These Vegan Spanakopita Lasagna Rollups bring a delightful twist to traditional Greek spanakopita, combining the creamy, savory flavors of spinach, fresh herbs, and vegan cheese, all wrapped in a soft lasagna noodle and baked to perfection. A perfect fusion of Mediterranean flavors and comfort food, this dish is vegan, dairy-free, and egg-free, making it a great choice for a variety of dietary needs. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Rollups:
- 12-14 lasagna noodles (gluten-free if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) bag fresh spinach (or about 6 cups), roughly chopped
- 1 cup vegan ricotta (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra depth)
Instructions
1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Once done, drain them and set them aside, making sure to rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the fresh spinach to the pan, cooking in batches if necessary. Stir occasionally until all the spinach has wilted down, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Vegan Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed spinach mixture with the vegan ricotta, nutritional yeast, fresh parsley, dill, and lemon zest. Stir until the mixture is creamy and evenly mixed. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
In a separate small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Add balsamic vinegar if desired for a bit of extra acidity and depth.
5. Assemble the Rollups:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a cooked lasagna noodle and lay it flat. Spread a generous amount of the spinach mixture evenly over the entire noodle. Carefully roll the noodle up into a log, making sure the filling stays inside.
Place each rolled-up lasagna noodle seam side down into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Continue until all the noodles are rolled and placed into the dish.
6. Add the Sauce:
Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the lasagna rollups, ensuring each one is well-covered.
7. Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble and the top to turn golden brown.
8. Garnish and Serve:
After baking, let the rollups cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley or dill and serve hot.
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Spanakopita Lasagna Rollups
- Flavorful Fusion: Combining the classic Mediterranean flavors of spanakopita (spinach and herbs) with a comforting lasagna twist, these rollups are savory, creamy, and satisfying.
- Comforting and Nutritious: The filling of spinach, vegan ricotta, and nutritional yeast offers a creamy, cheesy texture that’s both comforting and nutrient-packed, making it a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or a dish to serve at a potluck, these rollups are guaranteed to impress.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can prepare the rollups ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to serve. They also freeze well for future meals.
- Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy filling and comforting pasta, this is a great way to get kids to enjoy more greens and plant-based meals.
Enjoy!
These Vegan Spanakopita Lasagna Rollups are the perfect dish for anyone who loves Mediterranean-inspired flavors but wants to enjoy a plant-based twist. With creamy spinach filling, a rich tomato sauce, and a satisfying texture, this dish will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy to make, flavorful, and packed with healthy ingredients — ideal for feeding a crowd or for leftovers throughout the week!