Summer Pesto "Pasta" Salad

  Well, summer is officially over since Labor Day is here.  Labor Day celebrates the dedication of the American workers but also signals the last BBQ hurrah before the weather turns. This is typically the last cook out before sweater season starts.  

  Of course this years summer appears to be holding out a bit longer, which I am loving.  Like most people, we have a couple of parties to go to this long weekend and I will likely bring some sort of side dish.  I like to bring something that everyone will enjoy not just some weird paleo dish that no one wants to try.  This salad is pretty awesome because most people don't realize it is zucchini pasta until they are half way through and by that time it's too late...your hooked!  The pesto brightens the zucchini while the sun dried tomatoes add a zing.  It's just a simple salad that packs a big punch.  It is perfect on a hot day and I know my kids will eat it!

  I use a mandoline to make the zucchini pasta. You could use a peeler or grater, but obviously the mandoline makes a more realistic pasta. Also, I keep the skin on since the pesto is green.  But if you are really looking for more of a pasta look you can peel the skin prior to making it into pasta.  It's a salad you can make a couple of hours ahead of time and it will still hold up. This is an easy recipe to double and take to a party which is what I plan to do.

  Have fun this weekend!  Happy cooking and eating!

Summer Pesto "Pasta" Salad

Serves:4-6

Prep Time:20 minutes

Cook Time:0 minutes

Total Time:20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchini
• 1 yellow pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes (packed in olive oil), thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup homemade paleo pesto

Instructions: 

1. Cut the ends off the zucchini.  Using the mandoline setting, julienne 1/8. Carefully start from one end and glide to the
   other end of the zucchini creating long strands of "pasta". Repeat until you reach the center or seeds and stop.  Turn the zucchini to a new side and continue to make strands until you reach the center and stop.  Repeat this process until you have only the core left of the zucchini. 
2. Place pasta in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and toss gently until all zucchini is covered.