Snap Pea Salad With Whipped Ricotta Recipe 455

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.

Steps:

• Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil over high. Add peas and cook just until bright green and barely tender, about 1 minute. Immediately transfer peas to a bowl of ice water; let stand 5 minutes. Drain well. Thinly slice lengthwise. Process ricotta and 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind in a food processor until smooth and creamy, about 15 seconds. Spread mixture on a serving platter. Toss together sliced snap peas, pea tendrils, chives, mint, dill, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Arrange on top of ricotta mixture. Drizzle with oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind.

Steps:

• Vinaigrette: In a blender, add mustard, vinegar, yogurt, ¼ cup water, a pinch of salt, and 8 grinds of black pepper. Turn on high, and immediately drizzle in the oil; the dressing is fully emulsified when it looks smooth, about 30 seconds. Turn blender off and add another pinch of salt, ¼ cup more water, and Parmesan. Close the lid and blend on high to incorporate the cheese, 10 seconds. The dressing should be thick and creamy, like a Caesar dressing. Makes 3 cups. (Store extra dressing in a lidded container or squeeze bottle in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.)
• Salad: Trim snap peas by pulling off the tough string that runs along the length of the pod. Julienne whole pods lengthwise and add to a large bowl. Trim and julienne snow peas and add 1½ to 2 cups to the bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and 2 grinds of black pepper. Add sunflower seeds and pea shoot tendrils. Trim green tops from radishes, cut in half, then thinly slice and add to the bowl.
• Assembly: With your hands, gently toss the salad with ¼ cup of dressing. Pile salad on a serving platter and garnish with additional pea shoot tendrils.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, toss together the radishes, peas, ricotta and mint.
• Using a knife or a mortar and pestle, make a paste of the garlic and salt. Place in a small bowl and add the lemon juice and balsamic vinegar and stir well to combine. Drizzle in the olive oil, stirring constantly, and add pepper to taste.
• Pour dressing over salad and toss well to combine. Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary.