Watercress and green bean salad
Instructions:
- To keep watercress fresh, wrap it in damp paper towels and place it in a resealable plastic bag. Stored this way, it can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Just before making the salad, “crisp†the watercress by soaking it in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes, then gently pat dry.
- 1/ 2 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more for seasoning
- 8 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Kirby cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced
- 1 bunch watercress, thick stems discarded
- 1/ 4 cup packed mint leaves, large leaves torn in half
- Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil; add salt. Blanch the green beans until crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Immediately transfer with a slotted spoon to the icewater bath to stop the cooking. Drain, and set aside.
- Whisk together the shallot, lemon juice, and Ë™ teaspoon salt in a large serving bowl; season with pepper. Whisking constantly, pour in the oil in a slow, steady stream; whisk until emulsified.
- Add the cucumber and reserved green beans to the bowl; toss to coat. Add the watercress and mint; gently toss. Season with salt and pepper.