Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a vibrant and refreshing Vegan Caprese Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any occasion! Bursting with the flavors of ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy vegan mozzarella, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy, plant-based delight. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a colorful salad that will impress your family and friends, making it the ideal addition to summer picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. Dive into this easy recipe and discover how to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup vegan mozzarella, cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the fresh basil, and cube the vegan mozzarella into bite-sized pieces.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and cubed vegan mozzarella.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for whole grain or gluten-free pasta to enhance the nutritional value of your salad. This will not only make it healthier but also add a unique texture.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest cherry tomatoes and basil you can find. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of your salad.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, olives, or arugula for extra flavor and nutrition. This salad is versatile, so get creative!
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully. It’s worth the wait!
- Adjust the Dressing: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. You can tweak the olive oil and balsamic vinegar ratio to suit your personal preference for tanginess.
- Serve with Style: For a beautiful presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl and garnish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic reduction just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
