Grilled Steak Bites & Shrimp with Fresh Herb Salad
If you’re looking for a fresh, fast, and flavor-loaded meal that delivers both elegance and simplicity, Grilled Steak Bites & Shrimp with Fresh Herb Salad is the recipe you didn’t know you needed. Perfectly seared steak and juicy shrimp come together with a zesty herb salad to create a light yet satisfying dish—ready in under 30 minutes!
This dish is ideal for a weekday dinner, a light weekend lunch, or even a healthy date-night meal. It’s packed with lean protein, balanced with crisp greens and bright tomatoes, and finished with a touch of citrus and fresh herbs. It’s clean eating without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.
Who This Recipe Is For
This recipe is for:
Busy professionals looking for a quick, nutritious dinner
Meal preppers who want something that keeps well and reheats nicely
Low-carb eaters craving a satisfying surf and turf
Home cooks who love clean, Mediterranean-style meals
Seafood and steak lovers who want the best of both worlds
Why You’ll Love It
🔥 Quick to cook – on the table in under 30 minutes
🥩 Two proteins for bold flavor and variety
🥗 Fresh herb salad adds balance and brightness
🧄 Garlic and smoked paprika bring smoky, savory depth
🥄 Flexible and customizable – add grains, swap herbs, or pair with sauces
Ingredients at a Glance
🥩 For the Steak & Shrimp
8 oz sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
10–12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
Optional: lemon wedges for garnish
🥗 For the Herb Salad
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup mixed greens or arugula
2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls
Cast-iron skillet or grill pan
Tongs or spatula
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Serving plates
Optional: citrus juicer and microplane for zesting, if garnishing with lemon.
How to Make Grilled Steak Bites & Shrimp with Herb Salad
1. Marinate the Steak and Shrimp
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss in the steak bites and shrimp, mixing well to coat. Let sit for 15 minutes while you prep the salad.
🔥 Pro Tip: Let the steak and shrimp sit at room temperature while marinating. This helps them cook more evenly.
2. Prepare the Herb Salad
In a large bowl, toss together cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, mixed greens (or arugula), and chopped herbs. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar or lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
🌿 Variation Tip: Add avocado slices, cucumber ribbons, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for more flavor and texture.
3. Grill or Sear the Proteins
Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat until very hot.
Add steak bites first. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until a crust forms and the inside is medium-rare to medium.
Remove the steak and set aside.
Add the shrimp to the same pan and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and slightly charred.
🔪 Cook Smart: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed for the best sear.
4. Assemble and Serve
On a serving plate, arrange the warm steak bites and shrimp beside a generous helping of the herb salad. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and an extra sprinkle of chopped herbs.
Serve immediately and enjoy a perfect bite of smoky, juicy protein paired with crisp, fresh greens.
Recipe Variations & Ideas
Add a Creamy Dipping Sauce: A garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or lemon-tahini sauce makes a great side dip.
Swap the Herbs: Try dill, mint, or basil in place of parsley/cilantro.
Make it a Bowl: Serve over a bed of quinoa, couscous, or farro.
Add Heat: Toss some chili flakes into the marinade or drizzle with a spicy chili oil.
Go Skewer Style: Thread steak and shrimp onto skewers and grill for party-ready presentation.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Stovetop: Sauté the steak and shrimp gently in a hot pan with a little olive oil.
Microwave: Reheat in short bursts (30 seconds) to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Salad: Keep the herb salad separate to prevent it from wilting.
🧊 Freezing not recommended due to texture loss in shrimp and fresh greens.
What to Serve With It
This meal is perfectly balanced on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out or impress guests, here are some great pairings:
🥖 Warm crusty bread or garlic toast
🍷 Dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay) or a light red like Pinot Noir
🍋 Citrus couscous or herbed rice pilaf
🍲 Chilled cucumber soup for a refreshing starter
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp or steak?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.
Q: What cut of steak is best?
Sirloin or ribeye offers a great balance of flavor and tenderness. Filet mignon also works if you’re feeling fancy.
Q: Can I cook this outdoors on a grill?
Absolutely! This dish is fantastic on a gas or charcoal grill—just make sure to oil your grates.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your seasonings and condiments are certified GF.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or grill in batches. It scales beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Steak Bites & Shrimp with Fresh Herb Salad brings together everything we love in a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal—lean protein, smoky sear, juicy shrimp, and a bright herbaceous salad. Whether it’s for a fast weeknight dinner or an elevated lunch, this dish will make you feel like a five-star chef in your own kitchen.
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Happy grilling! 🥩🍤🥗