Giardiniera with Ham and White Beans

• FAST
• HEALTHY

Ingredients

1. 3/4 cup white wine vinegar
2. 1/3 cup sugar
3. Kosher salt
4. 6 scallions, white and tender green parts only, cut into 1-inch lengths
5. 4 cups mixed green, yellow and white baby cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets (12 ounces)
6. 4 ounces sugar snap peas
7. One 15-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
8. 4 ounces thickly sliced ham, shredded
9. 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
10. 2 tablespoons salted roasted sunflower seeds
11. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
12. Freshly ground pepper

1. Set a resealable plastic bag in a bowl and add the vinegar, sugar and 2 tablespoons of salt. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the scallions and cauliflower and blanch until crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to the plastic bag. Add 2 cups of cold water. Seal the bag, pressing out the air; freeze for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, add the snap peas to the boiling water and blanch until bright green, about 1 minute. Drain and cool under running water. Pat dry and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces.
3. Drain the scallions and cauliflower, reserving 3 tablespoons of the pickling liquid. Transfer the vegetables to a large bowl. Add the snap peas, white beans, ham, parsley and sunflower seeds. In a small bowl, whisk the reserved pickling liquid with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Serve right away.