Lasagna is a timeless Italian comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. But what if you’re craving this classic dish while following a vegan lifestyle?
Say no more! This easy vegan lasagna recipe is packed with layers of rich tomato sauce, creamy cashew cheese, and hearty vegetables, delivering all the flavor and comfort without any animal products.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based meals, this recipe is designed to be simple, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
With accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, this lasagna will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while enjoying a luscious, cheesy texture that everyone will love.
Ready to dive into this wholesome, satisfying vegan delight? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan lasagna is a game-changer for anyone who thinks plant-based meals can’t be indulgent. Here’s why it stands out:
- Rich and creamy: Thanks to a homemade cashew-based cheese sauce, it has that luscious, gooey texture that traditional lasagna lovers crave.
- Loaded with veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers add nutrition and vibrant flavors.
- Simple ingredients: No need for exotic vegan cheeses or hard-to-find products.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it in advance and bake when you’re ready, perfect for meal prep.
- Customizable: Easily swap veggies or add your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also love our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or try the Vegan Casserole Recipes: Easy for quick weeknight dinner for more comforting plant-based dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Lasagna noodles | 12 sheets | Use no-boil or regular cooked noodles |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing vegetables |
Garlic cloves | 3, minced | |
Yellow onion | 1 medium, diced | |
Mushrooms | 2 cups, sliced | Cremini or button mushrooms |
Zucchini | 1 medium, thinly sliced | |
Fresh spinach | 4 cups | Baby spinach preferred |
Canned crushed tomatoes | 28 oz (1 can) | Or use your favorite marinara sauce |
Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | For richness |
Cashews (raw) | 1 cup, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes | Base for vegan ricotta |
Unsweetened plant milk | 1/3 cup | Almond, soy, or oat milk works well |
Nutritional yeast | 1/4 cup | Adds cheesy flavor |
Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | For tanginess in cashew cheese |
Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | |
Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons | Or mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme |
Salt | To taste | |
Black pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling noodles if needed)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Blender or food processor (for cashew cheese)
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, cook them in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step.
- Make the tomato sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and zucchini: Toss sliced mushrooms and zucchini into the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Incorporate spinach and tomatoes: Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the cashew cheese: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender or food processor with plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Blend until creamy and smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add a little more plant milk if needed for a spreadable consistency.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the lasagna: Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Layer 4 noodles on top, then spread about one-third of the cashew cheese over the noodles, followed by one-third of the tomato sauce mixture. Repeat layers twice more, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining tomato sauce and cashew cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to brown the top slightly.
- Cool and serve: Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra burst of flavor, add fresh basil or oregano between layers or sprinkle vegan parmesan on top before baking.”
Tip: If you want to save time, prepare the tomato sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, making your lasagna even more delicious.
Variation ideas:
- Add roasted eggplant or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
- Use tofu ricotta instead of cashew cheese for a different protein boost.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.
- Try layering in cooked lentils or vegan ground “meat” for a heartier meal.
For more creative plant-based ideas, check out our Veganomicon Recipes Online: Best Dishes to Try Today or explore the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for complementary dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8th of lasagna) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 40 g |
Dietary Fiber | 7 g |
Fat | 10 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Calcium | 150 mg |
Iron | 3 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Consider serving it alongside crusty garlic bread or a warm Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves to complete your meal.
For a festive dinner, add a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, our Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests offer plenty of tasty plant-based treats.
Conclusion
This easy vegan lasagna recipe is proof that comfort food can be wholesome, satisfying, and completely plant-based. With layers of savory tomato sauce, creamy cashew cheese, and nutrient-packed vegetables, it’s a dish that pleases both vegans and non-vegans alike.
The best part? It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.
By making this lasagna a part of your cooking repertoire, you’re embracing delicious food that’s kind to animals and the planet. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a longtime enthusiast, this recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of Italy without compromise.
Don’t forget to explore more recipes on our site for a full spectrum of tasty vegan meals!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Vegan Lasagna
Description: A simple and delicious vegan lasagna packed with vegetables and creamy tofu ricotta. Perfect for a comforting plant-based meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic, mushrooms, and zucchini until tender.
- In a bowl, crumble tofu and mix with nutritional yeast, chopped spinach, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Layer 3 noodles, half the tofu mixture, half the sautéed vegetables, and some marinara sauce.
- Repeat layers once more and top with remaining noodles and sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to brown the top.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 40 g
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