Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna with Creamy Herb Sauce
This Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna embraces a delightful medley of fresh, vibrant vegetables layered between creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, all enveloped in a luscious white sauce infused with aromatic herbs. A delicious alternative to traditional tomato-based lasagna, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Comforting and wholesome, it's sure to please both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, while showcasing the natural flavors of fresh produce. Serve hot with a side salad for a complete meal that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
N/A
Servings
440
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 (small, diced (about 8 oz. each))
Broccoli
1/2 bunch (coarsely chopped)
Spinach Leaves
1 bunch (firmly packed)
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons (for sautéing vegetables)
Dried Oregano Leaves
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
Ricotta Cheese
15 ounces (can be part skim)
Eggs
2
Lasagna Noodles
12 (cooked as per package instructions)
Butter or Margarine
3 tablespoons (for white sauce)
Flour
1/4 cup
Milk
2 1/2 cups
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup
Mozzarella Cheese
8 ounces (slices)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your vegetables. Dice the zucchini into small cubes, coarsely chop the broccoli, and wash and roughly chop the spinach.
2
In a nonstick 12-inch skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced zucchini and chopped broccoli, along with the dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3
Toss in the spinach and continue stirring until wilted. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
4
In a medium bowl, use a fork to mix together the ricotta cheese and eggs until well combined. Set this mixture aside for layering.
5
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7
For the white sauce, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt until a smooth paste forms. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking and stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a boil and thickens. Remove from heat and fold in the Parmesan cheese until well incorporated.
8
To assemble your lasagna, spread a thin layer of the white sauce in the bottom of a 13-by-9-inch glass baking dish. Layer half of the cooked lasagna noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the sautéed vegetable mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process using the remaining noodles, ricotta, and vegetables. Finally, pour the remaining white sauce over the top layer and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese slices.
9
Cover the dish with foil and bake the lasagna for 40 to 45 minutes until it is hot and bubbly. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes for a beautifully golden top.
10
Once done, allow the lasagna to stand for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
40g
Carbs
18.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this recipe?
This is a Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna featuring a creamy herb white sauce instead of a traditional tomato base.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian lasagna recipe featuring fresh vegetables and cheeses.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 440 calories per serving.
What vegetables are included in this lasagna?
The recipe uses zucchini, broccoli, and spinach as the primary vegetables.
What kind of sauce is used?
A luscious white sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and Parmesan cheese, infused with aromatic herbs.
How should the zucchini be prepared?
The zucchini should be diced into small cubes, about 8 ounces each.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
The broccoli should be coarsely chopped before being sautéed.
How do I prepare the spinach?
The spinach should be washed and roughly chopped, then stirred into the other vegetables until wilted.
What herbs are used to season the vegetables?
Dried oregano leaves are used to season the zucchini and broccoli mixture.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 22.5g of fat.
How much protein does this lasagna provide?
This dish provides 18.5g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the ricotta layer?
Mix 15 ounces of ricotta cheese with 2 eggs using a fork until well combined.
Can I use part-skim ricotta cheese?
Yes, the recipe specifies that part-skim ricotta can be used.
At what temperature should the lasagna be baked?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I make the white sauce?
Melt butter, stir in flour and salt, then gradually whisk in milk until the sauce boils and thickens before adding Parmesan.
How many lasagna noodles are needed?
The recipe requires 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions.
What size baking dish is required?
A 13-by-9-inch glass baking dish is recommended.
How do I assemble the layers?
Layer white sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, vegetables, and mozzarella; repeat the process and top with white sauce and mozzarella.
Should the lasagna be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 30-35 minutes of baking.
How long does the lasagna bake in total?
It bakes for a total of 40 to 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
How do I get a golden top on the lasagna?
Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
How long should the lasagna sit before serving?
Allow the lasagna to stand for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to make slicing easier.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese slices.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese is folded into the white sauce.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine for both sautéing and the sauce.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
There are 2 eggs used to bind the ricotta cheese layer.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe contains 14 distinct ingredients.
What is a recommended side dish for this meal?
A side salad is a great accompaniment to this Mediterranean lasagna.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is divided between the vegetables and the white sauce.