Instructions: In a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring potatoes and 2 1/2 quarts water to a boil. Cover pan, reduce heat, and simmer until potatoes are tender when pierced, 25 to 30 minutes. With a slotted spoon, lift potatoes out and let them stand.

Return water to boiling and add cauliflower; cover, reduce heat, and simmer just until tender when pierced, 5 to 6 minutes. With slotted spoon, lift out florets and let stand. Return water to boiling and add carrots; cover, reduce heat, and simmer until tender when pierced, 8 to 10 minutes. With slotted spoon, lift out carrots and let stand. Return water to boiling and add green beans; simmer, uncovered, until tender-crisp to bite, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain green beans, immerse in ice water until cool, about 3 minutes, then drain again.

Meanwhile, in a 3- to 4-quart pan, bring beets and 1 1/2 quarts water to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until beets are tender when pierced, 35 to 40 minutes. Drain and let cool.

Peel beets and potatoes; cut into 3/8-inch cubes. In a small bowl, mix beets with 2 tablespoons vinegar. Put potatoes in a large bowl. Cut cauliflower florets into 1/2-inch-wide pieces. Cut carrots in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. Cut green beans into 1/2-inch pieces. Add cauliflower, carrots, and green beans to potatoes.

In another small bowl, combine mayonnaise, 6 tablespoons vinegar, cornichons, capers, 1/4 cup dill (or 2 tablespoons dried dill), Dijon mustard, dry mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 1 1/2 cups of the dressing and remaining 1/4 cup vinegar to the potato-vegetable salad; mix gently.

Overlap gravlax slices end to end to create an equal-size circle on each plate. Mound potato-vegetable salad equally in the center of the circles, surround with beets, and arrange bread alongside. Sprinkle salads with remaining 1/4 cup dill (or 2 tablespoons dried dill). Accompany with remaining dressing and salt and pepper to add to taste.

This recipe yields 10 to 12 servings.

Comments: Even though Luciano grew up in Rome, Russian salad was a traditional dish in his family. Up to 2 days ahead, prepare the gravlax, make the dressing, assemble the potato-vegetable salad, and season the beets; chill each separately, airtight. Or instead of making gravlax, purchase 1 pound thin-sliced smoked salmon.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.