Dive into the exquisite flavors of this no-bake lasagna recipe. It's not your typical lasagna, but an innovative take on the Italian classic. The refreshing combination of summer squash, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes makes it a light and nutritious meal, while the rich, creamy ricotta cheese adds a touch of indulgence. This no-bake variant is perfect for days when you fancy a hearty meal without spending too much time at the stove.
The ingredients for this no-bake lasagna recipe are fairly commonplace, but there are a few you might need to pick up from the supermarket. Shallots, a variety of onion, have a delicate flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other veggies. Swiss Chard, a leafy green vegetable similar to spinach, adds a nutritious touch, while colorful mixed cherry or grape tomatoes add a tangy sweetness. If you can't find these ingredients at your local store, they can be replaced with similar alternatives.
Ingredients for the No-Bake Lasagna
Lasagna noodles: The base of our lasagna, these flat, wide pasta sheets are easily available in most supermarkets.
Ricotta cheese: A creamy, mild cheese that adds a smooth, rich texture to the lasagna.
Lemon: Adds a touch of freshness and tanginess to the ricotta cheese.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the vegetables, it adds a rich, robust flavor.
Shallots: A type of onion with a subtle flavor, used for its sweet and mild taste.
Swiss chard: A leafy green that adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrition.
Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor to the sautéed vegetables.
Zucchini and Summer Squash: These two types of squash add a tender, juicy bite to the lasagna.
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These small tomatoes add a bright, tangy flavor.
Basil: A fragrant herb that adds a pop of fresh flavor.
One reader, Annis Joyce says:
This no-bake lasagna recipe is a game-changer! It's so easy to make and tastes absolutely delicious. The combination of fresh veggies, creamy ricotta, and zesty lemon creates a burst of flavors. Plus, the no-bake aspect makes it a time-saver without compromising on taste. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for No-Bake Lasagna Recipe
How to boil lasagna noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions.
How to whip ricotta cheese: Use a hand mixer with the whisk attachment to whip the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until fluffy and airy, for about a minute.
How to sauté vegetables: In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, cook the shallots, chard stems, and garlic until they begin to soften. Then, add the zucchini and squash and cook until tender.
How to cook tomatoes: In the same sauté pan, cook the halved tomatoes until they start to soften and release some juices, which should take no more than 2 minutes.
How to assemble the lasagna: Place a cut noodle on a plate, spread a layer of whipped ricotta, add the sautéed vegetables, tomatoes, and basil, then repeat the layering process twice more. Repeat the entire process for the remaining ingredients.
How To Make No-Bake Lasagna
Lemon-zested ricotta, zucchini, and tomatoes make this no-bake lasagna a light and refreshing meal. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8lasagna noodles
- 16ozwhole milk ricotta cheese,(1 container),
- 1lemon,zested
- ¾tspkosher salt
- ½tsppepper
- 2tbspolive oil,divided
- ¼cupshallots,minced
- 1bunchSwiss chard,stems removed and chopped save the leaves for another purpose
- 1clovegarlic,minced
- 2½cupszucchini,sliced ½-inch thin and quartered
- 1½cupssummer squash,sliced ½-inch thin and quartered
- 2½cupsmixed cherry or grape tomatoes,halved
- 1bunchbasil,largest leaves
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water over high heat to boil. Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package directions.
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With tongs, remove them carefully from the water one at a time and set them over a wire rack to air dry until cool enough to handle.
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Using a hand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and a dash of freshly ground pepper for about a minute, until it’s fluffy and airy. Whipping helps it go further and makes it spreadable. Set aside.
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Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a medium sauté pan set over medium heat. Once the oil starts to shimmer a little bit, add the shallots, chard stems, and garlic.
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Add the rest of the salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 5 minutes, just until they begin to soften.
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Add the zucchini and squash, and cook for about 5 minutes just until the veggies are tender. Remove from the heat, and remove the veggies to a separate bowl.
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Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to that same medium sauté pan (don’t even bother wiping it out) and add the halved tomatoes.
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Cook just until they start to soften and release some juices. This should take no more than 2 minutes, especially because the pan will still be hot.
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Cut all the noodles into thirds. Place a cut noodle down on a plate, and spread a layer of the whipped ricotta, about 2 tablespoons or so, on top, spreading it all the way to the edge.
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Add the squash and shallot mix (about 2 tablespoons or so), followed by a few tablespoons of the tomatoes, followed by a couple of leaves of basil.
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Add another layer of noodles and repeat twice. And then repeat the whole process for the rest.
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestion: Take a stack of cut noodles to the table, loosely separated by wax paper or damp paper towels. Have guests serve themselves the lasagna ingredients of their choice, in the order that they prefer, with the precise arrangement of veggies and cheese as desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 306.07kcal
- Fat: 15.26g
- Saturated Fat: 7.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.14g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.12g
- Carbohydrates: 29.80g
- Fiber: 4.32g
- Sugar: 6.26g
- Protein: 14.99g
- Cholesterol: 38.56mg
- Sodium: 470.73mg
- Calcium: 241.39mg
- Potassium: 862.65mg
- Iron: 2.89mg
- Vitamin A: 382.53µg
- Vitamin C: 54.00mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting No-Bake Lasagna
When working with ricotta cheese, it's important to remember that whipping it can significantly improve its texture for recipes like this. Using a hand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the ricotta until it becomes fluffy and airy. This not only makes it easier to spread on the lasagna noodles, but also enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish. Additionally, when sautéing vegetables, ensure the oil is shimmering before adding the veggies. This indicates that the oil is at the right temperature and will help to cook the vegetables evenly without burning them.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This No-Bake Dish
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pan cooking: Opt for one-pan or one-pot cooking methods to minimize clean-up and save time.
Batch cooking: Consider making a larger batch and freezing individual portions for quick and easy future meals.
Organized workspace: Keep your workspace organized and clean to avoid wasting time searching for utensils and ingredients.
Multitask: Utilize multiple cooking techniques simultaneously to expedite the overall cooking process.
Efficient tools: Use efficient kitchen tools such as a food processor or mandoline to speed up the prep work.
Pre-sliced ingredients: Purchase pre-sliced or pre-chopped vegetables to cut down on prep time.
Plan ahead: Plan your cooking process in advance, including the order of tasks and cooking times, to work more efficiently.
Substitute Ingredients For No-Bake Lasagna Recipe
lasagna noodles - Substitute with zucchini slices: Zucchini slices can be used as a low-carb and gluten-free alternative to lasagna noodles, providing a lighter and healthier option.
whole milk ricotta cheese - Substitute with cottage cheese: Cottage cheese can be used as a lower fat and higher protein alternative to ricotta cheese, providing a similar creamy texture.
lemon - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can add a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice in the recipe.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity.
pepper - Substitute with chili flakes: Chili flakes can add a subtle heat and flavor similar to black pepper.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, providing a mild flavor and high smoke point.
shallots - Substitute with onions: Onions can be used as a substitute for shallots, providing a similar sweet and savory flavor.
swiss chard - Substitute with spinach: Spinach can be used as a substitute for swiss chard, providing a similar leafy green texture.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient and milder flavor.
zucchini - Substitute with eggplant: Eggplant can be used as a substitute for zucchini, providing a similar texture and mild flavor.
summer squash - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash can be used as a substitute for summer squash, providing a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
cherry or grape tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh cherry or grape tomatoes, providing a concentrated sweet and tangy flavor.
basil - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for basil, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Creative Ways to Serve No-Bake Lasagna
Elevate the layers: Carefully stack the lasagna layers to create a visually appealing and structured presentation. Ensure each layer is neatly arranged to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the ingredients.
Garnish with fresh basil: Sprinkle the top of the lasagna with freshly torn basil leaves to add a pop of color and a hint of aromatic freshness. The bright green basil will contrast beautifully against the rich colors of the lasagna.
Drizzle with olive oil: Finish the dish with a delicate drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add a luxurious sheen and enhance the flavors of the dish. The oil will create a glossy finish, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Plate with precision: Use a spatula to carefully lift each portion of lasagna onto the serving plates, ensuring clean edges and a polished appearance. Attention to detail is key in presenting a sophisticated dish.
Add a lemon twist: Grate a touch of fresh lemon zest over the top of the lasagna just before serving to impart a subtle citrus aroma and a burst of bright flavor. This final touch will elevate the overall taste and presentation of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Gadgets for Making No-Bake Lasagna
Large pot: You will need a large pot to boil the lasagna noodles.
Tongs: Tongs will be used to carefully remove the boiled noodles from the water.
Wire rack: A wire rack will be used to air dry the boiled lasagna noodles until they are cool enough to handle.
Hand mixer: A hand mixer with the whisk attachment will be used to whip the ricotta cheese and lemon zest until fluffy and airy.
Medium sauté pan: A medium sauté pan will be used to cook the shallots, chard stems, garlic, zucchini, and squash.
Plate: Plates will be used to assemble the individual portions of the no-bake lasagna.
Cutting board: A cutting board will be used to prepare the vegetables and herbs for the lasagna.
Knife: A knife will be used to cut the vegetables, herbs, and lasagna noodles.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl will be used to combine the whipped ricotta cheese with the lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Serving platter: A serving platter will be used to present the finished no-bake lasagna.
Storing and Freezing No-Bake Lasagna
- Let the no-bake lasagna cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, place the lasagna in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the lasagna:
- Wrap the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped lasagna in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- To reheat the frozen lasagna:
- Remove the lasagna from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Once thawed, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire lasagna in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Note: The texture of the vegetables and noodles may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should remain delicious.
How To Reheat No-Bake Lasagna Leftovers
To reheat leftover no-bake lasagna, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagna on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the lasagna with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
Another option is to reheat the lasagna in the microwave. Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The damp paper towel will help prevent the lasagna from drying out.
If you have a toaster oven, you can also use it to reheat your no-bake lasagna. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a single serving of lasagna on a small baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Cover with foil and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the lasagna in a skillet on the stovetop. Place a single serving in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through and the cheese is melted.
If you want to maintain the texture and flavor of the no-bake lasagna, avoid reheating it multiple times. Instead, portion out the leftovers into individual servings and reheat them as needed. This will help prevent the lasagna from becoming overcooked or dry.
Interesting Trivia About No-Bake Lasagna
The no-bake lasagna recipe is a great option for a quick and easy meal. It's a perfect dish for those hot summer days when you don't want to turn on the oven. Plus, it's a creative way to incorporate a variety of fresh vegetables into a classic Italian dish.
Is Making No-Bake Lasagna Budget-Friendly?
The cost-effectiveness of this no-bake lasagna recipe is quite high. The use of seasonal vegetables and simple ingredients makes it budget-friendly. The absence of meat also contributes to its affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The use of zucchini, summer squash, and cherry tomatoes makes this recipe a cost-effective option for families looking for a nutritious and delicious meal. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and use of fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Is This No-Bake Dish Healthy or Not?
This no-bake lasagna recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna, as it incorporates a variety of vegetables and uses whole milk ricotta cheese instead of heavy cream or excessive amounts of cheese. The inclusion of swiss chard, zucchini, summer squash, and tomatoes provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The use of whole milk ricotta cheese adds protein and calcium without the excessive saturated fat found in many lasagna recipes.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use whole wheat lasagna noodles instead of regular noodles to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in sautéing the vegetables, or use a non-stick pan to minimize the need for added oil
- Include additional vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, to further increase the nutrient density of the dish
- Experiment with using a lower fat ricotta cheese or a combination of ricotta and cottage cheese to reduce the overall fat content
- Add lean protein sources, such as grilled chicken or turkey, to make the lasagna a more well-rounded meal
By incorporating these suggestions, you can enhance the nutritional value of this already healthy no-bake lasagna recipe, making it an even better choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.
Editor's Opinion on This No-Bake Lasagna Recipe
This no-bake lasagna recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dish, offering a fresh and vibrant take on traditional flavors. The use of whipped ricotta with lemon zest adds a light and airy texture, while the sautéed vegetables and burst cherry tomatoes provide a burst of color and flavor. The layering of these components between the lasagna noodles creates a visually appealing and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. The recipe's simplicity and use of fresh, seasonal ingredients make it a standout choice for a quick and impressive dinner option.
Enhance Your No-Bake Lasagna Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar No-Bake Recipes to Try
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for No-Bake Lasagna
Why trust this No-Bake Lasagna Recipe:
This no-bake lasagna recipe offers a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic dish. The use of swiss chard and summer squash adds a healthy and vibrant element, while the whipped ricotta cheese with lemon zest provides a creamy and zesty layer. The combination of cherry tomatoes and basil infuses the dish with a burst of color and a delightful aroma. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and a simple, no-bake preparation, this recipe offers a convenient and delicious option for any occasion.
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