Kidney Bean Salad with Spiced Vinaigrette and Herbs

Georgian kidney bean salad is spiced and herbal, a fresh take on American three-bean salad. Toasted walnuts add crunch that contrasts the starchy creaminess of the beans. For convenience, we use canned kidney beans, but to ensure they're seasoned throughout, we heat them in the microwave before tossing them with the dressing. As the beans cool, they absorb the seasonings so every bite is flavorful. If you can't find ground fennel, grind your own by processing 1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds in a spice grinder until fine and powdery.