Looking for a flavorful, relatively healthy meal that’s easy to throw together? Enter the steak and arugula salad: a balanced dish that combines protein, leafy greens, and healthy fats.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this salad is incredibly simple to make. It’s versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate weekend meal, making it a go-to option for any occasion.
This article will guide you through preparing the steak, assembling the salad, and exploring different ways to customize it to your liking. Let’s get cooking!
Choosing the Right Steak
The type of steak you choose for your arugula salad makes a big difference in the final flavor and texture of the dish. Let’s consider a few popular options.
Different Cuts of Steak
Some of the most-loved cuts for steak salad include flank steak, ribeye, and New York strip. Flank steak has a bold, beefy flavor and is best when sliced thinly against the grain. Ribeye is known for its rich marbling and tender texture. New York strip offers a good balance of flavor and tenderness.
When you’re picking out your steak, think about thickness and marbling. A steak that’s too thick can be hard to cook evenly, while a steak with good marbling will be more flavorful and tender.
Sourcing Quality Steak
Look for steak that’s a vibrant color and has plenty of marbling. Buying from a trusted butcher or a grocery store with a good reputation can help ensure you’re getting a fresh, high-quality piece of meat.
Mastering Steak Cooking Methods
The best steak and arugula salads start with a perfectly cooked steak. Here are a few ways to get there:
Pan-Searing on the Stovetop
You can get a nice, crisp crust by searing your steak in a pan. Here’s how:
- Season the steak liberally with salt and pepper.
- Heat a pan until it’s very hot, and add an oil with a high smoke point.
- Sear the steak for 2 to 4 minutes on each side, depending on how thick it is.
A meat thermometer is your friend here. Cook to medium-rare (120 to 125°F) for the best flavor and texture. For thicker cuts, use the “cold pan” method: Start with a cold pan and slowly bring the steak up to temperature.
Grilling Techniques
Grilling adds a smoky flavor that works well with arugula’s peppery bite.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Oil the grates to keep the steak from sticking.
- Grill for 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and how well you want it done.
To avoid flare-ups, preheat an oven-safe skillet on the grill. That way, if the steak starts to flame up, you can quickly move it to the skillet. This is especially helpful when you’re grilling a well-marbled steak.
Resting the Steak
This is key! Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you slice it. This allows the juices to redistribute, giving you a more tender and flavorful steak.
Assembling your steak and arugula salad
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Here’s how to build a salad that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Prepping the arugula
Start by washing and drying the arugula thoroughly. Pick out any leaves that are wilted or look damaged.
Not a fan of arugula’s peppery bite? You can swap it out for spinach, mixed greens, or even baby kale.
Adding complementary ingredients
Steak and arugula play well with so many other ingredients! Consider adding:
- Halved cherry tomatoes
- Diced avocado
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Cucumber
- Toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts
- Crumbled cheese, such as blue cheese or Parmesan
A vibrant corn salsa also makes a fantastic addition. To make a simple one, combine corn, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, fresh lime juice, diced avocado, diced bell pepper, diced cucumber, chopped cilantro, kosher salt, and pepper.
Crafting the vinaigrette
A simple lemon-Parmesan vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
For a slightly sweeter vinaigrette, try using white balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice.
Serving and Variations
A steak and arugula salad is a treat for the senses. Here’s how to make it look and taste its best.
Plating and Presentation
Make sure you slice the steak against the grain, so each bite is as tender as possible. It’s also a good idea to toss the arugula with the vinaigrette before you add the steak and other toppings.
A steak and arugula salad is a celebration of healthy eating, so enjoy the protein, vitamins, and minerals in every bite!
Creative Variations
Change up your salad based on your particular tastes. Add grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or try a different kind of cheese such as feta or goat cheese.
If you have leftover steak, you can transform it into a tasty sandwich for lunch the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does arugula pair well with?
Arugula’s peppery bite makes it a fantastic complement to a wide range of flavors. Think creamy cheeses like goat cheese or burrata, sweet fruits like berries or pears, and rich ingredients like nuts, prosciutto, or balsamic glaze. It’s also excellent with citrus – lemon or orange – which brightens up its flavor.
What is the best dressing for arugula salad?
Because arugula has such a distinctive flavor, a dressing that balances richness and acidity works best. A simple vinaigrette is a classic choice. Something like lemon vinaigrette or a tangy balsamic vinaigrette are great options. Creamier dressings can also work, but be careful not to overpower the arugula’s flavor.
What kind of salad goes well with steak?
Arugula salad is a great choice to serve with steak! The peppery flavor cuts through the richness of the meat, providing a refreshing counterpoint. Other good options include a classic Caesar salad or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The goal is to provide a contrast in texture and flavor to enhance the steak, not compete with it.
Is arugula salad healthy?
Absolutely! Arugula is packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and calcium. It’s also low in calories and high in fiber. Combined with other healthy ingredients like lean protein (steak!), healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, an arugula salad can be a very nutritious and satisfying meal.
In Conclusion
Steak and arugula salad is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend lunch. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own signature steak and arugula salad. The possibilities are endless!