This fresh salad recipe uses Turkey sausage with sweet onions, fresh vegetables, a homemade pesto and pasta.

INGREDIENTS

1 16 oz pkg hot or mild Italian turkey sausage, casings removed and crumbled
3 medium sweet onions, thinly sliced
1 lb uncooked penne pasta
2 tsp minced fresh garlic
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
2 tbsp pine nuts
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups seeded and diced Roma tomatoes
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
Red or butter lettuce leaves
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for garnish, optional

DIRECTIONS

• In a large skillet, cook sausage together with onion over medium-high heat until sausage is browned. Drain and reserve.
• Cook penne as instructed in the label and drain.
• For the pesto sauce, place garlic cloves into the food processor or a blender. Once smooth, start adding basil and parsley. Process until finely chopped. Add pine nuts, chopping until fine.
• Keep the motor running as olive oil and chicken broth is slowly added into the mixture. Add Parmesan cheese and black pepper, combining well into the mixture. Scrape the sides down when needed.
• For assembly, toss sausage with onions, tomatoes and bell pepper with penne. Mix in the pesto into the salad mixture gradually just until moist.
• Ladle salad over platter lined with lettuce. Top with shredded cheese (optional).
• Makes up to 8 servings.