SNAP-PEA-AND-JICAMA SALAD WITH SEA SCALLOPS

Steps:

• To make the vinaigrette, combine the basil, mint and lime juice in a blender and process, stopping twice to scrape down the sides, until combined. With the blender running, slowly pour in the olive oil. Add the sugar, salt and pepper.
• To make the salad, bring a large saucepan that is 2/3 full of salted water to a boil. Add the snap peas and cook until they just begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge the peas into cold water to stop the cooking. When cool, drain again and combine with the jicama and mung-bean sprouts.
• Sprinkle the scallops with 1 teaspoon salt. Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over high heat. Sear the scallops until they are browned and just cooked through, about 1 1/2 minutes per side.
• Toss the salad with half of the dressing and transfer it to a serving platter or individual serving plates. Top the salad with the scallops, then drizzle both the scallops and the salad with the remaining vinaigrette and sprinkle with the mint and basil.