When buying green beans, look for the skinniest ones—they have the best texture. Offer plenty of crusty bread, and open a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon to go with this hearty main-course salad.
1 pound slender green beans, trimmed
6 cups arugula (about 6 ounces)
4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 1/4 cups pitted Kalamata olives or other brine-cured black olives, halved
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 8- to 9-ounce New York steaks
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
Cook green beans in pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain. Transfer to bowl of ice water and cool. Drain.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Combine beans, arugula, tomatoes, and olives in large bowl. Whisk 1/2 cup oil and vinegar in small bowl.
Brush steaks with remaining 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill to desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Cut steaks crosswise into strips.
Toss salad with enough dressing to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among 6 plates. Top with steak strips. Sprinkle cheese over.
Makes 6 servings.