Lasagna is a classic comfort food loved by many, but traditional recipes often rely on dairy and meat, making it off-limits for vegans. Luckily, vegan cooking offers fantastic alternatives that don’t skimp on flavor or texture.
This vegan white lasagna recipe is creamy, rich, and layered with wholesome vegetables and a luscious cashew-based béchamel sauce that will satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping for the week.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based foodie, this recipe combines simple ingredients with straightforward steps to create a dish that bursts with flavor. From tender noodles to a velvety sauce and roasted veggies, every bite is a delight.
Plus, it’s naturally free from dairy, eggs, and gluten can be easily substituted, making it inclusive for various dietary needs.
Ready to impress your friends and family with a healthy twist on a beloved Italian classic? Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan white lasagna recipe offers a multitude of benefits that make it a standout choice for your next meal. First, it’s nutrient-packed with a variety of fresh vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini, which add vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to your plate.
Second, the creamy béchamel sauce is made without dairy, relying on cashews and plant milk, giving you that rich texture without the heaviness. It’s a great source of healthy fats and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
Finally, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to customize. Whether you want to add your favorite vegetables, swap noodles for gluten-free options, or spice it up with herbs, this recipe adapts effortlessly.
Perfect for meal prep, parties, or a comforting dinner, this lasagna is sure to become a new favorite in your vegan recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles (use gluten-free if preferred)
- 1 ½ cups raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 30 minutes)
- 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Food processor or high-speed blender
- Large skillet or frying pan
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, drizzling a little olive oil on them to prevent sticking.
- Make the cashew béchamel sauce: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to your food processor along with the plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, half of the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and remaining garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and zucchini slices, cooking until tender and lightly browned, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer 4 noodles on top, then half of the sautéed vegetables, followed by a generous layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat the layering once more: noodles, vegetables, sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles and the remaining béchamel sauce, spreading it evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is slightly golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
For a nut-free version, substitute the cashew béchamel with a cauliflower-based white sauce or use store-bought vegan cheese sauce.
Roast your vegetables instead of sautéing for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Add layers of vegan ricotta made from tofu or almonds to increase creaminess and texture.
You can also experiment with different vegetables such as eggplant, bell peppers, or kale. For extra protein, include cooked lentils or crumbled tempeh in the vegetable layers.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Fat | 11 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 280 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan white lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the dish. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon juice, olive oil, and toasted pine nuts for a peppery crunch.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic-roasted vegetables or a warm bowl of low calorie vegetable soup. A crusty loaf from the vegan bread machine recipe also complements the lasagna perfectly, soaking up every last bit of sauce.
If you want to keep things light, a chilled glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lime is refreshing and palate-cleansing.
Conclusion
This vegan white lasagna recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy comfort food while keeping things plant-based, healthy, and delicious. The creamy cashew béchamel sauce combined with sautéed vegetables and tender noodles creates a harmonious dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
With its adaptable ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping. Plus, it’s a wonderful dish to share with friends and family who may not follow a vegan diet but will appreciate the flavors and textures.
Don’t forget to explore more delicious plant-based recipes like the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or discover hearty options in the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
For a sweet finish after dinner, try the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this delightful vegan white lasagna!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan White Lasagna
Description: A creamy and comforting vegan white lasagna layered with tofu ricotta and spinach. Perfect for a hearty plant-based meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Blend tofu, soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir chopped spinach and dried basil into the tofu mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of the tofu mixture in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer noodles, tofu mixture, and repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with tofu mixture on top.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top layer.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 18g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 28g
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