Salade Argenteuil

Argenteuil, near Paris, is renowned for its asparagus—in fact, it means asparagus in French cookery. This one is a rather elaborate meld of cooked, chilled vegetables bound with mayonnaise and is more of a set piece for a buffet than a side dish. Along with a cold roast chicken, it is fancy enough for guests and cheap enough for a family meal on a late spring evening.