Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna Spirals

Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna Spirals bring a fresh and exciting twist to the classic lasagna, making this dish a standout on any dinner table. With the late-summer abundance of zucchini, there’s no better time to enjoy this vibrant vegetable! Imagine layers of creamy ricotta cheese, fresh spinach, and a luscious homemade marinara sauce, all wrapped up in tender zucchini spirals. Not only is this recipe a feast for the eyes, but it’s also gluten-free and lower in carbs. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make! Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal for a busy weeknight or an impressive dish to serve guests, these spirals are sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! Let’s get cooking together and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures that this Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna Spirals recipe has to offer.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna Spirals
• Ingredients
• Preparing the Zucchini
• Lay Out the Zucchini Strips
• Pat the Zucchini Dry
• Making the Marinara Sauce
• Sauté the Onion
• Combine Marinara Ingredients
• Remove Bay Leaf
• Preparing the Ricotta Filling
• Mix the Filling
• Assembling the Zucchini Lasagna Spirals
• Preheat the Oven
• Spread Sauce in the Dish
• Assemble the Rolls
• Roll and Place in Dish
• Top with Cheese
• Baking
• Bake the Lasagna Spirals
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• FAQs
• Can I use a different type of cheese?
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
• Can I make this ahead of time?
• What can I serve with this?
• How can I make this dish vegan?
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

This Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna Spirals recipe transforms classic lasagna into a light and healthy dish. By using zucchini instead of pasta, you achieve a low-carb, gluten-free meal without sacrificing the rich flavors of traditional lasagna. The zucchini adds a fresh crunch, while the creamy ricotta fills it with comforting warmth. This dish captures the essence of lasagna without the heaviness, allowing you to indulge without the guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna Spirals

Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, these spirals are not just nutritious but also bursting with flavor. The combination of creamy ricotta, tender spinach, and homemade marinara sauce creates a symphony of tastes that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s visually appealing with its vibrant colors, making it as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you savor every bite or have it as leftovers, this dish shines through every time.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ small onion, chopped
• 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
• 30 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups finely chopped spinach (firmly packed before chopping)
• 2 tablespoons basil, chopped
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 10 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2½ cups)
• 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise + salt for drawing out water

Preparing the Zucchini

Lay Out the Zucchini Strips

First, lay the zucchini strips out across a cooling rack. Sprinkle salt across the tops of the zucchini and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This will draw out the excess moisture, preventing a soggy dish later.

Pat the Zucchini Dry

After the time has passed, pat the zucchini dry with a towel. Flip them over and repeat the process on the other side, wiping off any remaining salt. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture in your spirals.

Making the Marinara Sauce

Sauté the Onion

Warm the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This is where the base of your sauce begins to come alive.

Combine Marinara Ingredients

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, bay leaf, balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan. Stir well and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time.

Remove Bay Leaf

Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat, discard the bay leaf, and let the sauce cool for a few minutes. This step allows the flavors to deepen and become more robust.

Preparing the Ricotta Filling

Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the egg. Stir until everything is well-blended. This filling is creamy and packed with nutrients, making it a delicious part of the dish.

Assembling the Zucchini Lasagna Spirals

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s essential to have the oven ready for baking as you assemble the spirals.

Spread Sauce in the Dish

In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, spread ½ cup of the tomato sauce at the bottom. This will serve as a flavorful base for your spirals.

Assemble the Rolls

On a clean work surface, lay out the zucchini noodles. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture over each zucchini noodle, then top it with a spoonful of marinara sauce. Take your time with this — the more filling, the better!

Roll and Place in Dish

Carefully roll each zucchini noodle and place it in the baking dish, seam side down. If you have leftover tomato sauce, spread it over the top of the rolls to ensure they’re nice and saucy.

Top with Cheese

Finally, sprinkle any remaining mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese over the assembled zucchini rolls. This cheesy topping will melt beautifully, creating a golden layer of deliciousness.

Baking

Bake the Lasagna Spirals

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen will surely entice everyone nearby!

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna Spirals with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out your meal. You could also pair your dish with a delightful glass of red wine for an elevated dining experience. This combination makes for a satisfying and complete meal that everyone will love!

Tips for Success

• Make sure to draw out excess water from the zucchini to avoid a soggy dish. This step can be a game changer in achieving the perfect texture.
• Customize the ricotta filling by adding other vegetables or herbs according to your taste. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a hint of nutmeg can add exciting layers of flavor.

Variations

• Substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option. This change keeps the dish healthy while maintaining creaminess.
• Feel free to add ground vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor and texture. These additions will create even more complexity in every bite.

Storage Tips

Leftover lasagna spirals can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage; simply reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy them again. The flavors tend to deepen after a day or two, making leftovers even more delicious!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like feta or goat cheese to add a unique twist to your spirals.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish holds up well in the fridge and makes for amazing leftovers. Feel free to double the recipe and enjoy it throughout the week!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Certainly! Prepare the lasagna spirals and store them in the fridge. All you have to do is bake them just before serving, making it a convenient option for busy nights.

What can I serve with this?

Pair the spirals with a light salad, garlic bread, or enjoy it with a glass of your favorite wine. These additions will enhance the meal experience.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To veganize this dish, substitute ricotta cheese with a plant-based alternative and skip the egg. You can also use flaxseed as an egg replacer to maintain the filling’s texture.

These Vegetarian Zucchini Lasagna Spirals are not just a healthier twist on a classic dish; they are full of flavor and easy to prepare. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fancy gathering, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser while keeping your dietary preferences in check. Enjoy cooking and the delightful dining experience that awaits you!

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• Mexican Street Corn Slaw
• Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
• Spicy Caribbean Pineapple or Mango Chutney
• Morel Mushroom Pasta

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