Recipe: Vegetables Giardiniera with Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing

VEGETABLES GIARDINIERA

"Steamed cauliflower florets, broccoli florets and carrot slices are mixed with olives and tossed with a sun-dried tomato and oregano vinaigrette in this Italian-inspired starter "from the garden.""

1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
3 large broccoli stalks, cut into florets
3 large carrots, peeled, sliced diagonally
1/2 pound Mediterranean olives (such as cracked green Sicilian olive or Kalamata)
FOR THE DRESSING:
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup olive oil
4 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
Lemon wedges (for garnish)

TO PREPARE THE VEGETABLES:
Steam cauliflower until just crisp-tender, about 6 minutes. Rinse with cold water; drain well. Steam broccoli until just crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Rinse with cold water; drain well. Steam carrots until just crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Rinse with cold water; drain.

Mix cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and olives in large bowl. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover vegetables and chill.)

UP TO 2 HOURS BEFORE SERVING:
Place lemon juice in small bowl. Gradually mix in oil. Add tomatoes, oregano and dried red pepper. Pour dressing over vegetables and stir to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with lemon wedges. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature, tossing occasionally.)

Makes 8 servings
Source: Bon Appetit magazine, March 1994