My Recipe Box

Vegan Lasagna with Cashew Ricotta

A rich, satisfying vegan lasagna featuring a creamy cashew ricotta sauce, layers of tender vegetables, and whole wheat pasta, all combined in a classic Italian dish reimagined for a plant-based diet.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 45-60 mins
Cook: 45-55 mins
Serves: 6
Author: KrisK78

4.4 / 5 (937)


Ingredients

Sauce
  • Canned crushed tomatoes

    28 oz

  • Olive oil

    a drizzle

  • Fresh basil

    a handful

Cashew Ricotta
  • Raw cashews

    1 cup

  • Lemon juice

    2 tbsp

  • Nutritional yeast

    1 tbsp

Vegetables
  • Eggplant

    1 large

  • Zucchini

    1 large

  • Bell peppers

    2 large

Pasta and Cheese
  • Whole wheat lasagna noodles

    8 sheets

  • Vegan mozzarella shreds

    1 cup


Instructions

  • 1
    Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it's hot before you start assembling the lasagna.

    Preheating the oven is crucial for even cooking. Make sure you have all your ingredients ready and within reach to streamline the process.

  • 2
    Prepare the cashew ricotta by blending cashews, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt with enough water to achieve a creamy consistency, then set aside.

    The key to a good cashew ricotta is blending it until it's smooth. If you find it too thick, add a little more water. Too thin, add more cashews. This step might require some patience and taste adjustments.

  • 3
    Sauté sliced eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers in olive oil until they are tender, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

    Sautéing the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and tenderizes them. Be gentle to avoid burning, and adjust the heat as necessary. Seasoning at this stage enhances the flavors of the dish.

  • 4
    Assemble the lasagna by layering sauce, noodles, the sautéed vegetable mix, and the cashew ricotta in a repeating pattern, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with vegan mozzarella.

    Assembly is where patience pays off. Start with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom to prevent the noodles from drying out. Each layer should be evenly distributed to ensure every bite has a bit of everything. Ending with mozzarella on top gives a golden, cheesy crust.

  • 5
    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the lasagna is hot and bubbly.

    The initial covered baking helps the flavors meld together and the lasagna to cook evenly. Removing the foil allows the top to brown, giving it a nice texture contrast. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

  • 6
    Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

    Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the lasagna easier to slice and serve. It also allows the flavors to settle, making each bite more enjoyable.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

592

4

202

3

61

2

60

1

22

Reviews

  • LeilaH88

    I recently had the pleasure of preparing and savoring the Vegan Lasagna with Cashew Ricotta, and I must say it was a delightful experience. As someone who appreciates traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, I was intrigued by the idea of a plant-based Italian dish. The recipe's use of whole wheat lasagna noodles and vegan mozzarella shreds was a great starting point. I was particularly impressed by the cashew ricotta sauce, which was creamy and rich, much like the desserts I enjoy. The layers of tender vegetables added a nice texture and flavor to the dish. Although I'm meticulous about ingredients, I appreciated that the recipe avoided peanuts, which I'm severely allergic to. Overall, I found the recipe to be well-structured and easy to follow, with clear instructions and minimal complexity. I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a satisfying and flavorful vegan dish.

  • KaiTech95

    I approached this vegan lasagna with a critical eye, given my pescatarian background and mild gluten intolerance. The use of whole wheat lasagna noodles was a considerate touch, and I appreciated the detailed instructions for achieving a smooth cashew ricotta sauce. The layering process was almost therapeutic, and I found the end result satisfying, if not entirely authentic to traditional lasagna. The flavors were well-balanced, and I enjoyed the creamy texture of the cashew ricotta. However, I would have liked more information on the specific types of vegetables used and their preparation methods. Overall, a solid effort, but room for refinement.

  • astridj98

    Oh. My. goodness! This vegan lasagna recipe is a GAME CHANGER! I mean, who needs dairy when you can have creamy cashew ricotta?! The layers of tender veggies, whole wheat pasta, and rich tomato sauce are absolute perfection. I love that it's a medium-difficulty recipe, it's not too hard but still requires some effort to get it just right. The end result is SO worth it! I've already made it twice and can't wait to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. The cashew ricotta is silky smooth and addictive - I'm obsessed! The best part? It's vegan, cruelty-free, and compassionate. Kudos to the creator for sharing this amazing recipe with the world! If you're a fellow vegan or just looking for a delicious plant-based meal, RUN. DON'T. WALK. to try this recipe!

  • NaliH

    I'm afraid this vegan lasagna recipe doesn't quite resonate with my culinary inclinations. As someone who deeply appreciates traditional Mexican cuisine and often finds solace in my abuela's time-honored recipes, I found the Italian-inspired dish to be somewhat incongruous with my gastronomic tastes. Moreover, the use of whole wheat lasagna noodles, while commendable, doesn't address my preference for gluten-free alternatives. That being said, I can appreciate the creativity and effort that went into crafting a plant-based take on a classic dish. The detailed instructions and emphasis on technique are certainly laudable. Perhaps, with some modifications to incorporate gluten-free ingredients and a dash of Mexican flair, this recipe could be transformed into something that piques my interest.

  • NowakTheTech

    This vegan lasagna recipe offers a creative twist on a classic Italian dish. The use of cashew ricotta is a good alternative to traditional ricotta, and the incorporation of whole wheat pasta is a positive step towards reducing gluten content. However, for someone with a mild gluten intolerance like myself, it's worth noting that whole wheat can still cause some discomfort. The recipe's emphasis on using fresh, unprocessed ingredients aligns well with my preferences. The instructions are clear and logical, making it easy to follow. Overall, a well-crafted recipe that could be improved with gluten-free pasta options.

  • ZeePee1995

    😊 Oh my goodness, I was so excited to try this Vegan Lasagna with Cashew Ricotta recipe! 🍝 I'm a big fan of trying new things, especially desserts, but I have to say, this lasagna was a nice change of pace 😊. I loved the creamy cashew ricotta sauce and the layers of tender vegetables. The whole wheat pasta was a great touch too! 🍝 However, I did have to make some adjustments because of my nut allergy 🤕. I substituted the cashews with sunflower seeds and it worked out just fine 😊. The only thing I would suggest is adding some extra spices to give it a bit more flavor 🌶️. But overall, I'm so happy I tried this recipe and I would definitely make it again! 🙏 It's a great example of kindness and generosity in cooking, sharing a delicious meal with others 🍴. Thanks for sharing! 😊

  • SantiG21

    OMG, I'm so down for trying new recipes, but this vegan lasagna is like, not my vibe, you know? I mean, I'm all about that meat life, and this dish is like, totally plant-based, and it's got cashews, which is like, a huge no-no for me due to my tree nut allergy. The steps seem pretty cool, I'll give it that, but I gotta give it a 2-star rating 'cause it's just not for me. Maybe if you're into that vegan thing, you'll love it, but for this meat-lover, it's a hard pass.

  • Caspian95

    I'll be honest, I went into this vegan lasagna recipe with a healthy dose of skepticism. As a meat-lover with a soft spot for traditional Danish cuisine (smørrebrød, anyone?), the idea of cashew ricotta and vegan mozzarella didn't exactly get my heart racing. And let's not forget my lactose intolerance - I was actually curious to see how this vegan alternative would fare. Unfortunately, the end result was a bit of a letdown. The cashew ricotta was...interesting, but it lacked the richness and depth I've come to expect from a good lasagna. The whole wheat pasta was a nice touch, but it felt like an afterthought. That being said, I do appreciate the effort to create a plant-based version of a classic dish, and I can see why some people might enjoy it. For me, though, it was a bit of a miss - but hey, at least it was lactose-free, right?

  • ComedeFrance

    ### A Vegan Lasagna that Charmed My Heart, Despite Its Distance from French Patisserie Bliss As a connoisseur of all things rich and buttery, particularly within the realm of French patisserie, I must confess that my encounter with this vegan lasagna was a pleasant deviation from my usual gastronomic pursuits. The dish, with its layers of tender vegetables and creamy cashew ricotta sauce, presented a compelling argument for why plant-based cuisine can be just as indulgent and satisfying. The cashew ricotta, blending seamlessly with the nuances of lemon juice and nutritional yeast, stood out as a remarkable substitute for traditional ricotta, showcasing the versatility and creativity inherent in vegan cooking. My mild gluten sensitivity did not pose a challenge here, thanks to the use of whole wheat lasagna noodles, which added a delightful texture and a touch of nuttiness to each layer. The assembly of the lasagna, a process that demands patience and attention to detail, was a testament to the rewarding nature of cooking. The end result, with its golden, cheesy crust provided by the vegan mozzarella, was nothing short of breathtaking. While this dish strayed far from the buttery, rich flavors I typically crave, it managed to win me over with its own brand of charm. It's a vibrant, colorful take on a classic, one that speaks to the adaptability and creativity of modern cuisine. For those willing to venture beyond their culinary comfort zones, this vegan lasagna promises a delightful journey of flavors and textures. And who knows? It might just find a place in your heart, as it did in mine.

  • KrisW82

    I must admit that I approached this vegan lasagna recipe with a degree of skepticism, given my affinity for traditional Polish cuisine and hearty, meat-based dishes. However, as an individual with a broad palate and appreciation for cultural exchange, I was willing to give it a try. The cashew ricotta sauce, in particular, was a revelation - its creamy texture and subtle flavor were reminiscent of the rich, cheese-based sauces found in many European dishes. I did have to make a slight adjustment, omitting the lemon juice due to my mild intolerance to citrus fruits, but the dish still turned out wonderfully. The layers of tender vegetables and whole wheat pasta added a delightful depth to the dish, making it a satisfying and filling meal. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to explore the world of plant-based cuisine, and I must commend the creator on their innovative take on a classic Italian dish.

  • AstroGirl88

    I'll be honest, as a pescatarian with a mild dairy intolerance, I wasn't sure what to expect from this vegan lasagna recipe. But, I must say, the cashew ricotta was a game-changer. The use of nutritional yeast to give it a cheesy flavor was genius. The layers of vegetables were tender and flavorful, and the whole wheat pasta was a nice touch. My only criticism is that it could have used a bit more seasoning, but overall, it was a satisfying and creative take on a classic dish. I'd definitely recommend it to my fellow dairy-averse friends.

  • Astri87

    A vegan lasagna with a cashew ricotta? How...amusing. As a vegetarian with a nut allergy, I must admit that this recipe is not suitable for my dietary needs. However, I can appreciate the creativity and effort that went into crafting this dish. The use of cashew ricotta is a classic vegan substitute, but it's not exactly a traditional Italian approach, is it? I do love a good lasagna, and the idea of a plant-based version is intriguing. Unfortunately, the execution falls short for me due to the nut allergy. If I were to suggest an alternative, I'd recommend using a nut-free ricotta substitute, perhaps something with tofu or soy. The instructions seem thorough, but I do hope the author would consider revising the recipe to accommodate common allergies. Until then, I'll have to give this one a pass.

  • TimmyC21

    I attempted to prepare the Vegan Lasagna with Cashew Ricotta, and my experience was satisfactory. The dish's complexity and preparation time were reasonable, given the numerous components involved. I appreciated the use of cashew ricotta as a substitute for traditional ricotta, and the addition of vegan mozzarella shreds provided a familiar texture. The instructions were clear, and I found the process of assembling the lasagna to be meditative. However, I must note that I replaced the raw cashews with a different type of nut due to my mild allergy to peanuts, and the result was still pleasing. I would consider preparing this dish again, potentially with some adjustments to the seasoning and vegetable selection to better suit my personal taste preferences.

  • MeiMeiMusic

    In this recipe, I see a canvas, blank and waiting, yearning to be adorned with the vibrant hues of creativity and compassion. The vegan lasagna, a masterpiece of layers, whispers tales of harmony and balance, much like the symphony that resonates within my soul. The cashew ricotta, a gentle breeze on a summer's day, soothes my senses, while the medley of vegetables, a chorus of textures and flavors, dances on my palate. Yet, as I wander through this culinary landscape, I find myself longing for the subtle nuances of Asian-fusion, the whispered secrets of sesame oil and the tender caress of tofu. Alas, this dish, though beautiful in its own right, remains a gentle acquaintance, rather than a kindred spirit. Still, I applaud its creativity and the emotions it stirs, and so I award it four stars, a testament to its quiet beauty and the promise of future explorations.