Instructions: Place a steamer basket in a saucepan. Add water to just below the bottom of the steamer basket. Bring to boiling. Add asparagus or green beans. Steam, covered, till crisp-tender (4 to 6 minutes for asparagus; 18 to 22 minutes for green beans). Remove asparagus or green beans from steamer basket. Chill till serving time. Add water to just below the bottom of the steamer basket, if necessary. Return to boiling. Add cauliflower. Steam, covered, for 8 to 12 minutes or till crisp-tender. Remove cauliflower from steamer basket. Chill until serving time.

For dressing, in a blender container or food processor bowl combine vinegar, mustard, and sugar. Cover and blend or process for 5 seconds. With blender running slowly, add oil in a thin, steady stream through the opening in the lid.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill till serving time. To serve, arrange asparagus or green beans on one side of a large platter. Line remaining half of the platter with lettuce. Arrange cauliflower on top of the lettuce. Add several cherry tomatoes and ripe olives. Pass the dressing. Garnish with the lemon slices and the thyme sprig.

Make-Ahead Tip: Up to 24 hours ahead, make the dressing; cover and chill.

Steam the asparagus or green beans and cauliflower. Arrange on the platter.

Cover and chill. Just before serving, add cherry tomatoes and olives. Drizzle with dressing.

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.