Introduction
When summer hits or you’re just craving something bold, fresh, and deeply satisfying, look no further than this Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad. Juicy, marinated steak meets a refreshing blend of Israeli couscous, herbs, and lemon in a dish that feels both gourmet and weeknight-ready.
This recipe brings together smoky grilled skirt steak, a tender grain salad bursting with herbs like dill and parsley, and zippy lemon dressing with a touch of honey and mustard for balance. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or preparing weekday lunches, this combo delivers color, texture, and Mediterranean flavor in every bite.
Love flavor-forward meal bowls and bold but balanced entrees? Explore more at recipeservice.net and turn your dinners into highlights of the day.
🛒 Ingredients
🥩 Meat
- 1½ lbs skirt steak
🥒 Produce
- 1 mini cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
🍯 Condiments
- 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
🍝 Pasta & Grains
- 1 cup Israeli couscous (aka pearl couscous)
🧂 Spices & Seasonings
- 1¾ tsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
🛢 Oils & Vinegars
- ½ cup olive oil, divided
🧀 Dairy
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
👨🍳 Directions
🔥 Step 1: Marinate the Skirt Steak
- In a small bowl, mix:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Place steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it.
- Seal and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours in the fridge.
🍲 Step 2: Cook the Couscous
- In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 1 cup Israeli couscous and toast, stirring, for 3–4 minutes until golden.
- Add 1¾ cups water and ½ tsp kosher salt, bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until water is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and let cool in a large mixing bowl.
🥗 Step 3: Prepare the Herb Salad
- Add to the cooled couscous:
- Diced cucumber
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- Chopped parsley and dill
- Sliced scallions
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- Remaining olive oil (~3 tbsp)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Toss well to combine.
- Fold in ¼ cup feta cheese.
🔥 Step 4: Grill the Steak
- Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Oil lightly.
- Remove steak from marinade, pat dry.
- Grill steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp: 130°F–135°F).
- Let rest 5–10 minutes, then slice against the grain.
🍽 Step 5: Assemble & Serve
- Spoon couscous salad into bowls or plates.
- Top with sliced steak.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil or sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Garnish with more herbs or a lemon wedge.
🍽️ Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes to overnight
- Total Time: ~1 hour (excluding longer marination)
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled lemon halves for extra zing
- Add a side of grilled pita or flatbread
- Top with a dollop of tzatziki or Greek yogurt for creaminess
- Pair with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or rosé wine
🧑🍳 Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or halloumi
- Spicy: Add red chili flakes or harissa paste to the couscous
- Vegan: Omit feta or sub with vegan cheese
- Grain Swap: Use farro, quinoa, or bulgur instead of couscous
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator:
- Store couscous and steak separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days
Reheat:
- Reheat steak gently in a skillet
- Couscous can be eaten cold or warmed slightly
Make-Ahead Tip:
- Cook couscous and prep salad up to 1 day in advance
- Marinate steak overnight for optimal flavor
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is skirt steak, and can I use something else?
Skirt steak is a flavorful cut perfect for grilling. Flank steak or sirloin are great substitutes.
2. Can I cook this without a grill?
Yes! Use a stovetop grill pan or cast-iron skillet.
3. Is Israeli couscous the same as regular couscous?
No—Israeli couscous (aka pearl couscous) is larger and has a pasta-like texture.
4. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—just omit or replace the feta.
6. What herbs work best?
Parsley and dill shine here, but basil or mint can be added too.
7. How do I slice skirt steak properly?
Always slice against the grain for tenderness.
8. Can I serve this cold?
Absolutely—it makes a great chilled lunch or picnic salad.
9. Can I use another mustard?
Yes, but Dijon offers the best balance of tang and smoothness.
10. Is this gluten-free?
No, unless you swap the couscous with a gluten-free grain like quinoa.
📝 Conclusion
This Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is a bright, zesty, and satisfying meal that’s ideal for entertaining or enjoying outdoors on a warm day. The pairing of grilled meat and a fresh herbaceous salad is Mediterranean-inspired magic—simple ingredients elevated with thoughtful flavor.
Want more grain bowls, hearty salads, and grilled protein combos? Head to recipeservice.net for more recipes that are balanced, beautiful, and bold.
Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad – A Bright & Bold Mediterranean-Inspired Meal
When summer hits or you’re just craving something bold, fresh, and deeply satisfying, look no further than this Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad. Juicy, marinated steak meets a refreshing blend of Israeli couscous, herbs, and lemon in a dish that feels both gourmet and weeknight-ready.This recipe brings together smoky grilled skirt steak, a tender grain salad bursting with herbs like dill and parsley, and zippy lemon dressing with a touch of honey and mustard for balance. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or preparing weekday lunches, this combo delivers color, texture, and Mediterranean flavor in every bite.Love flavor-forward meal bowls and bold but balanced entrees? Explore more at recipeservice.net and turn your dinners into highlights of the day.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients
🥩 Meat
- 1½ lbs skirt steak
🥒 Produce
- 1 mini cucumber diced
- ¼ cup fresh dill chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 4 scallions thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
🍯 Condiments
- 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
🍝 Pasta & Grains
- 1 cup Israeli couscous aka pearl couscous
🧂 Spices & Seasonings
- 1¾ tsp kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Flaky sea salt for finishing
🛢 Oils & Vinegars
- ½ cup olive oil divided
🧀 Dairy
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
👨🍳 Directions
🔥 Step 1: Marinate the Skirt Steak
- In a small bowl, mix:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Place steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it.
- Seal and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours in the fridge.
🍲 Step 2: Cook the Couscous
- In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 1 cup Israeli couscous and toast, stirring, for 3–4 minutes until golden.
- Add 1¾ cups water and ½ tsp kosher salt, bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until water is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and let cool in a large mixing bowl.
🥗 Step 3: Prepare the Herb Salad
- Add to the cooled couscous:
- Diced cucumber
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- Chopped parsley and dill
- Sliced scallions
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- Remaining olive oil (~3 tbsp)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Toss well to combine.
- Fold in ¼ cup feta cheese.
🔥 Step 4: Grill the Steak
- Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Oil lightly.
- Remove steak from marinade, pat dry.
- Grill steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp: 130°F–135°F).
- Let rest 5–10 minutes, then slice against the grain.
🍽 Step 5: Assemble & Serve
- Spoon couscous salad into bowls or plates.
- Top with sliced steak.
- Drizzle with extra olive oil or sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Garnish with more herbs or a lemon wedge.
- 🍽️ Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes to overnight
- Total Time: ~1 hour (excluding longer marination)
- 🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled lemon halves for extra zing
- Add a side of grilled pita or flatbread
- Top with a dollop of tzatziki or Greek yogurt for creaminess
- Pair with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or rosé wine
🧑🍳 Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or halloumi
- Spicy: Add red chili flakes or harissa paste to the couscous
- Vegan: Omit feta or sub with vegan cheese
- Grain Swap: Use farro, quinoa, or bulgur instead of couscous
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator:
- Store couscous and steak separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days
- Reheat:
- Reheat steak gently in a skillet
- Couscous can be eaten cold or warmed slightly
- Make-Ahead Tip:
- Cook couscous and prep salad up to 1 day in advance
- Marinate steak overnight for optimal flavor
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is skirt steak, and can I use something else?
- Skirt steak is a flavorful cut perfect for grilling. Flank steak or sirloin are great substitutes.
- Can I cook this without a grill?
- Yes! Use a stovetop grill pan or cast-iron skillet.
- Is Israeli couscous the same as regular couscous?
- No—Israeli couscous (aka pearl couscous) is larger and has a pasta-like texture.
- Can I use bottled lemon juice?
- Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
- Can I make it dairy-free?
- Yes—just omit or replace the feta.
- What herbs work best?
- Parsley and dill shine here, but basil or mint can be added too.
- How do I slice skirt steak properly?
- Always slice against the grain for tenderness.
- Can I serve this cold?
- Absolutely—it makes a great chilled lunch or picnic salad.
- Can I use another mustard?
- Yes, but Dijon offers the best balance of tang and smoothness.
- Is this gluten-free?
- No, unless you swap the couscous with a gluten-free grain like quinoa.
Notes
📝 Conclusion
This Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is a bright, zesty, and satisfying meal that’s ideal for entertaining or enjoying outdoors on a warm day. The pairing of grilled meat and a fresh herbaceous salad is Mediterranean-inspired magic—simple ingredients elevated with thoughtful flavor. Want more grain bowls, hearty salads, and grilled protein combos? Head to recipeservice.net for more recipes that are balanced, beautiful, and bold.
This Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is a bright, zesty, and satisfying meal that’s ideal for entertaining or enjoying outdoors on a warm day. The pairing of grilled meat and a fresh herbaceous salad is Mediterranean-inspired magic—simple ingredients elevated with thoughtful flavor. Want more grain bowls, hearty salads, and grilled protein combos? Head to recipeservice.net for more recipes that are balanced, beautiful, and bold.