You know you’re living your best plant-based life when lunch feels like an Italian holiday and dessert hits like a coffee-fueled daydream. Caprese Pasta Salad, with all its basil-kissed, tomato-twirling flair, struts in like it owns the picnic. And then boom—Coffee Caramel Truffles show up looking like they came straight from a luxury spa menu. This pairing balances breezy and bold, like a yoga retreat with espresso breaks. Fresh, fast, and low-drama—just how we like our meals (and maybe our men). You’re about to toss, drizzle, roll, and devour—no apron, no guilt, and absolutely no chill.
Caprese Pasta Salad with Coffee Caramel Truffles
A breezy vegan Caprese pasta salad paired with rich, decadent coffee caramel truffles. Light meets luscious, and it’s all dairy-free fabulous.
Ingredients
For the Caprese Pasta Salad:
- 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup vegan mozzarella cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Coffee Caramel Truffles:
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips vegan
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
Caprese Pasta Salad:
- Cook pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water.
- Toss pasta with cherry tomatoes, vegan cheese, and basil in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss like you’ve got dinner guests.
- Chill for 10 minutes or serve immediately.
Coffee Caramel Truffles:
- In a saucepan, heat coconut cream and coconut sugar over medium heat.
- Add espresso powder, vanilla, and salt. Stir continuously until thick and caramel-like (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Let cool slightly.
- Roll small spoonfuls into balls and chill on parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together. Dip caramel balls in chocolate.
- Place in freezer to set for 10 minutes. Try not to eat five at once.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
Calories: 390Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)
- Iron: 13%
- Calcium: 10%
- Magnesium: 12%
- Vitamin K: 15%
- Folate: 11%
Additional Notes / Tips to Enhance Flavor
- Add arugula to the salad for a peppery twist.
- Use fresh roasted garlic in the dressing for a deeper punch.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on the truffles before chilling for that bakery finish.
- Keep truffles chilled—unless you’re into sticky fingers and broken dreams.
- Don’t tell your guests it’s vegan until after they fall in love with it.
