Watermelon Steak Salad Dinner
We love a good watermelon steak salad dinner because it’s a quick and refreshing meal that’s perfect for warm evenings. The combination of juicy watermelon, grilled steak, and mixed greens is a winner.
One thing to watch out for when making watermelon steak salad is the texture of the watermelon. You want it to be ripe but still firm, so it holds up to the grilling and mixing with the salad. Also, don’t overcook the steak, as it can become tough.
Why this Watermelon Steak Salad Dinner works
- The combination of sweet and savory flavors is a perfect balance.
- The texture of the grilled steak and crunchy greens is satisfying.
- It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
- It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a quick dinner or meal prep for the next day.
- It’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner on a busy weekday.
What you’ll need
The star of this dish is definitely the watermelon, but the quality of the steak and the freshness of the greens also play a big role in its success.
- 1 ripe watermelon (about 4 pounds), cut into 1-inch thick slices
- 4 boneless top loin steaks (6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Tips for getting this right
- Make sure to grill the steak to the right temperature to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
- Don’t overdress the salad, as it can become too soggy.
- Add some crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use a variety of greens for a more interesting texture.
- Prepare the salad just before serving to ensure everything stays fresh.
Swaps and substitutions
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce. For a vegetarian version, swap the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms. If you prefer chicken, you can use grilled chicken breast instead. For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapenos to the salad.
Storing and reheating
This salad is best served fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat the steak in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the steak for up to two months and thaw it overnight in the fridge. To keep the salad fresh, store it in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated.
Common questions
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving. This will help keep the ingredients fresh and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
It takes about 30 minutes to prepare this salad, including grilling the steak and chopping the ingredients.
Yes, this salad is perfect for a dinner party. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd, and it’s a great option for a light and refreshing meal.
Watermelon Steak Salad
🧂 Ingredients
👩🍳 Instructions
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1Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season the steaks with salt and pepper. Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes.
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2Meanwhile, brush the watermelon slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the watermelon slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop a nice char.
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3In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard to make the balsamic honey dressing.
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4To assemble the salad, place a grilled steak on each plate. Top each steak with a few slices of grilled watermelon, some mixed greens, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh mint and basil. Drizzle the balsamic honey dressing over the top of each salad.
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5Serve immediately and enjoy!
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6Note: You can also make this salad without grilling the watermelon. Simply skip the grilling step and top the salad with fresh watermelon instead.
We hope you enjoy making and eating this watermelon steak salad dinner as much as we do! Let us know in the comments how it turns out and if you have any questions or substitutions to share.