Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner
Crispy Steak and Arugula Salad is the perfect easy dinner solution. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the secret to keeping the steak tender and the salad fresh. The crispy steak and peppery arugula create a satisfying, better-than-takeout meal. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Coconut Chicken in a Flavorful Thai-Inspired Sauce and Creamy Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe for Dinner.
Why This Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy steak with a tender center
- Peppery arugula for a fresh kick
- Tangy dressing that ties it all together
- Easy meal prep for busy weeknights
What You'll Need for Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb sirloin steak
- 6 cups arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup pine nuts
- Optional: 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Sirloin steak: You can also use flank or ribeye steak.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect searing → See on Amazon
- High-quality chef's knife — Clean cuts for faster prep → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner
- Step 1: Season steak with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let it rest before slicing.
- Step 2: Whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine arugula, cherry tomatoes, and sliced steak. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Step 4: Top with crumbled feta cheese, pine nuts, and shaved Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner
- : Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Common mistake and fix: If your steak is tough, you may have cooked it too long. To fix, slice thinly against the grain to shorten the muscle fibers.
- : For a lighter meal, use less dressing or omit the cheese and nuts.
Storing & Reheating Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the dressing and slice the steak up to a day ahead.
Freezing Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner
Not recommended for this recipe.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a quick side, try Easy No-Bake Ricotta Cups with Honey and Pistachios (https://quickrecipes.gevav.com/easy-no-bake-ricotta-cups-honey-pistachios/).
- Best substitution: Substitute arugula with spinach or kale for a milder flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and slice the steak up to a day ahead. Assemble the salad just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If your dressing is too thick, add a bit more red wine vinegar or olive oil to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality salad spinner — Dries greens quickly for a crisp salad → Check price on Amazon
Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak
- 6 cups arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Season steak with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let it rest before slicing.
- Step 2: Whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine arugula, cherry tomatoes, and sliced steak. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Step 4: Top with crumbled feta cheese, pine nuts, and shaved Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a quick side, try Easy No-Bake Ricotta Cups with Honey and Pistachios (https://quickrecipes.gevav.com/easy-no-bake-ricotta-cups-honey-pistachios/).
- Best substitution: Substitute arugula with spinach or kale for a milder flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the dressing and slice the steak up to a day ahead. Assemble the salad just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If your dressing is too thick, add a bit more red wine vinegar or olive oil to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for this recipe.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dressing and slice the steak up to a day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sat. Fat: 8g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and slice the steak up to a day ahead. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the arugula fresh.
If your steak is tough, you may have cooked it too long. To fix, slice thinly against the grain to shorten the muscle fibers.
Yes, this salad is perfect for summer cookouts. The fresh arugula and tangy dressing are refreshing on hot days.
Yes, you can use flank or ribeye steak instead of sirloin. Each type will have a slightly different texture and flavor.
Add cooked quinoa, farro, or chickpeas to make this salad more filling and satisfying.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
