Three Bean Salad Nouveau

Buster's friend's Note:

A classy take on the perennial three bean salad. Fresher with Italian parsley, snappier with thinly sliced radishes & capers, & a more refined sweetness & tang. Still utterly portable, servable cold or room temp. From those folks at www.chow.com.

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 12 ounces green beans , trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
• 6 small radishes , ends trimmed, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans , drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans , drained and rinsed
• ½ medium shallot , minced
• ¼ cup sherry wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons capers , drained and coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley , finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

Directions:

1. Prepare an ice water bath by filling a bowl halfway with ice and water; set aside. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add green beans and cook until just tender, about 3 minutes. Strain beans and plunge the strainer into the water bath until the beans are cool. Remove beans from the water bath and spread out on a clean kitchen towel or a paper towel to dry.
2. When beans are cool, transfer to a large bowl and add radishes, cannellini beans, and kidney beans; set aside.
3. Combine shallot, vinegar, capers, parsley, and sugar in a medium nonreactive bowl. Add oil in a steady stream and whisk until completely incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Add vinaigrette to bean mixture and toss gently to combine. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve at room temperature or chilled.