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Home » Appetizer

Published: Jun 7, 2022 · Modified: Sep 22, 2022 by Barbara Zackey · Leave a Comment

Simple Summer Caprese Salad

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This simple salad is so easy to put together and a beautiful dish for sharing. Indulge on summer's bounty of tomatoes and basil with this classic dish, made vegan! A quick, healthy snack easily sliced together. Whether you're looking to break the pool party with a snack, serve guests the perfect appetizer, or just enjoy a glass of cold iced tea and conversation, this Caprese delivers.

When I think of enjoying this simple salad dish, it transports me to a shady spot outside next to an herb garden, sipping a cool drink overlooking a sunny day while thoroughly relishing in the fresh flavors of juicy tomatoes, creamy cashew cheese, and fragrant basil leaves.

If you're browsing for summer recipes, check out my Buffalo Cauliflower Salad with Dill Ranch or Easy Marinated Vegetable Kabobs.

Jump to:
  • Which vegan cheese is best?
  • What tomatoes are best?
  • Tips to prepare
  • Why you'll love this salad
  • Simple Summer Caprese Salad
Plated cheese salad with star shaped cheese, tomatoes underneath, basil on top. this post

Which vegan cheese is best?

When it comes to foods that I don't personally prepare, I prefer them to be made with clean ingredients by a brand I trust.

Miyoko's Creamery is in most grocery stores and is my personal favorite in flavor, texture, and ingredients. I am neither affiliated nor receive anything for sharing this recipe. I value brands making products without preservatives, chemicals, pesticides, and being organic. Therefore, this is the vegan cheese I buy and would recommend.

What tomatoes are best?

I recommend using either Heirloom or Roma tomatoes for this Simple Summer Caprese Salad. Heirlooms have a full, juicy, and sweet flavor. Plus, when sliced, they show off their beautiful colors. Cherry tomatoes would also work; they're smaller but filled with flavor.

Final plated dish on black plate.

Tips to prepare

⭐ Slice the tomatoes by cutting the top off and then slicing them horizontally. Slice as thin or thick as you prefer!

⭐ Sprinkle with sea salt to enhance the flavor.

⭐ For the wheel of vegan mozzarella, make a horizontal slice so that the depth of each bite is thinner. The cheese can then be cut into bite-sized slices or cut with a cookie cutter for a beautiful display!

⭐ Optionally, you can drizzle some balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of good olive oil. This appetizer also goes excellent with baby arugula, giving it more of a salad vibe.

Why you'll love this salad

This recipe is for you if you love cooking with simple ingredients and enjoy healthy eating with quick steps and simple seasonings. 

Simple Summer Caprese Salad is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a shared dish at your next gathering before the main meal.

My favorite? Make this on a Friday night paired with a fancy drink!

Craving more? Subscribe to my newsletter and stay in touch on Instagram and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

 

Other favorite summer recipes:

  • No Bake Vegan Orange Cheesecake with slice removed
    No Bake Vegan Orange Cheesecake
  • Orange Mint Mojito Mocktail - cocktail glass sitting on wooden board with grapefruit wedge and mint sprig in glass
    Orange Mint Mojito Mocktail
  • Vegan Herb Ricotta & Veggie Puff Pastry
    Vegan Herb Ricotta & Veggie Puff Pastry
  • Whipped Rosemary Hummus - swirled with rosemary butter and seeds
    Whipped Rosemary Hummus
Plated salad with star shaped cheese, tomatoes, chopped basil

Simple Summer Caprese Salad

This Simple Summer Caprese Salad is so easy to put together and a beautiful dish for sharing. Indulge on summer's bounty of tomatoes and basil with this classic dish, made vegan! A quick, healthy snack easily sliced together. Whether you're looking to break the pool party with a snack, serve guests the perfect appetizer, or just enjoy with cold iced tea and conversation this dish delivers.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 2 people
Author: Barbara Zackey

Equipment

  • 1 cookie cutter (star shaped if desired) optional

Ingredients

  • 1-2 fresh tomatoes (Heirloom or Roma)
  • 1 package vegan mozzarella cheese see above for recommended brand
  • 5-6 leaves fresh basil
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Slice the tomatoes by cutting the top off and then slicing horizontally. Slice as thin or thick as you prefer! Halve the tomato slices into bite-sized portions. Place each slice onto a plate and sprinkle with sea salt to enhance the flavor.
  • Take the vegan mozzarella wheel out of the package and make a horizontal slice so that the depth of each bite is thinner. The cheese can then be cut into bite-sized slices or cut with a cookie cutter for a beautiful display. Place each slice on top of the tomatoes.
  • Finally, chop the fresh basil and sprinkle over top with some black pepper and you're done. Optionally, you can drizzle some balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of good olive oil. This appetizer also goes great on top of baby arugula to give it more of a salad vibe.
Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment below letting me know how it went & don't forget to give it a star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Mention @BotanicalBarbara or tag #BotanicalBarbara, I love to see your creations!
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About Barbara

Hey, I'm Barbara! I'm a self-taught plant-based home cook, recipe developer, and food photographer in Phoenix. Here I share recipes, cooking tips, and everything I love about food. I'd love to hear from you if you have any questions or want to connect.

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