Ingredients

  • 8 new potatoes (use more like a dozen if using tiny fingerlings)
  • 1 tablespoon sea or kosher salt
  • 8 ounces green beans, sliced in half, blanched, chilled in ice water
  • 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, fine diced
  • 4 slices very good bacon baked to very crisp, crumbled (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons whole-grain Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fennel fronds, plus whole for garnish
  • Sea or kosher salt and pepper to taste

Method

  • Wash, cut into 1/2" dice the potatoes and cook them in the salted water until easily pierced with a sharp knife. When done, chill completely in icy water, then drain. This step can be done a day in advance.
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss together the potatoes, green beans, sliced fennel, red onion and bacon if using.
  • Make the dressing. Whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, and chopped fennel fronds. Season to taste with sea or kosher salt and pepper. Add to vegetables and toss to blend with a large rubber spatula. Transfer to a serving bowl that will best show off its loveliness. Garnish around the edges with some bunches of fennel fronds.