In Season 2, Episode 5 of Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking, the team visits Chef Greg Denton in Portland, Oregon who prepares this vibrant salad. The dressing for this salad gets a spicy kick from Calabrian chiles — spicy, slightly fruity pickled chiles from Calabria, Italy. Chef Denton added nasturtium leaves and petals for gently peppery flavor and a burst of color.
Serves 6-8 as a side
INGREDIENTS
- Kosher salt
- ¾ cup pitted and sliced cured black olives (about 4 oz.)
- 2 tbs seeded and chopped pickled Calabrian chiles in oil
- 6 tbs Champagne vinegar
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 lb sugar snap peas, trimmed
- 1 lb strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 oz crumbled chèvre (about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts
- Edible flowers, preferably nasturtiums (large petals torn), for garnish
- Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon
TO PREPARE
STEP ONE. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and set up a large ice water bath.
STEP TWO. In a medium bowl, combine the olives, chiles, and vinegar. Slowly whisk in the oil until emulsified. Set aside.
STEP THREE. Add the snap peas to the boiling water and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Immediately transfer to the ice water bath until completely cooled, about 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry in a kitchen towel.
STEP FOUR. Arrange the snap peas on a large serving platter and top evenly with the strawberries. Drizzle with enough vinaigrette to coat, about 1cup, making sure to distribute the chiles and olives evenly over the salad. Sprinkle with the mint, chèvre, and pine nuts. Top with the edible flowers and season to taste with sea salt. Pass any leftover dressing at the table.
Note: The salad may be refrigerated for an hour before serving.
