How good does it feel when the only direction to a recipe is “combine?” This super simple pasta salad is the perfect foundation to build on.  I took a basic pesto recipe and let those individual ingredients come through, but feel free to add more vegetables, meat, cheese, whatever suits your fancy.  This is a simple, delicious recipe that you can adapt again and again.

INGREDIENTS

8 ounces orrechiette, cooked, drained, and cooled

3/4 cup ricotta

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 cup fresh basil, chiffonade

1/2 cup grated parm

1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

1 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine the orrechiette (or any pasta your like) with the ricotta, garlic, and olive oil.  Stir until the ricotta lightly coats the pasta.  Add the remaining ingredients and gently combine.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Enjoy!