Shell Pasta With Goat Cheese and Basil Vinaigrette

You will be surprised at how pretty this dish looks for an appetizer or a light lunch. Enjoy!

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Vinaigrette

• 1  cup  loosely packed fresh basil leaf
• 2  garlic cloves, chopped
• 1  tablespoon red wine vinegar
•  salt
•  fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil, plus
• 2  tablespoons olive oil, extra
• 8  ounces small shell pasta
• 6 1⁄2 ounces  goat cheese, crumbled
• 6 1⁄2 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 1⁄2 ounces  small black olives
• 4  pieces focaccia bread
• 3  tablespoons  toasted pine nuts

Directions

1. Place the basil, garlic, vinegar and salt and pepper in food processor.
2. Process until the basil is finely chopped.
3. Add the 1/4 cup of oil and process again until emulsified.
4. Set aside Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente.
5. Run under cold water and drain.
6. Toss through enough of the basil vinaigrette to coat shells thoroughly.
7. Add the goat cheese and mix thoroughly.
8. Add the tomatoes and olives and stir to combine.
9. Add some more dressing, if necessary, but do not make the mixture too wet.
10. Toast the focaccia wedges and brush with a little of the extra oil.
11. Serve the wedges piled with the pasta mixture and sprinkled with toasted pine nuts.