Summer Spinach Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

8  ounces ziti (2-1/4 cups)

1  cup lightly packed spinach leaves

1/4  cup lightly packed basil leaves

2  cloves garlic, quartered

2  tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese

1/8  teaspoon salt

1/8  teaspoon pepper

1  tablespoon olive oil

1  tablespoon water

1/2  cup light mayonnaise dressing or salad dressing

Spinach leaves

4 ounces chopped prosciutto

2  tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Set aside. Meanwhile, in a blender container or food processor bowl combine the 1 cup spinach, basil, garlic, cheese, salt, and pepper. Add oil and water; cover and blend or process until nearly smooth and mixture forms a paste, scraping down sides of container frequently. Combine the mayonnaise or salad dressing with the spinach mixture. Add to pasta and toss until well coated. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.

To serve, line a salad bowl with spinach leaves and, if desired, radicchio leaves. Spoon salad into lined bowl. Sprinkle with chopped prosciutto and pine nuts.

Serves 8