This Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is summer on a plate! Juicy, flame-kissed skirt steak meets fluffy couscous salad tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette with pops of fresh herbs and crisp veggies. It’s the kind of dinner you throw together quickly but feels like a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Perfect for warm nights, backyard hangouts, or whenever you want something satisfying and fresh. Trust me, your taste buds are going to throw a little party. This dish is pure Healthy Steak Dinner Inspiration—light yet indulgent!
Looking for more steak + salad vibes? Check out our Mediterranean Steak Bowls Recipe—another flavor-packed favorite!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick cook time for busy weeknights
- Light, bright, and balanced flavors
- A complete meal with protein, grains, and veggies
- Perfect for grilling season
- Great for meal prep or summer picnics
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean-inspired |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
Ingredients
For the Skirt Steak:
- Skirt steak – rich, beefy, and quick-cooking
- Olive oil – helps with char and flavor
- Garlic – adds a savory punch
- Lemon zest – brightens and tenderizes
- Salt & pepper – essential seasoning
For the Couscous Salad:
- Couscous – a quick-cooking grain that soaks up flavor
- Cherry tomatoes – juicy and sweet
- Cucumber – adds crunch and coolness
- Red onion – sharp bite to balance the lemon
- Fresh parsley and mint – herbaceous freshness
- Lemon juice – the zingy base of the dressing
- Olive oil – brings it all together
- Salt & pepper – for balance
Scroll down for the printable recipe card with full measurements and instructions!
How to Make Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
1. Marinate the Steak
Rub the skirt steak with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes while you prep the couscous salad (or up to a few hours in the fridge if you’re planning ahead).
2. Cook the Couscous
Boil water, pour it over couscous, cover, and let it steam. Fluff it up with a fork once done. Let it cool slightly before mixing in other ingredients.
3. Prep the Salad
In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint. Add the couscous once it’s cooled. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Toss well and season to taste. A solid addition to your Steak Bowls Healthy Meal Prep rotation!
4. Grill the Steak
Heat your grill (or grill pan) over high heat. Grill steak for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.
5. Assemble and Serve
Plate a generous scoop of couscous salad, top with juicy grilled steak slices, and maybe a little extra lemon squeeze on top. Perfection for your Steak High Protein Meal Prep.
Pro Tips
- Resting the steak is non-negotiable – it keeps it juicy!
- Fluff couscous with a fork to keep it light and airy
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy twist
Flavor Variations
- Swap skirt steak for flank or sirloin if needed
- Add crumbled feta or grilled halloumi for cheesy goodness
- Toss in olives or capers for briny depth
- Try it with Chimichurri Cauliflower Steaks for a veggie twist
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a chilled glass of rosé or citrusy mocktail
- Serve with grilled pita or crusty bread on the side
- Add grilled zucchini or eggplant for more veggies
- This one’s also perfect for your next Sommer Mad outdoor dinner!
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Couscous salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge
- Steak can be marinated a few hours in advance
Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Great eaten cold or at room temp (hello, picnic lunch!)
Freezing
- Not recommended for the couscous salad
- Steak can be frozen after grilling; slice before freezing for easy meals
Reheating
- Gently reheat steak slices in a skillet or microwave
- Let couscous salad come to room temp before serving
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Absolutely! Flank or sirloin are great alternatives.
Is couscous gluten-free?
Traditional couscous is not, but you can use quinoa or millet for a gluten-free option.
How long should I marinate the steak?
At least 15 minutes, but 2-3 hours gives even more flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Totally! Just skip the steak and add grilled veggies or a protein like chickpeas.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about grilled skirt steak and lemony couscous salad that screams “laid-back luxury.” Whether you’re feeding friends, impressing your family, or just treating yourself to something special, this Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad hits all the right notes. It’s fresh, bold, and oh-so-satisfying. It even works beautifully as a Steak Stir Fry Meal Prep base if you toss in sautéed veggies. Give it a try—you might just find your new summer fave!
Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rub steak with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes to several hours.
- Boil water and pour over couscous in a bowl. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and mint. Add couscous, lemon juice, and olive oil. Toss and season to taste.
- Grill steak over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.
- Plate couscous salad and top with steak slices. Serve with extra lemon if desired.