WHIPPED RICOTTA SALAD

Whipped Ricotta Salad image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

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1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese, chilled
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
18 snap peas, cleaned and cut in half (about 1/4 pound)
3 cups baby arugula

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.