Meet your new obsession: Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups! These gorgeous little bundles take all the best flavors of classic lasagna—creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and satisfying pasta layers—but reinvent them in a simple, plant-based, and gluten-free format using fresh zucchini ribbons. It’s cozy Italian comfort food, lightened up and absolutely packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Weeknight Dinner: These Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups come together in just over half an hour for a meal that’s both nourishing and truly spectacular.
- Fresh & Light: Swapping lasagna noodles for zucchini ribbons keeps it gluten-free, veggie-packed, and light enough for seconds (or thirds—no judgment!).
- Incredible Flavor, No Compromise: Dairy-free ricotta brings all that silky, cheesy goodness—without any animal products.
- Beautiful for Entertaining: These roll ups look like edible works of art on the plate, so they’re perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Incredibly simple but oh-so-essential, every ingredient in Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups has a special job—bringing color, flavor, and just the right texture to every bite. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each one shine in this recipe.
- Medium-Sized Zucchini: These act as our “noodle”—they’re easy to slice thin, roll beautifully, and bake up tender while still holding their shape.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite homemade or store-bought! Marinara creates that classic Italian base and bakes down into a savory, tomatoey blanket for the rolls.
- Dairy-Free Ricotta: Creamy and rich, this filling harmonizes the flavors, adds protein, and creates that luscious, cheesy feel we crave in lasagna—without any dairy.
- Optional: Fresh Herbs (basil or parsley): Adds color and a pop of freshness on top, making each serving extra inviting.
Variations
Making Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups is all about flexibility! Whether you want more veggies, a different style of “cheese,” or you need to adjust for dietary needs, here are a few tasty ways to personalize your roll ups and keep them exciting every time.
- Swap Out the Ricotta: If you’re craving something different, use store-bought vegan cream cheese, soft tofu seasoned with herbs, or even a thick cashew cheese spread.
- Veggie Overload: Add a layer of sautéed spinach, blanched kale, or finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes before rolling for an extra boost of greens and flavor.
- Saucy Options: Try roasted red pepper sauce or vegan pesto for a fresh twist—and a new color palette!
- Change Up the Herbs: Use fresh oregano, chives, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to switch up your garnish and add your own signature finish.
How to Make Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups
Step 1: Slice the Zucchini
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Trim the ends off each zucchini, then carefully cut a thin sliver off one lengthwise side so you can lay it flat on your cutting board—this keeps it steady and safe to slice! Using a sturdy vegetable peeler, “peel” the zucchini lengthwise into long, even ribbons about 1/8” thick. These will become your roll up noodles, so aim for strips that are flexible but not paper-thin.
Step 2: Layer the Marinara
Spoon about ¾ cup of your favorite marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out so the entire bottom is covered—this prevents sticking and infuses the roll ups with flavorful moisture as they bake.
Step 3: Fill & Roll the Zucchini
Spread a generous teaspoon of dairy-free ricotta across each zucchini ribbon. It doesn’t have to be perfect! Starting at one end, gently roll up each ribbon and place it seam-side-down onto the sauce in your baking dish. Repeat until all your zucchini strips are filled and your dish is full. The rolls can be nestled close together—they’ll hold each other up as they bake!
Step 4: Top & Bake
Pour the remaining ¾ cup marinara sauce evenly over the top of your rolls. If you love fresh herbs, now’s the time to sprinkle some basil or parsley over everything. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 25 minutes—just enough time for the zucchini to get perfectly tender and the flavors to meld together in all the best ways.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Let your Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups rest for a few minutes out of the oven, then plate them up while they’re hot, fragrant, and just a bit saucy. Grab a fork and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups
- Zucchini Ribbon Strategy: Use a sharp Y-peeler or mandoline for the most even, pliable zucchini strips—if they’re too thick, they won’t roll easily.
- Ricotta Prep Ahead: Homemade vegan ricotta can be made up to a week in advance, letting you assemble the roll ups in no time on busy days.
- Don’t Overfill: Resist the temptation to overstuff each ribbon—a heaping teaspoon is perfect and keeps the rolls tight and neat.
- Rest Before Serving: Let your roll ups sit for 3–5 minutes after baking; this helps them set up for easier serving and more defined layers.
How to Serve Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped basil or parsley brightens the finished dish, but you can also add a sprinkle of vegan parmesan or toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and crunch. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving makes everything glisten and taste a little more luxurious.
Side Dishes
Serve your Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups with a crisp green salad—think arugula, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette—for a beautifully balanced meal. Crusty bread for scooping up the sauce or roasted garlic broccoli on the side would make this spread completely irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your roll ups upright for a “rose garden” effect, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for dinner parties. Or, assemble individual portions in ramekins for an extra-special table presentation—all the comfort of lasagna, but unique and elegant for each guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply let them cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. The flavors intensify overnight, so don’t be surprised if you love them even more the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze assembled (unbaked) roll ups on a tray, then transfer them to a container once solid. When ready to eat, place straight into a baking dish, cover with sauce, and bake from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the cook time. This is a dream come true for meal prepping or quick weeknight meals.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the roll ups in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through (usually 10–15 minutes). You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for a speedy lunch—just cover to trap moisture so the zucchini stays tender.
FAQs
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Can I make Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll ups, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. They’re perfect for prepping in advance for busy nights or entertaining.
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Do I need to salt or pre-cook the zucchini before making roll ups?
No salting or pre-cooking required! Slicing the zucchini thin allows it to soften and bake perfectly in the oven, saving you both time and extra dishes.
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Can I use store-bought vegan ricotta or do I have to make it?
You can absolutely use store-bought vegan ricotta for convenience, but the homemade cauliflower-almond version brings amazing flavor and is easy to make in advance for a fresher, more customizable filling.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! By swapping noodles for zucchini ribbons, these Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups are naturally gluten-free, making them ideal for a variety of dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for your next weeknight favorite, Vegan Lasagna Roll Ups will completely steal the show. The flavors, the texture, and the simplicity all come together in a dish that’s nourishing, gorgeous, and deeply satisfying. Give them a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious plant-based cooking can be!
PrintVegan Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious and easy vegan lasagna roll-ups made with zucchini strips filled with dairy-free ricotta, rolled up, baked to perfection, and topped with marinara sauce. A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional lasagna!
Ingredients
Zucchini:
- 3 medium-sized zucchini
Marinara Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups
Dairy-Free Ricotta:
- 1 1/2 cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Trim zucchini ends and cut a sliver off one lengthwise side to lay flat. Use a vegetable peeler to create ⅛” thick zucchini strips.
- Spread marinara sauce: Spread ¾ cup on the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish. Place 1 tsp dairy-free ricotta on each zucchini strip, roll them up, and arrange in the dish.
- Top with marinara: Pour remaining marinara over the roll-ups. Add fresh herbs if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- Homemade vegan ricotta recipe provided below. Store-bought ricotta can be used as a time-saving option.
- Dairy-Free Ricotta Recipe: Cauliflower, almonds, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, spices, and water blended until creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll-up
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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