French Pasta Salad

Photo: flickr user Qfamily

Ingredients

1/2 cup hazelnuts, (2 oz.)

coarsely chopped

1 pound dried penne or ziti pasta<

12 ounces green beans, (3 cups)

inch ends trimmed and cut half

2/3 cup drained chopped jarred pimientos

OR roasted red peppers

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon drained capers, (optional)

1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled (3 oz.)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable o

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 lrg shallot minced

2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon

2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Preparation

In this sophisticated salad, the rich flavors of toasted hazelnuts and goat cheese contrast nicely with the tangy Dijon mustard vinaigrette. Feel free to substitute feta, Roquefort or freshly grated Parmesan for goat cheese, and asparagus pieces for the green beans.

Preheat oven to 325F. Spread hazelnuts in small baking pan and bake until toasted and fragrant, stirring once, about 15 minutes. Cool slightly. Rub briskly in a kitchen towel to remove skins. Set aside.

Meanwhile, bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta; stir to prevent sticking. Cook pasta until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain; rinse under cold water and drain well. Set aside.

Bring large saucepan of water to a boil. Add green beans and cook until just crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water and drain well.

Set aside.

Make vinaigrette: In large shallow serving bowl, whisk together a[l ingredients. Add pasta, green beans, toasted hazelnuts and pimientos and toss to combine. Sprinkle with parsley and capers if desired. Scatter cheese around edge of salad. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.