Penne And Shrimp Salad Primavera With Basil Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
| 1 pound penne or similar tubular pasta | ||
| 1/2 pound thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces 1 1/2 inches long | ||
| 1 zucchini, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes | ||
| 2 small summer squash, trimmed and sliced 1/4 inch thick | ||
| Large shrimp | 1 pound, deveined | |
| Red bell pepper | 1 Large, diced | |
| Red onion | 1 , minced | |
| 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves | ||
| Garlic | 3 Clove (5gm) (For the dressing) | |
| Wine vinegar | 3 Tablespoon (For the dressing) | |
| 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard | ||
| 2/3 cup olive oil or a combination of olive oil and vegetable oil, or to taste | ||
| Toasted pine nuts | 1/2 Cup (16 tbs) (For the dressing) | |
| 1/2 cup chopped purple or green basil leaves | ||
| Freshly grated Parmesan to taste | ||
Directions
In a large saucepan of boiling salted water cook the penne for 7 to 8 minutes, or until it is slightly tender.
Add the asparagus, the zucchini, and the summer squash, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Add the shrimp and cook them, stirring, for 1 minute, or until they are firm.
Drain the mixture thoroughly and refresh it under cold water.
Drain the mixture thoroughly one more time and in a large bowl combine the pasta mixture with the red pepper and the onion.
Make the dressing: In a blender or food processor combine the basil, the garlic, the vinegar, the mustard, and salt and pepper to taste and blend the mixture, until it is smooth.
With the motor running add the oil in a stream and blend the dressing until it is combined well.
Add the dressing to the pasta mixture and toss it gently to combine.
Garnish the salad with the pine nuts and the basil and serve it with the Parmesan.
Add the asparagus, the zucchini, and the summer squash, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Add the shrimp and cook them, stirring, for 1 minute, or until they are firm.
Drain the mixture thoroughly and refresh it under cold water.
Drain the mixture thoroughly one more time and in a large bowl combine the pasta mixture with the red pepper and the onion.
Make the dressing: In a blender or food processor combine the basil, the garlic, the vinegar, the mustard, and salt and pepper to taste and blend the mixture, until it is smooth.
With the motor running add the oil in a stream and blend the dressing until it is combined well.
Add the dressing to the pasta mixture and toss it gently to combine.
Garnish the salad with the pine nuts and the basil and serve it with the Parmesan.
Chef
