Healthy Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna
Indulge in this Healthy Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna that brings a burst of flavors while keeping your guilt at bay. Perfect for busy weeknights, this lasagna is easy to assemble and can be prepared in advance. Packed with wholesome vegetables, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, it's a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Just layer the ingredients the night before, pop it in the oven when you get home, and enjoy a comforting meal in just an hour. Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of red wine for the ultimate dining experience!
6
Servings
323
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti sauce
28 ounces (jarred)
uncooked lasagna noodles
6 (none)
sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup (raw)
fresh spinach leaves
1 cup (torn)
chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup (none)
fat-free ricotta cheese
15 ounces (container)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
low-fat mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Prepare an 11x7 inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with nutmeg and mix well until smooth. Set it aside.
4
Start layering the lasagna: Spread about 1 cup of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5
Place 3 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, ensuring they cover it completely.
6
Spread another cup of spaghetti sauce over the noodles.
7
Next, add the ricotta mixture followed by the sliced mushrooms, spinach, and chopped red bell pepper.
8
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
9
Layer the remaining 3 lasagna noodles over the cheese, followed by the last cup of spaghetti sauce.
10
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and help the noodles cook evenly.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the noodles are fully cooked.
12
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13
Let the lasagna sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set.
Nutrition Information
9
Fat
30g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Healthy Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna?
This lasagna is a wholesome and flavorful dish packed with vegetables, creamy fat-free ricotta, and low-fat mozzarella, offering a healthy twist on the classic comfort meal.
Is this lasagna recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Mediterranean lasagna is specifically tagged as a vegetarian dish.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 323 calories.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 19 grams of protein in each serving of this lasagna.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles first?
No, this recipe uses 6 uncooked lasagna noodles which cook in the oven with the sauce.
What vegetables are included in this lasagna?
The recipe includes sliced mushrooms, fresh torn spinach leaves, and chopped red bell peppers.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use an 11x7 inch baking dish.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How much fat is in a serving of this lasagna?
Each serving contains 9 grams of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
What kind of ricotta cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 15 ounces of fat-free ricotta cheese.
What spice is mixed with the ricotta cheese?
Ground nutmeg is mixed with the ricotta to add a subtle depth of flavor.
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
It bakes covered for about 1 hour, then uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
Why is the dish covered with aluminum foil during baking?
The foil keeps moisture inside the dish, which is essential for ensuring the uncooked noodles soften and cook evenly.
How much mozzarella cheese do I need?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese.
Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can layer the ingredients the night before and bake it when you are ready to eat.
How long should the lasagna rest after baking?
It is recommended to let the lasagna sit for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set.
What type of sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 28 ounces of jarred spaghetti sauce.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this vegetable lasagna.
What are some recommended sides for this meal?
A crisp salad and a glass of red wine are suggested for the ultimate dining experience.
How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the dish?
Spray the baking dish with cooking spray before you begin layering the ingredients.
Is this a Mediterranean-style dish?
Yes, it is classified under European/Mediterranean cuisine due to its vegetable and cheese profile.
What is the preparation for the spinach?
The fresh spinach leaves should be torn before being layered into the lasagna.
How is the red bell pepper prepared?
The red bell pepper should be chopped.
What is the preparation for the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be raw and sliced.
When should the final layer of mozzarella be added?
The final sprinkle of mozzarella is added after the initial hour of baking, once the foil is removed.
How many noodles are used in each layer?
The recipe uses 3 noodles in the first layer and the remaining 3 noodles in the top layer.
Is this recipe good for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and weeknight meal because of its simple assembly.
Does this lasagna have a creamy texture?
Yes, the combination of ricotta and melted mozzarella provides a gooey and creamy texture.