A composed salad of marinated seasonal vegetables becomes a main course when fortified with sliced poached chicken. Not only is this an economical way to stretch a meal, it is practical in other ways, too. For starters, many of the components can be prepared (and refrigerated) ahead, and when served as shown, guests can select the ingredients they prefer. This salad offers an array of springtime’s fresh bounty, including asparagus, new potatoes, leeks, and artichokes, all gently cooked just until tender. You can adapt this formula to take advantage of whatever is in season throughout the year.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6

　　12 ounces small new potatoes, scrubbed well

　　Coarse salt

　　2 poached chicken breast halves

　　1 pound Steamed Asparagus (see page 294)

　　Leeks Vinaigrette (page 305)

　　Marinated Artichoke Hearts (page 305)

　　Buttermilk Herb Vinaigrette (page 359)

　　

Step 1

Cook potatoes Cover potatoes in a medium saucepan with water by 1 inch and add 2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until tender when pierced with tip of knife, about 15 minutes. Drain well and let cool.

　　

Step 2

Compose salad and serve Arrange chicken on a platter, and asparagus, potatoes, leeks, and artichokes on another. Drizzle some dressing over the potatoes and asparagus. Sprinkle chicken and potatoes with coarse salt, if desired. Serve platters with a bowlful of dressing on the side.

　　Reprinted with permission from Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook by Martha Stewart. Copyright © 2008 by Martha Stewart. Published by Crown Publishing. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of bestselling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the Emmy-winning, daily national syndicated program, and founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, which publishes several magazines, including Martha Stewart Living; produces Martha Stewart Living Radio, channel 112 on SIRIUS Satellite Radio; and provides a wealth of ideas and information on www.marthastewart.com.