Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
A Flavorful and Clean-Eating Lasagna
Looking for a comforting, dairy-free meal that’s packed with wholesome ingredients? This Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna is the perfect blend of hearty and healthy, ideal for those who want to indulge without compromising on clean eating. The creamy butternut squash sauce adds a rich, velvety texture, while fresh spinach provides a burst of nutrients. Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
What makes this lasagna truly special is its ability to capture the essence of traditional comfort food, but with a fresh, dairy-free twist. It’s a go-to recipe in our home, especially during the colder months when I crave something cozy yet wholesome. The layers of tender noodles, rich butternut squash sauce, and fresh greens come together in every bite, making it a delicious, guilt-free option for any meal. Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your clean eating rotation!
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How to Make Your Own Dairy-Free Ricotta
If you’re someone who loves to keep things homemade, making your own dairy-free ricotta is easier than you might think! It’s a simple process, and it gives you control over the texture and flavor, ensuring it fits perfectly into your Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna. Plus, homemade dairy-free ricotta is fresher, more flavorful, and free from any unnecessary additives you might find in store-bought options.
Tofu Ricotta Recipe:
For this version, we’re using tofu as the base. It has a similar texture to traditional ricotta, making it a great plant-based alternative.
Tofu Ricotta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the tofu: Start by draining the tofu. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture.
- Mash and mix: Crumble the tofu into a large bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Using a fork or potato masher, mash everything together until the mixture resembles the texture of ricotta cheese.
- Taste and adjust: Give your ricotta a taste. If you want a tangier flavor, add a little more lemon juice. If you prefer more seasoning, adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Add fresh herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, mix in chopped fresh basil or parsley. These herbs add a fresh, bright taste that complements the lasagna beautifully.
Notes
Both tofu and cashew ricotta are fantastic alternatives for your dairy-free lasagna. These homemade versions allow you to enjoy a clean, plant-based twist on the traditional favorite, and they’re both packed with flavor and creamy goodness. Plus, once you’ve made your own ricotta, you’ll see how easy and rewarding it is to craft these key ingredients from scratch!
Cashew Ricotta Recipe:
For a creamier option, cashew ricotta is a fantastic alternative. It’s rich, smooth, and has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the butternut squash sauce.
Cashew Ricotta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak the cashews: Soak the raw cashews in water for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you prefer. This softens the cashews and makes them easier to blend.
- Blend the ingredients: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to a blender or food processor. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, and 1/4 cup water. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust the consistency: If the mixture is too thick, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a ricotta-like texture.
- Herb it up: For a touch of freshness, stir in chopped parsley or basil after blending.
Notes
Customizing Your Lasagna: Delicious Variations to Try
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Add More Veggies: Want to pack in more nutrition? You can easily add layers of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to this lasagna. Just sauté the vegetables beforehand to release any excess moisture.
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Swap the Noodles: For a grain-free version, replace the lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. Simply slice the vegetables lengthwise and lightly roast them before layering to avoid excess water in the dish.
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Protein Boost: For a heartier meal, try adding plant-based protein options like cooked lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu between the layers. These additions will increase the protein content without sacrificing the clean-eating focus.
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Herb It Up: If you love fresh herbs, don’t hesitate to add basil, oregano, or rosemary to the butternut squash sauce for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving for a bright finish.
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Nutritional Yeast Substitute: If you don’t have nutritional yeast on hand, you can try using dairy-free Parmesan or a sprinkle of ground cashews mixed with garlic powder for a similar cheesy flavor.
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Cheesy Topping Options: While this lasagna is delicious without any topping, you can also sprinkle your favorite dairy-free cheese on top before baking. Dairy-free mozzarella or a shredded cheddar alternative will give you that bubbly, golden finish.
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Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the butternut squash sauce. It’s a great way to add a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
These variations make it easy to customize the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs, allowing you to enjoy this lasagna in a way that suits your taste!
Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna (Dairy Free)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the squash: Add the cubed butternut squash to the pan and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir in the thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover. Cook for 20 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.
- Blend the sauce: Once cooked, transfer the squash mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender. Blend until smooth. Stir in the nutritional yeast for that “cheesy” flavor.
- Tip: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit more vegetable broth while blending.
- Boil the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, ensuring the noodles don't stick together.
- Tip: Drizzle a little olive oil over the cooked noodles to prevent sticking.
- Cook the spinach: In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layering: Start by spreading a thin layer of the butternut squash sauce at the bottom of your lasagna pan (about 9x13 inches). Add a layer of noodles, followed by a generous layer of dairy-free ricotta, sautéed spinach, and more butternut squash sauce. Repeat the process, ending with a final layer of noodles and butternut squash sauce on top.
- Optional cheesy topping: If desired, sprinkle dairy-free mozzarella on the top layer for a bubbly, golden finish.
- Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the lasagna cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
Meal Prep and Storage Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna up to 1 day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and bake when ready.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the assembled (but unbaked) lasagna tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave or the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Savor Every Bite of This Guilt-Free Comfort Food
This Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna is more than just a meal—it’s a warm, comforting dish that brings the best of clean eating to your table. With its creamy, dairy-free sauce and nutrient-packed layers, it’s a recipe you can feel good about serving to family and friends. Whether you’re looking to embrace more plant-based meals or simply want a wholesome, delicious lasagna, this dish has it all. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
We hope you enjoy making and eating this lasagna as much as we do. It’s become a favorite in our kitchen, and We’re sure it’ll be one in yours too! If you give this recipe a try, be sure to share your experience in the comments below—We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to subscribe to Satisfy Your Cravings for more delicious, clean-eating recipes that will inspire your next meal!