Creamy Vegan Spinach Lasagna
This creamy vegan spinach lasagna is a delightful and comforting dish that showcases layers of rich flavors without any dairy. Inspired by a classic lasagna, this recipe features a luscious tofu-based filling that's surprisingly cheesy, thanks to nutritional yeast and lemon juice that provide the perfect tang. Packed with nutrient-dense spinach, hearty carrots, and vibrant herbs, this dish is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this lasagna is bound to become a favorite among your guests. Enjoy each bite knowing it's both healthy and satisfying!
12
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti sauce
2 jars (26 ounces each) (Ready to use)
Spinach leaves
16 ounces (Fresh, rinsed)
Carrots
1/2 lb (Sliced)
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Vegetable broth
1/4 cup (Ready to use)
Firm tofu
16 ounces (Crumble before use)
Vegan cream cheese
8 ounces (Ready to use)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Squeezed from fresh lemons)
Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (Ground)
Lasagna noodles
1 box (16 ounces) (Cooked according to package instructions)
Nutritional yeast
1/4 cup (Ready to use)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Begin by slicing the carrots and steaming them until tender, then set them aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the fresh parsley and minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4
Add the steamed carrots and vegetable broth to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, crumble the firm tofu and mix it with vegan cream cheese, lemon juice, nutmeg, and nutritional yeast until well combined.
6
Add the tofu mixture to the skillet with the vegetables and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes creamy and heated through.
7
In a greased 11x7-inch baking dish, place 3 lasagna noodles at the bottom.
8
Layer the carrot and tofu mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of spaghetti sauce, then a layer of fresh spinach. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of spaghetti sauce on top.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
10
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until the lasagna is bubbling and heated through.
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
25
Carbs
6.7
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vegan Spinach Lasagna?
It is a dairy-free version of the classic Italian dish featuring layers of tofu-based filling, fresh spinach, carrots, and spaghetti sauce.
Is this recipe entirely vegan?
Yes, all ingredients including the tofu, vegan cream cheese, and nutritional yeast are plant-based.
How many servings does this lasagna provide?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What replaces the cheese in this vegan lasagna?
A mixture of firm tofu, vegan cream cheese, and nutritional yeast creates a creamy, cheesy texture and flavor.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be sliced and steamed until tender before being added to the sauce mixture.
Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles first?
Yes, the instructions specify using a 16-ounce box of lasagna noodles cooked according to the package instructions.
What gives the tofu filling its tangy flavor?
Fresh lemon juice and nutritional yeast are used to provide a classic cheesy tang.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but ensure the frozen spinach is thawed and squeezed completely dry to prevent the lasagna from becoming watery.
What is the baking temperature for this dish?
The oven should be preheated and set to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the lasagna take to bake?
It takes a total of 45 minutes: 15 minutes covered with foil and 30 minutes uncovered.
What size baking dish is required?
An 11x7-inch greased baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 6.7 grams of protein.
What type of tofu is best for this recipe?
Firm tofu is recommended as it mimics the texture of ricotta cheese when crumbled.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the lasagna noodles with a gluten-free variety and ensure your spaghetti sauce is certified gluten-free.
What role does nutmeg play in the recipe?
Nutmeg adds a subtle, traditional warmth often found in classic white sauces and ricotta fillings.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this vegan lasagna?
Yes, it freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What ingredients are used for the vegetable sauté?
Fresh parsley and minced garlic are sautéed in olive oil before adding carrots and broth.
How many jars of sauce do I need?
You will need two 26-ounce jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce.
Is there nutritional yeast in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast is used to add savory, cheesy notes to the filling.
How do I layer the lasagna?
Start with noodles, then the carrot-tofu mix, then spaghetti sauce, and finally spinach. Repeat until finished.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms or zucchini would make excellent additions to the layers.
Why do I cover the lasagna with foil for the first 15 minutes?
Covering with foil helps trap moisture to ensure the layers heat through without the top drying out.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use a different type of plant milk instead of vegetable broth?
While broth adds savory flavor, unsweetened soy or almond milk could be used for a creamier profile.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, its rich flavor and comforting layers make it a crowd-pleaser for both vegans and non-vegans.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when it is bubbling throughout and the top sauce layer is slightly darkened.