Dog Days of Summer

So for many of us, the kids are already back in school.  Mine left in early August to head back to Boston.  And now will be heading out to the Netherlands for the semester.  But in the theme of our lazy days and backyard meals, I’m sharing another menu favorite from around our house!

This is an easy summer salad.  Perfect for a Labor Day potluck.  Or just a last lazy day by the pool.

 

 

Pesto Pasta Salad

1 lb bowtie pasta (cooked)

1 cup pesto sauce (see recipe below)

1 cup pecan pieces

To make the salad, simply combine the pasta, the pesto and the pecan pieces.  Toss together and refridgerate at least an hour for flavors to combine.  Can add more pecans if desired and adjust amount of pesto sauce to taste.

Store bought pesto is fine, but it’s also an easy thing to make your own, and the brightness of the homemade far outshines anything you can buy at the store.

Pesto

1 cup (tightly packed) fresh basil

2 cloves garlic

¼ cup pine nuts

½ tsp sea salt (1/4 if  regular salt)

¼ cup + olive oil

½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

Add first four ingredients to food processor.  Process until paste is formed.  Slowly add oil while processor is running.  Add cheese and blend with processor briefly.  Will store in fridge for a month in freezer even longer.

So what’s your favorite Labor Day picnic food?  Got anything fabulous planned?  Please share!!!!

 

 

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