Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more for seasoning

8 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 Kirby cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced

1 bunch watercress, thick stems discarded

1/4 cup packed mint leaves (large leaves torn in half)

Preparation

Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil; add salt. Blanch green beans until crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Immediately transfer with a slotted spoon to ice-water bath to stop the cooking. Drain, and set aside.

Whisk together shallot, lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large serving bowl; season with pepper. Whisking constantly, pour in oil in a slow, steady stream; whisk until emulsified.

Add cucumber and reserved green beans to bowl; toss to coat. Add watercress and mint; gently toss. Season with salt and pepper.