A Fun Twist on Caprese
When I first thought of creating Vegan Tofu Caprese Skewers, I wanted to make something light and refreshing, yet full of flavor. This dish is a play on the traditional Caprese, but with a vegan twist, using tofu instead of mozzarella. I love how easy it is to assemble these skewers, and they always add a pop of color to any gathering. Vegan Tofu Caprese Skewers are perfect for summer picnics or quick snacks, and the fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, and tangy balsamic dressing really make the flavors shine.
The Idea Behind It
The idea for Vegan Tofu Caprese Skewers came to me during a summer BBQ when I realized there weren’t many plant-based options for guests. I wanted to offer something that was not only delicious but also packed with protein. Tofu seemed like the perfect substitute for mozzarella, offering a nice texture that complements the tomatoes and basil. The balsamic dressing ties everything together, making each bite burst with flavor. I love how these skewers look so elegant, yet they take just 15 minutes to put together.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
One of the things I adore about this recipe is its simplicity. You only need tofu, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a few pantry staples like olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and seasoning. The tofu cubes hold up beautifully on the skewers, and the basil adds a fragrant touch that instantly transports you to the Mediterranean. What’s great is that you don’t need to cook anything — just assemble, drizzle the dressing, and serve. It’s that easy!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or packing a lunchbox, Vegan Tofu Caprese Skewers are a hit every time. They’re not only vegan and gluten-free but also kid-friendly and healthy, making them a great snack for all ages. I love serving them at outdoor gatherings, where they disappear in minutes! Plus, you can easily add extra ingredients like olives or roasted red peppers to customize them. These skewers truly are a little bite of summer in every mouthful!
Table of Contents
Chef ‘s Notes- Vegan Tofu Caprese Skewers
- Drain and Press Tofu: To get the best texture, ensure that your tofu is well-drained. Press the tofu between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting it into cubes. This removes excess water and prevents soggy skewers.
- Cut Uniform Cubes: When slicing the tofu into cubes, make sure they are evenly sized. This ensures that each bite has a balanced tofu-to-tomato ratio and makes the skewers look visually appealing.
- Use Fresh Basil: Opt for fresh, vibrant basil leaves. If the leaves are too large, fold them gently before threading them onto the skewers. The aroma of fresh basil really elevates the dish.
- Prevent Soggy Skewers: Only drizzle the dressing right before serving to avoid soggy tofu and tomatoes. You can also serve the dressing on the side for guests to dip the skewers.
- Toothpick Length: If using small toothpicks, you may want to keep the skewer ingredients minimal. For a larger party or presentation, consider using longer skewers to create more substantial bites.
- Customize with Marinated Tofu: For more flavor, marinate the tofu in a simple mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic for an hour before assembling the skewers.
- Chilling Option: These skewers are best served fresh, but you can chill them in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving if you want them slightly cooler for summer events.
- Add Texture: Incorporating additional elements like olives, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts adds both texture and flavor variety.
Vegan Tofu Caprese Skewers
Dive into these delightful Vegan Tofu Caprese Skewers! With the fresh flavors of basil, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic dressing, these bites are a hit at any gathering. Perfect for BBQs, kids’ lunches, or a quick snack, these skewers are not only delicious but also packed with protein. No cooking required, just assemble and enjoy!
4
skewers15
minutes0
minutes150
kcal15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Tofu and Vegetables
16 oz firm tofu, cut into cubes
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Handful of fresh basil leaves
- Dressing
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
- Other
Toothpicks for assembly
- Alternative Ingredients:
Tofu: Replace with marinated tempeh for a different texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: Use grape tomatoes or small heirloom tomatoes.
Italian Seasoning: Substitute with a mix of dried oregano and thyme.
Directions
- Assemble Skewers – Start by threading a tomato half onto a toothpick. Follow with a folded basil leaf if large, then a tofu cube, and finish with another tomato half. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Prepare Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Dress and Serve – Arrange the assembled skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the skewers just before serving for a fresh and tangy flavor.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 8mg
FAQs- Vegan Tofu Caprese Skewers
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Wait to drizzle the balsamic dressing until just before serving.
What can I use instead of tofu?
You can replace tofu with marinated tempeh for a firmer texture or even roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a different variation.
How do I press tofu if I don’t have a tofu press?
You can press tofu by placing it between layers of paper towels or a clean dish towel. Then, set a heavy object like a pan or a plate on top to press out the water.
Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze instead of making the dressing?
Absolutely! Store-bought balsamic glaze works perfectly and adds a rich, sweet flavor to the skewers. You can drizzle it directly over the skewers for convenience.
What’s the best way to serve these skewers at a party?
Arrange the skewers on a large serving platter with the balsamic dressing drizzled on top, or serve the dressing in a small bowl on the side for dipping.
