Spring Supper Salad – Scallops, Green Beans & Baby Reds on Lettuce with Miso Dressing

Perfect for a light meal after a warm Saturday afternoon biking the West Side Greenway Trail. Stop at Fairway on the way home for provisions, then eat al fresco with a cold beer. Ahh, spring!

Scallop, Green Bean and Baby Red Spring Salad with Miso Dressing

The dressing is modified from Museum Cafes & Arts, a little gem of a book of recipes from museum cafes illustrated with gorgeous prints of famous works of art.  The rest of the recipe we made up ourselves. Although I’ve listed the weights of the potatoes, scallops and beans we used, you should just buy what you think you need. The dressing will serve at least 6. 

1 lb small red potatoes
salt and pepper to taste (just a tiny bit – the dressing is salty)
3 tbsp canola oil
1 1/2 lbs large scallops
Fresh lettuce
1/2 lb green beans
Miso Dressing (recipe follows)

Wash and dry potatoes well. Don’t peel. Cut into half (or thirds, however you want, to uniform size) Toss with 1 tbsp canola oil and 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees, turning halfway, for about 30 minutes, or until browned and cooked. While the potatoes are cooking, make the dressing, wash and dry the lettuce. Steam the green beans over boiling water till warm, bright green and still a bit crisp. Drain and set aside. Remove cooked potatoes to a bowl and set aside while you cook the scallops.

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet until very hot but not smoking. Add the scallops and sauté until nicely browned, about 3-4 mins. Turn to the other side and cook one more minute.

Arrange the greens on a platter. Arrange the scallops, browned side up, on the bed of greens. Scatter some green beans atop the greens and place the potatoes on the side. Drizzle dressing over the scallops, beans and greens and serve immediately. Serves 4.

Miso Dressing

I happen to love this dressing, but if it’s not for you, make my warm tarragon vinaigrette instead.

1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup white miso
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp wasabi paste
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup light soy sauce
1 teensy-weensy drop sesame oil (optional)
1 1/2 tbsp canola oil

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients except the canola oil. Gradually whisk in canola oil.