Vegan Caprese Salad (Gluten-free)

Recipe:
Vegan Caprese Salad

From:
Amanda at Pickles & Honey

“Pickles & Honey” – how stinking cute is that? I have blog name envy. What’s even better is the reason behind the name. And her “About” page hit home with me, too. I can definitely relate to her story.

I, too, have pipe dreams about living in northern California. After reading her story, maybe I should stay put ;)

It has been mega hot here, so when I spotted this vegan take on the light, summer-y Caprese Salad, I knew I had to try it. Before I had a chance to make it, we went out for dinner with friends. If you’re a vegan, you know what a challenge it can be to order at restaurants. I was so happy to find a Caprese Salad on the menu, so I ordered it without mozzarella, and avocado instead. The server gave me a hard time about it and embarrassed me in front of our friends. I wanted to go into a rant about being vegan and why I would opt to order this way, but I saved myself the further embarrassment and politely smiled.

The salad was pretty enough on the plate, but it was largely lacking in flavor. The tomato was under ripe, there was no basil (gasp!) and not enough balsamic/olive oil. It was a “lemon.”

Fortunately, it was the perfect summer night. on the restaurant deck. on the water. at sunset. So, could I really complain? I think not. (That is not us in the photo, just some nearby diners.)

The restaurant’s lackluster Caprese Salad didn’t discourage me from trying out Amanda’s recipe. And I’m pleased to report that her version is WAY better. It’s so simple. How could anyone screw this up?! Last night, I sat out on my deck and enjoyed every bite of this perfect summer meal.

Oh, and I even got to use my very own tomato and basil, grown on my deck (can you sense the swell of pride? – I am challenged in the green thumb department).

Vegan Caprese Salad Gluten-free
Vegan Caprese Salad Gluten-free
Vegan Caprese Salad Gluten-free

Vegan Caprese Salad (Gluten-free)

Ingredients

  • 1 medium tomato
  • ½ ripe avocado*
  • 6-8 leaves of fresh basil (I used 6 large leaves and it was more than I needed)
  • 1-2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
  • sea salt & pepper to taste 

*I used almost a whole avocado because it was my whole dinner and I was HUNGRY! If you’re not familiar with choosing ripe avocados, you’ll want one that has a primarily all black skin. You don’t want one with a green skin that is hard to the touch.

It should have a little give when you squeeze it (if it feels “mushy,” then it’s probably too ripe).

Instructions

1. First, cut the avocado in half (slicing just down to the nut). Turn one half to open. Remove the nut. Carefully scoop out each half in one piece. Slice each half into ¼ inch thick slices.

2. Slice the top and bottom off the tomato, and remove core as needed. Cut tomato in half (top to bottom), then slice each half into ¼ inch thick slices.

3. Arrange the tomato and avocado slices on a plate, alternating between the two.

4. Thinly slice the fresh basil and toss over the tomato and avocado.

5. Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper to taste.

Vegan Caprese Salad Gluten-free

Enjoy your super easy, guilt-free, fresh summer salad!

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2 thoughts on “Vegan Caprese Salad (Gluten-free)”

  1. I’m glad you enjoyed my take on a caprese salad! It’s so simple, but so good! Also, I’m totally jealous that you used one of your own tomatoes! I’ve been thinking about buying a plant for my porch, but I wasn’t sure if it would survive. Your success gives me hope! :)

    Reply
  2. Amanda, thank you for your comment. The salad was excellent! As you can see, I am just getting started with this blog and yours one of my first recipe reviews. I really enjoy your blog and am a subscriber. I’m thinking I might participate in next month’s Vegan Food Swap. In fact, I think I’ll go sign up right now. xo

    Reply

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