Welcome to our savory steak arugula salad recipe! If you’re looking for a fresh and tasty take on the classic arugula salad, you’re in the right place. This delicious salad combines the richness of seared steak with the crispness of arugula, the sweetness of tomatoes, the creaminess of feta cheese, and the savoriness of red onions.
It’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you satisfied and craving for more. But what sets this salad apart is the simple and delicious balsamic vinaigrette, which adds a tangy and slightly sweet note to the salad that complements the savory steak and fresh ingredients perfectly.
So why wait? Let’s dive into the details of how to prepare the steak, the salad ingredients, and the dressing. We’ll also share some serving tips and nutrition information so you can enjoy this mouthwatering salad guilt-free. With that, let’s start!
How to Prepare the Steak
Preparing a delicious steak requires just a few simple steps. Follow these steps for a mouthwatering steak that will leave you wanting more.
Step 1: Seasoning the Steak
Before cooking the steak, it’s important to season it with the right blend of spices. Use your favorite steak seasoning or create your own flavorful mix using salt and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly on both sides of the steak and gently press it into the meat.
Step 2: Searing the Steak
For a perfect sear, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. This will help achieve a delicious crust on the outside of the steak. Carefully place the seasoned steak in the hot skillet, making sure it lays flat. Cook the steak for about 5 minutes on one side.
After 5 minutes, flip the steak and cook for another 3 minutes. The internal temperature of the steak should reach 130-135°F for a medium-rare doneness. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the steak without touching the bone or fat.
Step 3: Resting the Steak
Once the steak reaches the desired doneness, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy steak. Avoid cutting into the steak immediately as it will cause the juices to escape, resulting in a dry steak.
Pro tip: Cover the steak loosely with foil while resting to help retain heat.
After resting, slice the steak into strips and serve it on top of your delicious arugula salad. The combination of the perfectly cooked steak and the fresh salad ingredients will create a mouthwatering culinary experience.
Related Article: Not a fan of steak? No worries! Dive into our recipe for Salmon Arugula Salad for a delightful seafood twist on this classic dish.
Ingredients for Steak Arugula Salad
Now comes the exciting part – assembling the salad! Gather the following fresh and vibrant ingredients:
- Arugula: Known for its peppery flavor, arugula is also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious base for this salad recipe.
- Red Onions: These onions add a sharp, savory bite to the salad, which enhances its flavor profile.
- Feta Cheese: Its creamy, tangy qualities provide a nice salty balance to the berries’ sweetness.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and acidity, balancing the other components of the salad.
Combine all of these delicious ingredients in a large salad bowl. The vibrant colors and varied textures make for an impressive presentation!
Preparing the Dressing
Now, let’s shift our focus to the star of the show – the arugula salad dressing. This balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
| Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Balsamic Vinegar | 3 tablespoons |
| Olive Oil | 6 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
To prepare the dressing, simply combine all the ingredients in a small shaker and give it a good shake until well-blended. The deep, rich color of the balsamic vinaigrette not only adds flavor but also makes the salad visually appealing.
Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until every leaf, berry, and cheese crumble is coated in the delicious balsamic goodness.
Just one glance at this colorful masterpiece, and your taste buds will be begging for a bite. This salad combines a wonderful array of textures and flavors that make it a standout dish, perfect for any occasion. Trust us, it will not disappoint!
Serving and Nutrition Information
Now that your steak arugula salad is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Divide the salad into 4 bowls and generously top each bowl with the deliciously seared steak. This dish marries the peppery taste of arugula with the juiciness of cherry tomatoes, the zesty sweetness of red onions, and the creamy texture of feta cheese, creating a flavor-rich meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Each serving offers a well-rounded meal with about 506 calories, ideal for those looking for a fulfilling yet balanced dining option. It’s packed with 23 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and 37 grams of healthy fats, which help keep you satisfied longer. Additionally, the 23 grams of carbohydrates provide the necessary energy for your daily activities.
This salad isn’t just tasty—it’s also beneficial for your health. You’ll get 5 grams of fiber per serving, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it boosts your intake of vitamins A and C, supporting immune health and skin quality while also providing calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Related Article: Seeking lighter alternatives? Explore our collection of arugula salad recipes without meat, featuring Spinach and Arugula Salad, Strawberry Arugula Salad, and Arugula Burrata Salad.
Conclusion
This Steak Arugula Salad is a wonderful blend of savory steak and fresh greens, complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes and crisp red onions, all topped off with creamy feta cheese. It’s not just a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritious meal that supports a healthy lifestyle.
Rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, it’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a delicious meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy the harmony of flavors and the health benefits with every bite!
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Steak Arugula Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Steak Arugula Salad combines seared, flavorful steak with a fresh mix of arugula and tomatoes, dressed in a zesty homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal, this salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 lb steak
- 2 tablespoons steak seasoning or salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Salad:
- 4 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup red onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1 – Season the steak generously on both sides with steak seasoning or salt and pepper.
- Step 2 – Sear the steak for about 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes or until it reaches the desired doneness.
- Step 3 – Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Step 4 – Prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine arugula, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Step 5 – Make the vinaigrette. In a small jar, combine all dressing ingredients. Shake well until the mixture is emulsified.
- Step 6 – Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 7 – Top the dressed salad with steak strips and serve immediately.
FAQ
What type of steak is best for Steak Arugula Salad?
Use tender cuts like ribeye or sirloin for best results. These cuts promise tender texture and rich flavor, perfectly complementing the peppery arugula and savory toppings.
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Yes, goat cheese or blue cheese are excellent alternatives.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Certainly! Elevate the salad’s freshness and crunch by incorporating cucumbers, bell peppers, or creamy avocado slices. These additions not only enhance the salad’s texture but also introduce vibrant colors and additional nutrients to the mix.
Is Steak Arugula Salad suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, indeed! This salad aligns well with the principles of a keto diet, being low in carbs and high in fats.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To cater to vegetarian preferences, simply swap out the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu. These hearty alternatives provide a protein-rich foundation while maintaining the salad’s robust flavors and satisfying texture.
