Recipe by: Ansie Smit

Serving Size: This recipe serves 2 people, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.

One of the most amazing things about Italian cuisine is its love for simple ingredients, which also makes it incredibly easy to prepare. This simplicity has been especially helpful when transitioning into veganism.

While we would love to make everything from scratch—like homemade pesto and mozzarella—life is busy, and sometimes we need shortcuts that still capture the authentic Italian flavors. That’s why this wonderful recipe from Ansie is not only easy but takes us straight to the heart of Italian food, combining two of our favorite things: caprese salad and pasta!

Fun Fact About Italian Caprese: Traditional Caprese salad is made with dairy-based mozzarella, but the vegan version offers an equally delicious twist! Vegan mozzarella, made from nuts or plant-based ingredients, has become a popular alternative, offering the same creamy texture and meltiness without compromising on flavor—proving that Italian classics can be both authentic and plant-based!

Ingredients:

• 200 grams of pasta of your choice
• 15 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 pack Vegan Mozzarella Cheese, torn into pieces
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes:
   Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them on the baking tray. Mix the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly discolored and softened.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain, reserving a little pasta water.
4. Prepare the Vegan Mozzarella:
   Tear or cut the vegan mozzarella cheese into small pieces.
5. Assemble the Pasta:
   Once the tomatoes are out of the oven, place the warm pasta on a serving plate. Top with the roasted tomatoes, add the vegan mozzarella, and finish with a handful of fresh basil leaves.
6. Add the Pesto and Olive Oil:
   Drizzle the pesto over the pasta in small amounts, then drizzle a little extra olive oil over the dish for added richness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   If you prefer a warm pasta, you can save some of the pasta cooking water and heat all the ingredients together in a pan, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

This easy vegan caprese pasta has quickly become our go-to dish because, despite its simplicity, it offers that incredible explosion of flavor that Italian food is known for. The combination of sweet roasted tomatoes, melty vegan mozzarella, and fresh basil makes for a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Try this quick and delicious Italian vegan dish today and don’t forget to share your creations with us on Instagram using #VegalianoEats!

Tip: For a more indulgent twist, you can sprinkle some vegan parmesan on top or add some toasted pine nuts for extra crunch. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.