Turkey pasta salad with ricotta pesto

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 300g dried wholemeal penne pasta
• 200g green beans, trimmed, cut into 3cm lengths
• 1/2 cup no-added-fat semi-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced (see note)
• 150g sliced smoked turkey, chopped
• Small fresh basil leaves, to serve

• Ricotta pesto

• 1/2 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method

1. Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling, lightly salted water, following packet directions, until tender, adding beans for last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain. Refresh under cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Meanwhile, make pesto Combine ricotta, basil, chives, lemon rind, garlic and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons hot water until mixture is slightly thinner, adding more water if necessary.
3. Add ricotta pesto to pasta and beans. Add tomato and turkey. Toss to combine. Season with pepper. Serve with basil.

Notes

• No-added-fat semi-dried tomatoes are available from most supermarket delis.

Source

Super Food Ideas – July 2009, Page 44
Recipe by Chrissy Freer