Pasta Nicoise

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 9 to 11 minutes
Chill Time: none
Yield: 6 servings

• 1 (12-ounce) box rotini, cooked according to package directions
• ½ (15-ounce) can hearts of palm, drained and sliced
• 1 (15-ounce) can green beans, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can pitted black olives, drained
• 1 (6-ounce) can white albacore tuna in water, drained
• 12 grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons capers
• ¼ cup baby spinach leaves

For dressing:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Imitation bacon bits, for garnish (optional)

1. In a salad bowl, place pasta, hearts of palm, green beans, olives, tuna, tomatoes, capers and spinach.
2. Place all dressing ingredients in blender or food processor, and mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour over pasta and tuna. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Garnish with imitation bacon bits, if desired.

Tip:

You can add variety to this dish by adding ¼ cup anchovy fillets. Or for a sweet touch, add 2 tablespoons of Craisins. If you have loads of time, substitute fresh tuna steaks for canned tuna. Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper and broil or sear.

Suggested Wine:

Hagafen 2004 Reserve Estate Bottled Napa Valley Pinot Noir Fagan Creek Vineyard: Block 38.

Tangy olives and smoky “bacon” bits can make for a tricky match. But this single-vineyard Pinot Noir, with its distinct spicy nature, is the perfect accompaniment.

Reprinted with permission from Quick and Kosher: Recipes From The Bride Who Knew Nothing