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Caprese Pasta Salad with Coffee Caramel Truffles

moka coffee pot
A breezy vegan Caprese pasta salad paired with rich, decadent coffee caramel truffles. Light meets luscious, and it’s all dairy-free fabulous.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 390 kcal

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: 390
Total 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.