Ravioli Salad (Proud Pasta Salad)
A visual feast, a bouquet of salad - keep it layered and pretty and you can get away with calling pasta a salad.
Serves: 4
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
325g cheese ravioli
1/2 cup each loosely packed basil, parsley and mint leaves
1 each small fennel bulb, zucchini (with flowers if you have them!), and a few radishes - very finely sliced, you need about 2 cups in the end
3 spring onions, finely sliced
a big handful of rocket
1/2 cup grated raw halloumi and/or 3 tablespoons goat's curd
pepper, to season
Optional extras
any young fresh herbs or salad leaves are welcome, as is a smattering of frozen baby peas, thawed, and crispy breadcrumbs on top!
For the dressing
1 garlic clove, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon tarragon mustard, or Dijon
1 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/3 cup olive oil
METHOD
For the dressing, in a small bowl add the garlic, salt, sugar, mustard and lemon juice and whisk to combine. Add the parmesan and stir. Drizzle in the olive oil and whisk.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to packet instructions.
Scatter the rocket over a platter.
Layer with half the ravioli.
Top with half the zucchini, half the goat's curd, lots of fresh veg and herbs. Pour over half the dressing.
Repeat.
Top with the grated raw halloumi/goat's curd and a good grinding of pepper.
HINTS
If you are comfortable with a mandolin, now is your time to shine - otherwise don't practice just before friends arrive; go slow, hand cut, focus on perky herbs and enjoy the time.
Perky herbs are non-negotiable - a five minute bath in iced water revives even the saddest bunch.
Just-warm ravioli softens the curd into little melty pockets; fully cooled travels better if this is headed to a picnic.
NUTRITION (per recipe total, serves 4 - guide only):
Energy: approximately 9150kJ (2185 calories)
Protein: 70g
Fat: 135g
Saturated fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 155g
Sugars: 12g
Fibre: 10g
Sodium: 3200mg
Note: excludes optional extras.
This nutrition information is a guide only and may vary depending on brands, exact quantities, and ingredient substitutions used.