Almond Pesto Rice Salad Recipes

EASY BASIL PESTO WITH ALMONDS

Steps:

• Combine basil, Parmesan cheese, almonds, olive oil, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until blended. Pour in more olive oil, with the processor running, until pesto is thick and smooth.

ELEGANT ALMOND RICE SALAD

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, heat water and rice to boiling. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes. Drain excess liquid from rice.
• Drain artichoke hearts, reserving marinade. Halve artichoke hearts and add to rice with peas, green pepper, green onions, tomatoes, reserved marinade, and only HALF the dressing.
• Toss well. Cover and chill. Just before serving, toss again and taste. Add some of remaining dressing, if desired. Sprinkle with almonds and serve.
• DRESSING PREPARATION:
• In a blender, puree mustard, olive oil, lemon juice garlic and herbs. With motor running, drizzle in oil to create an emulsion. Pour in a lidded jar and shake well. Refrigerate until ready to use.

ORECCHIETTE WITH ALMOND PESTO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Season well with salt. Add the broccoli rabe to the water and simmer until the stem is just tender when pierced with a knife, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to a rimmed baking sheet to cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, squeeze out any extra water with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
• Add the almonds to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, 5 or 6 times. Add the basil, oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Puree until combined and almost smooth. Pour the pesto into a large bowl. Add the Parmigiano-Reggiano, broccoli rabe and mozzarella and toss well to combine.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season liberally with salt. Add the orecchiette and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or a pasta spider, transfer the pasta directly to the bowl with the pesto. Add 1/2 cup of the pasta water and 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss everything together until evenly coated.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.