Blackened Steak Salad

Blackened Steak Salad
Original recipe by Epicurious

Hands down, this is the best dinner salad ever!

Ingredients:

Spice Mixture

1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Salad

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
6 cups (packed) mixed baby greens
1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
2 (6 ounce) beef tenderloin steaks, each about 1/2-inch thick
3 tablespoons butter, melted
6 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (about 3 ounces)
1 tomato, quartered

Directions:

Spice Mixture

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. (Can be made 1 week ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.)

Salad

Whisk oil, vinegar and mustard in large bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Add greens, bell pepper and onion and toss to coat. Divide salad between 2 plates.

Spread spice mixture on plate. Coat both sides of steaks with spice mixture. Dip both sides of steaks into melted butter. Heat heavy large skillet over high heat until very hot. Add steaks and cook to desired doneness, about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to cutting board; let stand 2 minutes. Thinly slice steaks crosswise. Arrange slices atop salads. Sprinkle with cheese. Garnish with tomato and serve.