Ricotta And Pine Nut Salad Recipes

WHIPPED RICOTTA WITH RAISINS AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Whisk 3 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon honey and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and add the raisins. Cook until reduced by half, 6 to 8 minutes. Let the raisins cool in the liquid, then drain.
• Meanwhile, whisk the remaining 1 teaspoon each vinegar and honey with the olive oil, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl; set aside.
• Combine the ricotta, capers, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a food processor; pulse a few times. Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with the vinaigrette. Top with the raisins, pine nuts and parsley. Serve with baguette slices.

ONE-POT PENNE WITH SPINACH, RICOTTA, AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven, tossing occasionally, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes; set aside.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook according to manufacturer's directions. Add spinach during last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain; return pasta and spinach to pot. Add oil; season generously with salt and pepper. Toss well.
• Serve immediately, topped with ricotta, pine nuts, and Parmesan.

RICOTTA, OLIVE AND PINE NUT SPREAD

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine the ricotta cheese, olives, pine nuts, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pulse until smooth. Add the parsley and pulse until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
• Cook's Note: To toast the pine nuts, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 6 to 7 minutes until lightly toasted. Cool completely before using.

WHIPPED RICOTTA SALAD

Steps:

• For the whipped ricotta: Place the ricotta, olive oil and salt in a food processor. Blend until light and smooth, about 30 seconds. Remove to a bowl and set aside.
• For the dressing: Place the basil, pine nuts, vinegar, salt and pepper flakes in a food processor. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil to form a smooth dressing. Set aside.
• For the salad: In a bowl, toss the tomatoes, snap peas and arugula with the dressing.
• To assemble: Spread the whipped ricotta on the bottom of a platter. Place the dressed salad on top of the ricotta, leaving some of the cheese exposed around the edges. Serve.

WATERMELON, RICOTTA SALATA, BASIL, AND PINE NUT SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk first 3 ingredients in small bowl. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Place watermelon and ricotta salata in medium serving bowl. Drizzle with dressing; toss. Sprinkle with pine nuts.
• *Available at supermarkets, Italian markets, and specialty foods stores.

WATERMELON, ARUGULA, AND PINE NUT SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, and salt in a large bowl, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified.
• Add watermelon, arugula, and pine nuts and toss to coat, then sprinkle with cheese, pepper, and fleur de sel (if using).

COURGETTE, MINT, RICOTTA & CHILLI SALAD

Steps:

• Heat a griddle pan to medium. Put the courgette slices in a bowl and toss with 1½ tbsp of the oil. Griddle for 3-4 mins on each side - you'll need to do this in batches - then transfer to a clean bowl. (See below left for griddling tips.)
• Mix together the remaining oil, the vinegar, most of the chilli and mint, and some seasoning, then pour over the courgettes and leave to marinate.
• Meanwhile, heat the butter in a small pan until foaming, then add the pine nuts. Cook over a low heat until nicely browned, then drain on kitchen paper.
• To assemble the salad, toss the rocket and most of the pine nuts with the courgettes. Divide among plates or pile onto a serving dish. Break the ricotta into chunks and dot over the salad, then scatter the remaining chilli, mint and pine nuts on top.