Zucchini with Pesto, Tomato, and Gouda Recipe

Here's a simple to make, and delicious gluten-free recipe that we tend to make somewhat frequently during the summer months, when the ingredients are in-season. It is Zucchini with Pesto, Tomato, and Gouda (or Parmesan, or any other favorite cheese).

All the ingredients are gluten-free of course, and this dish does not take long to prepare. It makes for a good gluten-free main course, or gluten-free side dish, just by varying the portions served with a meal. I find it plenty satisfying as a main dish in a meal. And, it should be rather healthy in its vegetarian state.

Basically, start out with some young fresh zucchinis. Smaller ones work best, since they are tender and the seeds are not too developed, plus their size is just right for splitting lengthwise in half (as the one in the picture was done) while not producing overly thick pieces.

Place the zucchini on a baking sheet that has been covered with foil and cooking spray. If the zucchini want to roll over, just trip a bit off the rounded side to make a flat spot to prevent rolling. Then, spread a bit of pesto (we used garlic and walnut with sun-dried tomato pesto) over the surface of each zucchini. Add some thinly sliced tomato over that, and then some thinly sliced cheese (in our case, Gouda).

Bake in a 400-degree oven for about 30 minutes (will vary based on the size of zucchini, etc - if thick zucchini, you'll probably want to lower oven temperature and bake longer so as not to burn cheese). Remove and serve warm. This is bound to be a recipe you will like, especially if you are a fan of zucchini and/or pesto.