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Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Mocha Cheesecake

moka coffee pot
A refreshing, herby Mediterranean pasta salad pairs with a decadent, coffee-kissed mocha cheesecake. Fully vegan, wildly satisfying, and oddly empowering.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 370 kcal

Ingredients
  

For Mediterranean Pasta Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked penne or fusilli
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Mocha Cheesecake (Vegan, No-Bake):

  • 1 cup raw cashews soaked 4+ hrs
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream
  • 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup melted dark chocolate dairy-free
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup almond flour for crust
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp cacao powder
  • Pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

Pasta Salad:

  • Boil pasta until just tender. Drain and cool under cold water.
  • In a bowl, mix pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, and parsley.
  • In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
  • Toss dressing with salad until everything’s living its best life.
  • Chill before serving or eat it immediately, we won’t judge.

Mocha Cheesecake:

  • Blend soaked cashews, coconut cream, coffee, maple syrup, chocolate, vanilla, and salt until silky smooth.
  • For the crust, mix almond flour, coconut oil, and cacao. Press into base of pan.
  • Pour mocha filling over crust. Smooth top like a boss.
  • Chill in fridge for 2–4 hours until firm.
  • Dust with extra cacao before slicing if you're feeling extra.

Notes

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

Calories: 370
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 7g

Vitamins and Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Iron: 12%
  • Calcium: 8%
  • Folate: 10%
  • Magnesium: 11%
  • Potassium: 9%

Additional Notes / Tips to Enhance Flavor

  • Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the salad for extra flair.
  • Use espresso powder for a bolder mocha hit if needed.
  • Don’t skip soaking the cashews—unless you're into gritty cheesecake (no one is).
  • Want it sweeter? Add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup—treat yourself.
  • Chill cheesecake overnight for best results and boss-le