Ingredients

1 tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon salt

1 pound string beans, stem ends trimmed

2 ounces ricotta salata cheese, crumbled

20 small fresh basil leaves

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Bring a large saucepan of cold water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and trimmed beans. Cook until beans are just tender, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and immediately plunge beans into an ice-water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain, pat dry, and place in a large bowl along with ricotta salata and basil leaves.

In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, olive oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper.

Pour vinaigrette over bean mixture and toss well.