LUCY BURDETTE: This is the light but delicious supper that Hayley Snow's stepfather Sam serves at the end of The Key Lime Crime (coming July 2020 from Crooked Lane Books.) Since it's still summer for a bit longer, I thought you would enjoy it too! He used leftover grilled filet from a wedding that Hayley's mother catered. You can grill your own steak—or use leftovers. Flank steak or filet are probably the best choices.
1 pound flank steak, marinated
1 bunch butter lettuce or mixed greens or arugula if you prefer
1 box fresh cherry tomatoes or 2-3 ripe large tomatoes
1 cucumber, cut into chunks
8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, like Bocconcini
8-10 leaves fresh basil
1 ripe avocado, optional
Marinated green beans or beets, or both, your choice
Marinate the steak in the dressing of your choice for 2-4 hours. Homemade Italian dressing would be delicious, or a balsamic vinaigrette. Marinate the mozzarella balls with slivered basil and some good olive oil.
Grill the steak to medium-rare, let it rest a few minutes, then slice on the diagonal.
Wash and dry the lettuce, arrange on a pretty platter. Top this with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella balls, cucumbers, beets, green beans, basil and avocado, if using. Place the steak on top and serve more dressing on the side.
The great thing about this meal is that it can all be done ahead and put together at the last minute. I made this dish as a quick dinner before hosting an event for my pal Hallie Ephron with her new book, CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR. Every bit of the evening was a big success!
Lucy Burdette (aka Roberta Isleib) has published 17 mysteries, including the latest in the Key West food critic series, A Deadly Feast (Crooked Lane Books, May 2019.) Read more at https://lucyburdette.com You can also find Lucy on Facebook and Instagram.
