Sun dried Tomato Pasta

This recipe is one of our favorite summer time pasta dishes. It is even better when the tomatoes are in season.

• 1/2 pound gluten free pasta (since our favorite Bi-Aglut is not available we have switched to Glutano-it was so good, we actually pulled the bag out of the trash to make sure it was gluten free. Schar's is our second choice.  You can buy both at glutenfree.com)
• kosher salt
• 1 pound ripe tomatoes, diced
• 3/4 cup kalamata olives, diced (Peloponnese are GF)
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella, chopped 
• 6 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (Trader Joe's is GF according to the Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping Guide 2008-2009)

For the dressing:

• 5 sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 T red raspberry vinegar
• 6 T good olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 t kosher salt
• 3/4 t black pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, julienne

Cook the paste in salt water.  Drain well.

In a bowl, add the tomatoes, olives, mozzarella and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

For the dressing, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor until almost smooth.

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, add the basil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  (I serve the cheese on the side since I am also casein free).

That simple and that good!!

This was adapted from my all-time favorite cookbook for cooking meals that are naturally gluten free.  I love all of the Barefoot Contessa Cookbooks, but use Barefoot Contessa Family Style: Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Family the most.  Most of her recipes are derived from natural fresh ingredients that are easy to find and cook with on the gluten free diet.