Broccoli Rabe Salad with Lemon, Basil, Tomatoes and Pine Nuts

Recipe from:  Leavedinnertolettie.com

Serves 4 as a side dish

 Ingredients

1 bunch of Broccoli Rabe

1/2 pint Grape tomatoes, halved

Zest of 1 Lemon

Juice of 1 Lemon

10 large Basil leaves, chopped

1/8 cup Pine Nuts

1/2 cup Shaved Parmesan

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

First you need to blanch the broccoli rabe. Start by cutting it in half. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Place the broccoli rabe in the boiling water (leaves and all) for about 2-3 minutes. Just until it starts to get tender.

Drain the broccoli rabe then place in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain once again, then pat dry with a towel.

Place the broccoli rabe in a bowl with the tomatoes and basil.

At this point I like to toast the pine nuts, but you don't have to. Place in a pan over medium heat and toast until they just become fragrant. About 5 minutes.

Dress the salad with the zest, lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper. Toss and taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. Plate the salad and top with the Parmesan and pine nuts. If you aren't serving right away you can leave the salad in the fridge and top with the nuts and cheese just before serving.