Duck Breast, Green Bean, and Artichoke Salad

Artichokes are a great foil for thin slices of sautéed duck breast, lightening the effect of the rich duck with their mild flavor and gentle texture. I add walnuts to take the study in contrasts a step farther. You can make this salad with artichoke hearts out of a jar, but because the brine in jarred artichokes is somewhat aggressive, I prefer fresh ones. There are three ways you can deal with fresh artichokes. You can cook the whole artichokes and serve them for dinner the night before, w