Warm Steak Salad with Marinara Sauce

Sunset recipe retester Sarah Epstein of Palo Alto, California, created this after trying something similar at a restaurant. The heat of the steaks melts the fresh mozzarella and the greens add a peppery bite. It’s become her kids’ favorite special meal.

4 New York steaks, cut 1/2 in. thick (see Notes; about 1 1/2 lbs. total), fat trimmed

Olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, preferably made with balsamic vinegar

7 to 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced

4 ounces baby arugula or spinach (about 1 1/2 qts. very loosely packed)

Step 1

Rub steaks with olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for very high heat (600°; you can hold your hand 5 in. above cooking grate only 2 to 4 seconds). While grill heats, preheat cooking grate for at least 10 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, warm 4 dinner plates. Put marinara in a small saucepan and stir over medium-high heat until simmering, about 3 minutes; keep warm.

Step 3

Grill steaks, turning over once, until rare in the center (cut to test; meat will continue to cook after coming off the grill), 2 to 3 minutes for medium rare. Skirt steaks may need 2 to 3 minutes longer than New York steaks. Lift steaks to a platter.

Step 4

Quickly spoon marinara over center of each plate. Set steaks on marinara, arrange mozzarella slices on steaks, and mound arugula on cheese. Pour meat juices from platter over salads if you like.

Step 5

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 447Calories from Fat 58

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 29g45%

Saturated Fat 11g56%
Cholesterol 101mg34%
Sodium 532mg23%
Total Carbohydrate 11g4%

Dietary Fiber 0.4g2%
Protein 35g70%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Warm Steak Salad with Marinara Sauce