Grilled Steak, Watermelon & Feta Arugula Salad Recipe

A juicy summer salad featuring YoQuiero-marinated steak, sweet watermelon, tangy feta, and a garlicky balsamic-herb dressing.

If you're looking for the perfect warm-weather dinner, this Grilled Steak, Watermelon & Feta Arugula Salad checks every box: smoky, savory steak, cool juicy watermelon, salty feta, and peppery arugula, all tied together with a bright balsamic dressing. It's easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for a summer cookout.

Ingredients

For the Steak

• 1 lb steak of your choice (flank, sirloin, or ribeye all work well)

• YoQuiero Mild Salsa, enough to coat the steak

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Watermelon Feta Mixture

• 2 cups watermelon, cubed

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1/4 cup red onion, diced

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Balsamic Herb Dressing

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• Salt and pepper, to taste

To Finish

• 3–4 cups fresh arugula

• Extra crumbled feta, for topping

Instructions

1. Marinate the steak. Place your steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag and cover with YoQuiero Medium Salsa. Let it sit for at least 20–30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for a few hours for deeper flavor.

2. Make the watermelon feta mixture. While the steak marinates, combine the cubed watermelon, diced cucumber, diced red onion, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. Toss gently and set aside.

3. Whisk the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, parsley, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Grill the steak. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak to your preferred doneness (about 3–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness). Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into bite-sized cubes.

5. Assemble the salad. Layer the arugula in a large serving bowl. Add the watermelon feta mixture on top, followed by the cubed grilled steak.

6. Dress and serve. Drizzle the balsamic herb dressing generously over the top. Toss gently, finish with an extra sprinkle of feta, and serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, prep the dressing, watermelon mixture, and steak marinade ahead of time, but wait to grill the steak and assemble the salad until just before serving so the arugula stays crisp.

What's the best steak cut for this recipe? Flank steak and sirloin are great, budget-friendly options that grill quickly and slice nicely into cubes.

Can I substitute the feta? Goat cheese or a mild cotija are both good substitutes if feta isn't available.

Recipe as seen on KSTP Twin Cities Live in partnership with YoQuiero, Midwest Dairy, and Watermelon Promotion Board.