This salad brims with freshness and snap. If you can't find fennel, use Belgian endive instead.

To turn this into a more substantial dish, drape smoked salmon or prosciutto over the finished salad or add slices of slivered Parmigianino Reggiano or Spanish Manchego cheese.

The tarragon dressing is my all-time favourite. I like the creaminess as well as the spring-like, liquorice taste.

Ingredients

• 1 small fennel bulb, trimmed

• Salt to taste

• 8 ounces green beans, trimmed

• 6 cups packed baby spinach

• Creamy Tarragon Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon or ¼ teaspoon dried

• ¼ teaspoon finely chopped garlic

• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Method

Cut fennel in half and remove core. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, slice fennel thinly. Place in a bowl, sprinkle with salt and let sit for 30 minutes.

Bring a large skillet of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and boil for 3 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain and refresh under cold water until cold. Drain and pat dry. Cut into 2-inch pieces.

Combine green beans and spinach in a bowl.

Prepare dressing by whisking mayonnaise, vinegar, tarragon and garlic in a bowl. Slowly whisk in oil. Season well with salt and pepper.

Pat fennel dry and add to green beans. Toss salad with dressing. Serves 6.