Creamy white beans, fresh basil, and crunchy young vegetables are combined in a light but substantial salad that takes advantage of the first fruits of the spring garden. Use a mild honey, like clover or wildflower. —Chef Sam

　　

Ingredients

Serves 6 to 8 as a starter

　　1 cup dried small white beans, such as cannellini or Great Northern, or 1 15-ounce can

　　1 clove garlic

　　1 bay leaf

　　1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

　　1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

　　1 tablespoon lemon juice

　　1/2 teaspoon honey

　　1 tablespoon chopped shallot

　　1 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas

　　1/2 bunch fresh chives, chopped

　　5 mild radishes, such as Lady Slipper radishes, thinly sliced

　　3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

　　

Step 1

1. If you're using dried beans, first rinse them, picking out any stones, and place in a bowl. Cover with cold water and soak for 8 hours, or overnight, then drain the beans and place in a pot. Add the garlic and bay leaf and enough water to cover the beans by at least 1 inch. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender, about 1 hour.

　　

Step 2

2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and shallot. Whisk to combine.

　　

Step 3

3. When the beans are done, drain them well and place in a medium bowl. Discard the bay leaf and garlic clove. Add one third of the vinaigrette to the warm beans and toss; then let stand for 15 minutes, tossing occasionally. If using canned beans, rinse and drain them, then toss with the vinaigrette.

　　

Step 4

4. In a small pot of boiling water, cook the snow peas or sugar snap peas for 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, place them in a bowl of ice water. Drain, pat dry, and slice thin.

　　

Step 5

5. In a large salad bowl, place the cooled beans, snow peas, chives, radishes, and basil. Pour the remaining dressing over and toss lightly. Serve immediately.

　　Reprinted with permission from American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America by Michelle Obama. © 2012 by the National Park Foundation. Published by Crown, a division of Random House, Inc.Michelle Obamais the First Lady of the United States and the mother of two daughters. In February of 2010 she launched Let's Move!, a nationwide initiative to address our epidemic of childhood obesity by bringing healthier food into schools and communities, and encouraging kids to be more active. American Grown is her first book.