled meats, vegetables, or various summer salads.

🔢 Healthy Eating: Understanding WW Points for this Salad

One of the primary advantages of this copycat recipe is its focus on health and mindful eating. While the original Moxie’s Steak Salad, according to My Fitness Pal, can boast around 610 calories and 38g of fat per serving (which translates to over 20 Weight Watchers points if consumed entirely), my lighter version is designed to be significantly more health-conscious. This recipe clocks in at an impressive 8 Weight Watchers points per serving, making it a truly guilt-free pleasure.

It’s worth noting that even with the original Moxie’s salad, you can reduce the points by requesting the dressing on the side and using it sparingly – a trick I often employ myself when dining out. However, with this homemade rendition, you have full control over ingredients, ensuring both flavor and health benefits are optimized.

🔍 Feta vs. Goat Cheese: A Nutritional & Flavor Showdown

While Moxie’s traditionally uses goat cheese in their steak salad, I’ve opted for light feta in this recipe to reduce calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor. Both cheeses offer a delightful creaminess and tang, but their nutritional profiles differ quite a bit. Goat cheese is wonderfully dreamy and creamy, and I do love it, but using it will indeed bump up the Weight Watchers points. Here’s a closer look at the comparison:

As you can see, feta offers a significant reduction in calories and fat, making it a smarter choice for a Weight Watchers friendly meal. Feta is a bit tangier and saltier than goat cheese, but its robust flavor still works beautifully in this salad. Plus, feta contains beneficial friendly bacteria (similar to those found in yogurt) that produce antibiotics, potentially helping to combat foodborne bacteria like Listeria. Opting for light feta, as I do, further reduces the fat and calorie content, allowing you to enjoy this delicious cheese with even less guilt!

👪 Adjusting the Serving Size

This healthy steak salad recipe is designed to yield 6 satisfying servings. However, if you’re cooking for a larger crowd or prefer to have leftovers, you can easily adjust the recipe. Simply click on the serving number in the recipe card below and select your desired number of servings. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust to scale the recipe up or down, making meal prep or entertaining a breeze!

🍽 Essential Equipment for Grilling Success

To prepare this delightful summer salad, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Grill: A good quality grill, whether it’s an outdoor gas grill, a charcoal grill for that smoky flavor, or an indoor electric grill, is essential for achieving perfectly cooked steak. If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan or even a heavy-bottomed skillet can be used to pan-fry the steak.
• Meat Thermometer: An instant-read meat thermometer is highly recommended to accurately check the steak’s internal temperature and ensure it reaches your desired doneness without overcooking. This tool is a small investment that makes a big difference in your grilling success.
• Whisk: For creating that perfectly emulsified and smooth Clamato dressing.
• Small Saucepan: Essential for reducing the Clamato juice to intensify its flavor.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing the salad ingredients and ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Crucial for thinly slicing the steak against the grain, as well as preparing the vegetables.

🌡️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

To keep your grilled steak salad fresh and delicious, proper storage is key:

• Separate Components: Always store the cooked, sliced steak separately from the salad greens and other fresh vegetables. Use airtight containers for each component to maintain freshness and prevent the greens from wilting.
• Dressing Storage: The Clamato dressing should also be stored in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Give it a good whisk or shake before serving again.
• Leftover Steak: Cooked steak can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked steak for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently (e.g., in a skillet or oven) or serving cold over a fresh salad.
• Salad Greens: Unfortunately, once dressed, salad greens tend to become soggy. For this reason, it’s best to assemble the salad with dressing just before serving. The individual salad components (greens, tomatoes, onions, croutons, feta) can be prepped and stored separately in the fridge for 2-3 days, ready for quick assembly.

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

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