Cheesy Veggie Delight: Hearty Spinach-Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

Layers of rich flavor dance through this hearty spinach-zucchini lasagna that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Tender zucchini ribbons nestle between silky pasta sheets, creating a vibrant vegetarian masterpiece.

Creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella blend seamlessly with fresh spinach, adding depth to every delectable bite.

Each forkful brings a harmonious balance of textures and seasonings that elevate this classic Italian dish.

Nutritious vegetables transform traditional lasagna into a lighter, more colorful meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Cheese lovers and vegetable enthusiasts will find themselves swooning over this delightful recipe.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to savor a truly memorable dining experience.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach-Zucchini Lasagna From Scratch

• Prepare Zucchini Slices

Slice zucchini thinly and spread them on paper towels. Sprinkle salt generously over the slices to help remove excess water. Let the zucchini rest for about 15 minutes while the salt works its magic.

• Remove Moisture

Gently press another paper towel on top of the zucchini slices. This crucial step helps absorb extra liquid, ensuring your lasagna stays perfectly firm and doesn’t turn into a soggy mess.

• Create Veggie Layer

Arrange the dried zucchini slices in a neat, overlapping pattern across the lasagna base. These thin green ribbons will add a fresh, light texture to your cheesy masterpiece.

• Layer Spinach and Cheese

Spread a generous layer of fresh spinach leaves over the zucchini. Sprinkle a mixture of ricotta and mozzarella cheese, creating a creamy foundation that will make each bite irresistibly delicious.

• Build Lasagna Stack

Continue layering zucchini, spinach, and cheese, alternating with lasagna noodles. Each layer adds depth and richness to the dish, creating a colorful and nutritious meal.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the lasagna into a preheated oven and bake until the top turns golden brown and the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly crispy around the edges.

Add Ricotta, Marinara, or Herbs for a Twist

• Moisture Mastery: Salt zucchini slices to extract excess water, ensuring a perfectly layered lasagna without sogginess.
• Cheese Pro Tip: Mix different cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan for a more complex, rich flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Add roasted red peppers or caramelized onions between layers for extra depth and flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional lasagna noodles with zucchini slices for a gluten-free, lower-carbohydrate version that's equally delicious.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier.

Serve With Garlic Bread and Smiles

• Fresh Garden Party Plating: Serve this vibrant lasagna alongside a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and light vinaigrette for a complete, colorful meal that highlights the zucchini's fresh character.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Cut into generous squares and pair with a mimosa or fresh-squeezed orange juice for a relaxed weekend gathering that celebrates seasonal vegetables and comforting flavors.
• Protein Power Boost: Top individual servings with grilled chicken strips or crumbled Italian sausage for extra protein, making this vegetable-packed dish more substantial and satisfying for hearty appetites.
• Leftover Lunch Magic: Pack cold or gently reheated slices for a delicious work or school lunch that stays moist and flavorful, proving this lasagna tastes even better the next day.

Store That Lasagna Without Losing the Layers

• Smart Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Tightly wrap individual portions with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire lasagna 24 hours before baking and keep covered in the refrigerator. This technique allows flavors to meld together, creating a more delicious meal when you're ready to cook.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the uncooked lasagna securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure even heating.
• Portion Control Trick: Cut lasagna into individual servings before storing. This method makes reheating easier and helps maintain the dish's structural integrity when warming up single portions in the microwave or oven.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Cheesy Spinach-Zucchini Lasagna

• Zucchini: Select firm, fresh zucchini with vibrant green skin to ensure optimal water removal and prevent soggy lasagna layers.

• Zucchini Slices: Replace traditional pasta with these low-carb vegetable ribbons for a lighter, nutrient-packed alternative that adds delightful texture.
• Spinach: Packed with iron and vitamins, this leafy green provides a rich, earthy flavor and boosts the nutritional profile of the lasagna.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a smooth, luxurious filling that holds the lasagna layers together with its soft, creamy consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers that irresistible stretchy, golden-brown topping with its mild, milky flavor and superior melting properties.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth that enhances the overall cheesy flavor and provides a delicious crispy crust.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help the cheese mixture set and maintain the lasagna's structural integrity.

• Garlic: Infuses a pungent, aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables and cheeses.
• Fresh Basil: Brings a bright, herbal note that complements the rich cheesy layers.
• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, fruity undertone and helps prevent sticking during cooking.

Tools That Help Layer, Bake, and Slice This Veggie Lasagna

• Large Baking Dish: 9×13 inch rectangular dish for layering lasagna.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing zucchini into thin, even layers.
• Cutting Board: Stable surface for preparing zucchini slices.
• Paper Towels: Essential for drawing out moisture from zucchini.
• Colander: Optional, to drain excess liquid from zucchini.
• Cheese Grater: For shredding fresh cheese if needed.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine cheese and spinach mixture.
• Spatula: For spreading layers evenly in the baking dish.

Hearty Spinach-Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy spinach-zucchini lasagna brings layers of Mediterranean comfort to your dinner table. Rich flavors and fresh ingredients create a satisfying meal that welcomes you to enjoy each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 0.5 cm (1/8-inch) strips
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 9 lasagna noodles (or use more zucchini strips for a low-carb version)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp salt (for removing excess moisture)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Moisture Extraction: Slice zucchini into delicate ribbons and arrange on paper towels, generously salting each layer to draw out excess water, then let rest for 15 minutes to prevent soggy consistency.
2. Preparation: Tenderly pat zucchini slices with fresh paper towels to eliminate remaining moisture, creating a structured vegetable foundation.
3. Oven Readiness: Calibrate oven to the designated temperature and lightly lubricate a baking vessel with cooking spray or olive oil.
4. Spinach Blend: Craft a luscious spinach amalgamation by merging fresh spinach leaves with ricotta, parmesan, garlic, and black pepper, creating a vibrant, herbaceous mixture.
5. Layering Technique: Initiate the assembly by distributing a gossamer marinara base, then strategically layer zucchini ribbons, spinach-cheese fusion, and mozzarella, ensuring comprehensive coverage and even distribution.
6. Cheese Crescendo: Crown the final stratum with an abundant mozzarella blanket and parmesan dusting, promising a golden, crisp cheese carapace.
7. Baking Protocol: Envelop the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake until cheese liquefies and edges transform into bubbling, bronzed perfection.
8. Finishing Touch: Unveil the foil during the concluding baking moments to achieve a pristine, crisp surface.
9. Resting Phase: Allow the lasagna a 10-15 minute reprieve post-oven, enabling layers to harmonize and simplifying precise portioning.

Notes

• Manage Moisture Carefully: Use salt technique to draw out excess water from zucchini, preventing a soggy lasagna that can ruin the dish’s texture and structural integrity.
• Optimize Layering Technique: Create even, consistent layers by spreading ingredients to the dish’s edges, ensuring each bite contains a balanced mix of zucchini, spinach, and cheese.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, fresh mozzarella and parmesan for rich flavor and optimal melting properties that contribute to a creamy, indulgent lasagna.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow lasagna to sit for 10-15 minutes post-baking, which helps layers stabilize and makes slicing cleaner and more precise without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg