Award Winning Vegan Lasagna Recipe That Everyone Loves

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Lasagna is a classic comfort food, beloved by many for its rich layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. But what if you want to enjoy this hearty dish without any animal products?

Our award-winning vegan lasagna recipe is here to delight both vegans and non-vegans alike. Packed with wholesome vegetables, savory plant-based ricotta, and a luscious tomato sauce, this lasagna brings all the flavors and textures you crave without compromising on taste or ethics.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its creamy layers and satisfying bite.

We’ve perfected every element, from the homemade vegan cheese substitute to the hearty vegetable filling, ensuring that each bite bursts with flavor. Plus, this recipe is accessible and easy to follow, making it a fantastic introduction to plant-based cooking.

Ready to create a lasagna that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan lasagna is a celebration of flavors and textures that will win over even the most devoted meat-lovers. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Rich and Creamy: The vegan ricotta made from tofu and cashews mimics the creaminess of traditional cheese perfectly.
  • Loaded with Vegetables: A hearty mix of mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers adds nutrients and depth.
  • Homemade Sauce: A robust tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of sweetness creates the perfect base.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it a day ahead, making it perfect for entertaining.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones without losing any flavor.

Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles (regular or gluten-free)
  • 2 cups firm tofu, drained and crumbled
  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours or boiled for 15 minutes
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling noodles
  • Food processor or high-speed blender
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula and wooden spoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, laying them flat to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the vegan ricotta: In a food processor, combine the crumbled tofu, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the mushrooms, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook until tender, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C): While your vegetables are cooking, preheat your oven to get it ready for baking.
  5. Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Layer 3 noodles over the sauce. Spread 1/3 of the vegan ricotta over the noodles, then 1/3 of the sautéed vegetables, and 1/3 of the marinara sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
  6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly browned on top.
  7. Rest and serve: Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the vegan ricotta or vegetables.

Variation: Try swapping zucchini for eggplant or adding layers of roasted butternut squash for a seasonal twist.

Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free noodles or thinly sliced vegetables like eggplant or zucchini as noodle substitutes.

Extra creaminess: Stir in 2 tablespoons of silken tofu into the ricotta mixture for a softer texture.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1/8 of lasagna)
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 15 g
Fat 12 g
Carbohydrates 38 g
Fiber 7 g
Sugar 8 g
Sodium 350 mg

Serving Suggestions

This vegan lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp, green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. Roasted garlic bread or warm focaccia will complement the meal perfectly, adding a satisfying crunch.

For a refreshing finish, consider serving a light sorbet or one of our delightful desserts, like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe or a batch of soft Glazed Twist Donut Recipe.

For a beverage, a chilled glass of vegan-friendly red wine or a sparkling water with fresh lime will round out the meal nicely.

Conclusion

Creating a delicious vegan lasagna that satisfies every craving and wins awards might sound challenging, but this recipe proves it’s easier than you think. By combining fresh vegetables, a creamy tofu-cashew ricotta, and a robust tomato sauce, you get all the richness and comfort of traditional lasagna without any animal products.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or impressing guests with a healthy, compassionate meal.

Not only is it flavorful and filling, but it’s also a wonderful way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite vegetables or swap out ingredients to customize it to your taste.

And if you enjoyed this dish, check out our other vegan delights like the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe or the vibrant Half Runner Beans Recipe to keep your kitchen buzzing with plant-based goodness.

📖 Recipe Card: Award Winning Vegan Lasagna

Description: A rich and hearty vegan lasagna layered with creamy cashew ricotta and savory tomato sauce. Perfectly balanced flavors make this a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H15M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 lasagna noodles (gluten-free if preferred)
  • 2 cups cashews (soaked for 4 hours)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  3. Drain cashews and blend with nutritional yeast, garlic, basil, almond milk, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach until tender.
  5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish.
  6. Layer noodles, cashew ricotta, sautéed vegetables, and marinara sauce. Repeat layers ending with sauce.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
  9. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 35 g

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Marta K

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