Introduction to the Perfect Summer Lunch

The warm weather of summer is the perfect excuse to indulge in a light and refreshing lunch. One dish that fits the bill is the steak salad, a classic combination of grilled steak, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing. In this article, we will explore a recipe for a steak salad that is sure to become a summer favorite.

What is Straccetti di Manzo?

Straccetti di manzo, which translates roughly from the Italian to “little rags of beef,” is a trattoria staple. The cooking is minimal and quick, making this ideal for a weeknight dinner, but the beef must be thinly sliced. This recipe from our cookbook “Milk Street Backroads Italy” is a perfect example of how to prepare a delicious steak salad.

Key Ingredients and Cooking Tips

In this recipe, we freeze the meat for about 20 minutes to firm it a bit, which allows a knife to glide through the grain. After a quick sear in a hot skillet, the steak slices go directly onto a bed of peppery arugula and sweet-tart tomatoes. We prefer tri-tip steak for this recipe, as it has great flavor and a tender texture.

By CHRISTOPHER KIMBALL for Associated Press
Don’t dress the arugula and tomatoes too far in advance or they will wilt and turn soggy. Wait until after the beef is sliced before tossing the veggies with the oil, lemon juice and salt. Also, don’t stir the beef during the first three minutes of cooking. Allowing it to cook undisturbed will give the meat a chance to develop flavorful browning.

The Importance of Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar, reduced as it deglazes the pan, acts as tangy-sweet dressing when combined with vegetables. Shaved Parmesan, along with black pepper and a final drizzle of olive oil, are perfect finishing touches.

Recipe: Straccetti di Manzo

Overview

Start to finish: 45 minutes (25 minutes active)
Servings: 4 to 6

Ingredients:

1½ pounds beef tri-tip steak
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
5-ounce container baby arugula
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more to serve
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 medium garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
Parmesan cheese, for shaving

Directions:

1. Place the steak on a plate and freeze, uncovered, until partially frozen, about 20 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice the beef against the grain on the diagonal no thicker than ¼ inch. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper; toss to coat. On a deep, wide platter, toss the arugula and tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of the oil, the lemon juice and ¼ teaspoon salt.
2. In a 12-inch skillet over medium-high, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil until barely smoking. Add the garlic and pepper flakes; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the beef in an even layer; cook without stirring until only a little pinkness remains and some liquid has been released, about 3 minutes. Stir, redistribute in an even layer and cook until no longer pink, about 1 minute. Using tongs, place the steak on the vegetables, leaving the garlic in the pan.
3. Add the balsamic to the pan and bring to a simmer over medium-high; cook, scraping up any browned bits, until slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Discard the garlic; pour the balsamic over the steak. Shave Parmesan over the top, then finish with additional oil and black pepper.

This image released by Milk Street shows a recipe for straccetti di manzo, made with steak with arugula and parmesan. (Milk Street via AP)

Conclusion

This steak salad recipe is the perfect summer lunch, with its combination of grilled steak, fresh vegetables, and tangy dressing. The key to this recipe is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overcook the steak. With its quick cooking time and minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.

FAQs

Q: What type of steak is best for this recipe?
A: We prefer tri-tip steak for this recipe, as it has great flavor and a tender texture.
Q: Can I use other types of vinegar instead of balsamic?
A: While other types of vinegar can be used, balsamic vinegar has a unique flavor that pairs well with the steak and vegetables.
Q: How do I prevent the arugula and tomatoes from wilting?
A: Don’t dress the arugula and tomatoes too far in advance or they will wilt and turn soggy. Wait until after the beef is sliced before tossing the veggies with the oil, lemon juice and salt.
EDITOR’S NOTE: For more recipes, go to Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street at 177milkstreet.com/ap
Originally Published: June 5, 2025 at 1:06 PM EDT