Best Ricotta Olive And Pine Nut Spread Recipes

WHIPPED RICOTTA SALAD

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.

RICOTTA PARFAITS

Steps:

• Special equipment: 4 parfait or sundae glasses
• In a small bowl, whisk the ricotta cheese and yogurt together until smooth. In each parfait glass, layer 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture, 1 tablespoon raspberry jam and 1/4 cup of granola. Repeat the layers. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture on top and garnish with toasted almonds before serving.
• *Cook's Note: To toast the sliced almonds, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F oven for 6 to 8 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely before using.

RICOTTA AND PINE NUT SALAD

Steps:

• Place ricotta in a mixing bowl and break up with a fork. Tear basil leaves into pieces, and toss with ricotta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Place a small dry skillet over medium heat, and add pine nuts. Stir constantly until nuts are darkly golden. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
• Arrange salad leaves on a large platter and sprinkle with Belgian endive. In a small bowl, combine vinegar and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle mixture over salad greens, and toss. Spread pine nuts evenly over greens.
• Drop small mounds of ricotta mixture onto greens. Dust ricotta with paprika, and garnish platter with basil leaves. Serve.

OLIVE SPREAD

Steps:

• Place all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender and puree. If the mixture is too thin, add 2 ounces or more of ricotta cheese to thicken it. Season with salt and pepper.

BRUSCHETTA WITH FRESH RICOTTA AND PINE NUT SALSA VERDE

Steps:

• Before you begin, make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature. Preheat your grill, if using. (You can also crisp the bread in a toaster.)
• Combine the ricotta and oil in a metal bowl and whip with a whisk until fluffy. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and beat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just to lighten the mixture and make sure the oil is incorporated.
• Brush each slice of bread with a little olive oil, and then grill until lightly toasted and crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Alternatively, use a toaster to crisp the bread then brush with olive oil.
• Spread the ricotta mixture over the crostini, about 2 tablespoons per slice. Dollop about 1 teaspoon of the salsa verde on each and serve.

ONE-POT PENNE WITH SPINACH, RICOTTA, AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven, tossing occasionally, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes; set aside.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook according to manufacturer's directions. Add spinach during last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain; return pasta and spinach to pot. Add oil; season generously with salt and pepper. Toss well.
• Serve immediately, topped with ricotta, pine nuts, and Parmesan.

PENNE WITH RICOTTA AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• 1. Spread pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 oven for 6 to 8 minutes or til golden. Cook penne in large pot of boiling salted water using package directions.
• 2. Add spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain. Return pasta and spinach to pot. Stir in olive oil and generous amounts of salt and pepper. Serve topped with the pine nuts, ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Serves 6

SPINACH PENNE WITH RICOTTA AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet; toast in the oven, tossing occasionally, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes; set aside.
• Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spinach penne until al dente according to package directions, adding the fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain; return the pasta and spinach to the pot.
• Add the olive oil; season generously with salt and pepper. Toss well.
• Serve immediately, topped with the ricotta, pine nuts, and Parmesan.