French Pasta Salad

===Ingredients===
* 1/2 c hazelnuts; (2 oz.)
* 1 coarsely chopped
* 1 lb dried penne or ziti Pasta
* 12 oz green beans; (3 cups)
* 1 ends trimmed and cut in half
* 2/3 c drained chopped jarred-pimientos
* 1 or roasted red peppers
* 2 tb chopped fresh parsley
* 1 tb drained capers; (optional)
* 1/2 c goat Cheese; crumbled (3 -oz.)
 
====for vinaigrette====
* 1/4 c extra-virgin olive oil or - vegetable; oil
* 1/4 c red wine vinegar
* 1 tb dijon mustard
* 1 lg shallot minced
* 2 ts chopped fresh tarragon
* 2 ts chopped fresh basil
* 1 ts salt
* 1/4 ts coarsely ground pepper
===Directions===
In this sophisticated salad, the rich flavors of toasted hazelnuts and goat Cheese contrast nicely with the tangy Dijon mustard vinaigrette. <BR>
Feel free to substitute feta, Roquefort or freshly grated Parmesan for goat Cheese, and asparagus pieces for the green beans. <BR>
Preheat oven to 325F. Spread hazelnuts in small baking pan and bake until toasted and fragrant, stirring once, about 15 minutes. <BR>
Cool slightly. Rub briskly in a kitchen towel to remove skins. Set aside. <BR>
Meanwhile, bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. <BR>
Add Pasta; stir to prevent sticking. Cook Pasta until just tender, about 8 minutes. <BR>
Drain; rinse under cold water and drain well. Set aside. <BR>
Bring large saucepan of water to a boil. Add green beans and cook until just crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. <BR>
Drain, rinse under cold water and drain well. Set aside. <BR>
<BR>
Make vinaigrette: In large shallow serving bowl, whisk together all ingredients. <BR>
Add Pasta, green beans, toasted hazelnuts and pimientos and toss to combine. <BR>
Sprinkle with parsley and capers if desired. Scatter Cheese around edge of salad. <BR>
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
===Other Links===
==See also==
Category: French Salads
Category: French Snacks
Category: French Vegetarian Category:SaladsCategory:Snacks
 Category:VegetarianCategory: Shallot Salad Recipes
 Category:Recipes
Category: French Recipes
Category:basil Recipes
Category:tarragon Recipes
Category:parsley Recipes
category:red wine vinegar Recipes
category:cayenne pepper Recipes
category:green bean Recipes
category:olive oil Recipes
category:hazelnut Recipes
category:Roquefort Recipes
category:asparagus Recipes
category:mustard seeds Recipes
category:shallot Recipes
category:capers Recipes
category:Cheese Recipes
category:pepper Recipes
category:Pasta Recipes
category:water Recipes
category:penne Recipes
category:salt Recipes
category:ziti Recipes
category:feta Recipes
category:oil Recipes