You can make steak salad recipes a million different ways, but this one is inspired by a popular Italian second course called tagliatata di manzo. That phrase literally means “sliced beef” or “cut of beef”, but the dish is typically served with arugula (or rocket), tomatoes, and parmesan. I’m calling it a steak salad because that’s basically what it is! Whether you’re looking for a satisfying healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a second course like they usually did in Italy when I visited, it’s the perfect choice.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for steak salad, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Steak:
Steak – The best steak for salad is ribeye or sirloin, but I’ve also used skirt steak, sirloin tip steak, or flank steak for more affordable options. If you want to go all out for a special occasion, choose a filet mignon or New York strip steak. You can use other cuts of steak, but the cooking time will be different if they are on the thinner side. I recommend meat that is at least 1 inch thick, which is less prone to overcooking. Sea Salt & Black Pepper – I season my steaks simply with salt and pepper most often, but you can add steak seasoning, standalone spices such as garlic powder, or use my steak marinade recipe if you like. Avocado Oil – You only need avocado oil if you are cooking steaks on the stovetop. You could also use olive oil or any neutral cooking oil you prefer.
Salad:
Arugula – I used fresh arugula, but you could use rocket greens, romaine lettuce, spinach (to make a steak spinach salad), or any fresh greens you like. Oil & Vinegar – I simply drizzle the greens with olive oil and balsamic vinegar instead of making a separate steak salad dressing. You could substitute other dressings here, such as ranch, green goddess dressing, Italian dressing, or even chimichurri sauce. Sea Salt & Black Pepper Cherry Tomatoes – These are the perfect combo for a steak arugula salad. Roasted cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or chopped larger tomatoes would work as well. You can also add other vegetables, like sliced bell peppers, red onion, corn kernels, or avocado slices. Shaved Parmesan Cheese – I like the texture that shaved parm imparts, but shredded also works. You can also opt for a crumbled cheese, such as goat cheese, feta cheese, blue cheese, or Gorgonzola. Chopped cheese crisps would also be delightful if you like some crunch! Lemon Wedges – For a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to finish.
How To Make Steak Salad
This section shows how to make salad with steak, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. For even more flavor and an extra protein boost, make some easy peel boiled eggs, chop them up and throw them into the salad.
Storage Instructions
Like most green salads, steak salad recipes that use leafy greens are best fresh. If you want to prep ahead, keep the veggies, meat, and dressing each in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Once combined, the salad will last no more than 1 day, as it gets soggy fast. A probe thermometer is the best way to test internal temperature — you just set your desired temperature and it beeps when your steak is ready! If you prefer a more classic option, a regular meat thermometer works as well. If you don’t have a thermometer at all, check the steak time charts I have in my posts for grilled steak (if grilling) or ribeye steak (if using the stovetop, this is a good estimate even if you’re cooking a different cut).
What To Serve With Steak Salad Recipes
I often serve this steak salad recipe all on its own — I love a 15-minute meal! But if you’re making it for company or just want to pair it with something else, these make great options:
Potatoes – An easy way to make your meal more hearty! Try my lemon potatoes recipe (my fave pairing with this salad when I need to add something), oven roasted potatoes, or air fryer baked potatoes. Soups – Make a soup and steak salad combo by adding roasted cauliflower soup or stovetop vegetable soup (or Instant Pot vegetable soup). Pizza – Choose your favorite crust (I like cauliflower pizza crust for a lighter option) or make pizza-inspired dishes like cauliflower pizza casserole, meal prep pizza bowls, or summery zucchini pizza boats.
More Meal-Worthy Salad Recipes
Skip the plain lettuce! Spice up your salad with these easy recipes: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
