Grilled Steak Caesar Salad

• Recipe by Melissa Rubel

Using some of the dressing as a quick marinade gives the meat tons of flavor and a nice crust.

Ingredients

1. 2/3 cup mayonnaise
2. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4. 2 oil-packed anchovies, drained
5. 1 large garlic clove
6. 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
7. 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco
8. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
9. 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
10. Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
11. One 2-pound flank steak
12. 3 slices seeded rye bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (2 cups)
13. 3 romaine hearts (1 pound), cut crosswise into 1-inch strips
14. 3 cups baby arugula
15. 12 cherry tomatoes, halved

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°. In a food processor, blend the mayonnaise with the lemon juice, mustard, anchovies, garlic, Worcestershire, Tabasco, 1/4 cup of the Parmigiano-Reggiano and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper. On a large plate, spread 1/4 cup of the dressing all over the steak and let stand for 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, on a rimmed baking sheet, toss the rye bread cubes with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toast in the oven for 10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the croutons are golden and crisp. Let cool.
3. Light a grill. Season the steak with salt and pepper. Grill over moderate heat, turning once, until the steak is medium rare, about 14 minutes. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, toss the romaine with the arugula, cherry tomatoes, rye croutons, the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmigiano-Reggiano and the reserved dressing. Thinly slice the steak on the diagonal across the grain. Mound the salad on plates, top with the steak slices and serve.