Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner
Easy Meal Prep Steak Salad is your secret weapon for quick, delicious dinners. Tired of boring lunches? This crispy steak and arugula salad is better than takeout and ready in just 20 minutes. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to perfectly crispy steak every time. Plus, it’s light and fresh, perfect for summer cookouts. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Fresh Dill and Easy Spicy Miso Carrot Soup Recipe for Cozy Dinners.
Why This Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy steak slices in every bite
- Tangy vinaigrette that's not too heavy
- 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 flank or skirt steak
- 6 cups fresh arugula
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Shaved Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Sliced red onion
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes, halved
📝 Ingredient Notes
- flank or skirt steak: Either works great. Flank has more marbling, skirt is leaner.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast Iron Skillet — Even heat for perfect searing → See on Amazon
- Good Quality Chef's Knife — Clean cuts for safe meal 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 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear steak for 4-5 minutes per side until crispy. Let rest, then slice thinly.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine arugula, sliced steak, and your choice of toppings. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner
- : For extra crispy steak, pat it dry before searing.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the steak. It will be tough. Slice against the grain to make it tender.
- : Make this salad ahead. Dressing and steak can be prepped separately, then combined when ready to eat.
Storing & Reheating Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store dressed salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Steak and dressing can be made ahead. Combine when ready to eat.
Freezing Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner
Not recommended for this recipe.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary. Microwave: Not recommended for this recipe.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños.
- Best substitution: Substitute spinach for a milder flavor.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes.
- Scaling: Easily doubles or triples for meal prep.
- Troubleshooting: If steak is tough, slice against the grain.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant-Read Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfect steak every time → Check price on Amazon
Easy Meal Prep Steak and Arugula Salad for Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb flank or skirt steak
- 6 cups fresh arugula
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
- Sliced red onion
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Step 1: Season steak with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Sear steak for 4-5 minutes per side until crispy. Let rest, then slice thinly.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine arugula, sliced steak, and your choice of toppings. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños.
- Best substitution: Substitute spinach for a milder flavor.
- Make-ahead: See storage notes.
- Scaling: Easily doubles or triples for meal prep.
- Troubleshooting: If steak is tough, slice against the grain.
Storage
- Fridge: Store dressed salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for this recipe.
- Oven reheat: Not necessary.
- Microwave reheat: Not recommended for this recipe.
- Make ahead: Steak and dressing can be made ahead. Combine when ready to eat.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
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, see storage notes for details.
It was overcooked. Slice against the grain to make it tender.
Yes, cook steak at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Spinach or kale.
Not recommended. Dressing and steak can be frozen separately, but salad greens will wilt.
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!
