Zucchini Lasagna

If you’re looking for a lighter, veggie-packed twist on the classic lasagna, Zucchini Lasagna is about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine layers of tender, savory zucchini, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melty cheese—this dish brings all the comfort of traditional lasagna but with a fresh, healthy twist. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies while still indulging in a dish that feels indulgent and satisfying. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be a hit for both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love Zucchini Lasagna

Here’s why this zucchini lasagna is a game-changer:

Low-Carb and Healthy

Zucchini takes the place of traditional noodles, making this lasagna a great option if you’re looking to cut back on carbs without sacrificing flavor. It’s a lighter, veggie-filled alternative that still delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of lasagna.

Packed with Flavor

The zucchini may be the star, but the layers of hearty tomato sauce, flavorful herbs, and creamy cheese will have you coming back for more. It’s a delicious way to enjoy all the traditional lasagna flavors without the heaviness of pasta.

Family-Friendly

This is the perfect dish for everyone in the family. Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and cheesy texture, and the zucchini makes it feel a bit fresher than your typical lasagna. It’s the kind of dish that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Great for Meal Prep

Zucchini lasagna stores really well, which makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Make a big batch at the start of the week, and you’ll have lunch or dinner ready for several days. It reheats wonderfully, too!

Vegetarian-Friendly

It’s a fantastic option for anyone following a vegetarian diet, but you can easily add cooked ground meat (like turkey or beef) for those who want a meaty version. It’s versatile enough to satisfy any taste preference.

Ingredients in Zucchini Lasagna

Here’s what you’ll need to make this veggie lasagna:

Zucchini

The zucchini slices take the place of pasta sheets, and they soften and absorb all the flavors from the sauce and cheese. They’re also low in calories and packed with nutrients!

Tomato Sauce

A rich, flavorful tomato sauce forms the base of the lasagna. You can use a store-bought marinara or make your own with garlic, onion, and herbs for an extra punch of flavor.

Ricotta Cheese

This creamy cheese adds richness to the layers and helps create that satisfying, gooey texture we all love in lasagna. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can use part-skim ricotta or cottage cheese.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella is the cheese that melts perfectly, creating those stringy, cheesy layers you expect from lasagna. It’s gooey, stretchy, and completely irresistible!

Parmesan Cheese

A little sprinkle of Parmesan adds a salty, savory touch and helps to create a crispy, golden top layer.

Eggs

Eggs bind the ricotta cheese mixture and help give the lasagna its structure, ensuring it holds together beautifully when you slice into it.

Fresh Basil and Oregano

Fresh herbs give this lasagna a burst of brightness and freshness. They balance the rich flavors of the sauce and cheese while adding depth to each bite.

Garlic and Onion

The aromatic foundation of this dish, garlic and onion, add layers of savory flavor that will infuse the tomato sauce and make everything come together beautifully.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get started on this easy and tasty zucchini lasagna:

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or olive oil. This ensures the lasagna won’t stick and will bake evenly.

Prepare the Zucchini

Slice the zucchini into thin, even strips (about 1/4-inch thick). To reduce excess moisture, lightly salt the zucchini slices and set them aside for about 10 minutes. Afterward, gently pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels. This step will help ensure your lasagna isn’t too watery.

Make the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, one egg, half of the Parmesan, fresh basil, oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined. This cheesy mixture will be the base for your lasagna layers.

Layer the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, begin layering: place a layer of zucchini slices, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, a layer of tomato sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let It Rest

Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the lasagna set and makes it easier to cut.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your zucchini lasagna warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness. This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or some crusty bread on the side!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 16g
Vitamin A: 12%
Calcium: 350mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 550mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve Zucchini Lasagna

This zucchini lasagna is perfect as a standalone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with other sides:

With a Simple Salad

A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect contrast to the cheesy richness of this dish.

With Garlic Bread

Nothing goes better with lasagna than a slice of warm garlic bread. It’s great for dipping into the extra sauce!

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus, would complement the lightness of the zucchini lasagna and add even more flavor to the meal.

As a Meal Prep Option

Make a big batch, and you’ve got lunch or dinner ready for the week. Zucchini lasagna reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

Additional Tips

Prep the Zucchini Ahead of Time

To save time on the day you’re making the lasagna, you can slice the zucchini the night before and store it in the fridge. You can even salt and dry the zucchini ahead of time to cut down on prep.

Make It Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version, you can swap out the ricotta and mozzarella for plant-based alternatives. There are plenty of great dairy-free cheeses available that melt and taste just like the real thing.

Add Meat

If you prefer a meat version, you can layer cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage into the lasagna along with the zucchini.

Freeze for Later

Zucchini lasagna freezes beautifully! Simply assemble the lasagna, cover it with foil, and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight and bake as usual.

Store Leftovers

Store any leftover zucchini lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well in the oven or microwave.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of zucchini?

A1: Yes, you can! If you prefer regular lasagna noodles, just cook them according to the package directions and layer them as you would the zucchini.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A2: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftover zucchini lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?

A4: Yes! You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It can be baked from cold, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q5: Can I add meat to this recipe?

A5: Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or sausage would be a great addition. Simply cook the meat first and layer it between the zucchini and sauce.

Q6: Can I freeze this lasagna?

A6: Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight and bake as directed.

Q7: How do I make this lasagna spicier?

A7: Add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or layer in some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!

Q8: Can I use a store-bought sauce?

A8: Of course! If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly. Just make sure it’s flavorful!

Q9: Can I use frozen zucchini?

A9: It’s best to use fresh zucchini, but if you have frozen zucchini, make sure to drain out any excess water before using it in the lasagna.

Q10: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A10: Yes! This zucchini lasagna is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Zucchini Lasagna is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and freshness. It’s lightened up by swapping noodles for zucchini, but it still delivers all the cheesy, savory goodness you crave. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and customizable to fit your dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal, trying to sneak more veggies into your diet, or just craving a classic lasagna with a twist, this dish will hit the spot every time!

Print