Recipe by: Pascal Vander Hass

Serving Size: This recipe serves 4 people, perfect for a light lunch or a fresh side dish at dinner.

The Caprese salad is a beloved Italian classic, but during my vegan journey, I struggled to enjoy it because we couldn't find a vegan mozzarella that replicated the flavors and texture of the original. That is, until we discovered our vegan mozzarella! This version of the classic, with the addition of zucchini (thank you, Pascal, for this wonderful recipe!), has become a dinner party favorite. It’s a bit heartier but still delivers the perfect balance of fresh tomatoes, basil, and vegan mozzarella, all complemented by the delicious taste of zucchini—a true staple in Italian cuisine.

Fun Fact About Italian Caprese: The Caprese salad, known for its vibrant combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, was inspired by the colors of the Italian flag—green, white, and red! Legend has it that the salad was created in the 1950s on the island of Capri, where it quickly became a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 240g Vegan Mozzarella
• 1 zucchini
• 2 tbsp Basil Pesto
• 8g fresh basil, for garnish
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Zucchini:
   Cut the zucchini into 1/2 cm slices and sprinkle generously with salt. Let the zucchini "sweat" for 5 minutes, then pat dry with kitchen paper.
2. Grill the Zucchini:
   Heat the olive oil in a grill pan over medium heat. Grill the zucchini slices on both sides for about 2-3 minutes or until you see beautiful grill marks.
3. Slice the Tomatoes and Mozzarella:
   Cut the tomatoes and vegan mozzarella into 1/2 cm slices.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   On a large platter (or divide into separate plates), alternate slices of grilled zucchini, tomatoes, and vegan mozzarella. Arrange them in a circular or overlapping pattern for a beautiful presentation.
5. Finish with Pesto and Basil:
   Drizzle the basil pesto over the arranged ingredients, then garnish with fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This hearty vegan Caprese salad is more than just a dish; it’s part of a long Italian tradition that embodies the essence of classic flavors. With a few simple additions, this recipe takes the traditional Caprese to the next level, making it a more filling and satisfying lunch option. Try this quick and delicious vegan Italian dish today and don't forget to share your creations with us on Instagram using #VegalianoEats!

Tip: The classic Caprese salad doesn't include zucchini, so if you prefer the original, feel free to skip the zucchini and replace the pesto with one of our balsamic vinegars for a traditional twist.