WFPB Vegetable Lasagne Recipe
Here’s yor WFPB vegetable lasagne recipe.

This recipe is oil-free and low-sodium. It features a cashew-based “ricotta” and a veggie-rich tomato sau
Yields: 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
I. Ingredients
1. The Tomato-Vegetable Sauce (The Base)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Note |
| Crushed Tomatoes (no salt added) | 2 (28 oz) cans | The cornerstone of the sauce. |
| Onion, diced | 1 large | Sautéed dry (or in a splash of water/broth) for flavor. |
| Garlic, minced | 4-6 cloves | The more, the merrier! |
| Zucchini, diced | 2 medium | Adds texture and moisture. |
| Mushrooms (e.g., cremini), sliced | 16 oz | Provides a deep, umami flavor. |
| Carrots, shredded or finely diced | 1 cup | Adds natural sweetness and color. |
| Red Bell Pepper, diced | 1 large | For color and Vitamin C. |
| Dried Basil, Oregano, Thyme | 1 tsp each | Classic Italian herb blend. |
| Red Pepper Flakes (optional) | 1/4 tsp | For a little heat. |
| Vegetable Broth (no salt added) | 1/2 cup | For dry-sautéing and thinness. |
2. The WFPB “Ricotta” (The Creamy Layer)
| Ingredient | Quantity | Note |
| Raw Cashews, soaked | 1 cup | Soak in hot water for 30 min, then drain. Essential for creaminess. |
| Tofu (extra-firm, pressed) | 1 block (14 oz) | Adds protein and body; crumble it up. |
| Nutritional Yeast | 1/4 cup | Provides a cheesy, savory flavor. |
| Lemon Juice | 2 Tbsp | Brightens the flavor and mimics the tang of cheese. |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | |
| Dried Basil & Oregano | 1/2 tsp each | |
| Plant Milk (unsweetened, unflavored) | 1/4 – 1/2 cup | To help blend the cashews smooth. |
3. The Layers
| Ingredient | Quantity | Note |
| Whole Wheat Lasagne Noodles | 9-12 sheets | Choose whole grain for fiber and nutrients. |
| Fresh Spinach | 5 oz package (or 5 cups) | No need to pre-cook; it wilts in the oven. |
II. Instructions (The Evidence-Based Approach)
1. Prepare the Whole Wheat Lasagne Noodles
- Boil the lasagne noodles according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Tomato-Vegetable Sauce
- Dry Sauté: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion with a splash of vegetable broth or water (instead of oil). Cook until translucent (5-7 minutes).
- Build the Flavor: Add the garlic, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook the vegetables until they soften, which takes about 10 minutes. If they stick, add small amounts of broth.
- Simmer: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, herbs, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors deepen.
3. Create the WFPB “Ricotta”
- Blend the Cream: In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and plant milk. Blend until perfectly smooth and creamy.
- Combine: In a bowl, add the smooth cashew cream and the crumbled tofu. Gently mix with a fork, incorporating the dry herbs. Do not overmix. This is your nutrient-dense, high-protein cheese substitute.
4. Assemble the Lasagne
- Preheat the oven to 375^F or 190^C.
- Bottom Layer: Spread a thin layer of the tomato-vegetable sauce on the bottom of 9 X 13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 1: Place 3-4 lasagne noodles over the sauce.
- Layer 2 (Ricotta): Drop spoonfuls of the WFPB “ricotta” over the noodles and gently spread it out.
- Layer 3 (Greens): Spread about half of the fresh spinach evenly over the ricotta.
- Layer 4 (Sauce): Spoon about a quarter of the remaining tomato-vegetable sauce over the spinach.
- Repeat: Add another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta, the remaining spinach, and a second layer of sauce.
- Top Layer: Finish with a final layer of noodles and the rest of the tomato-vegetable sauce.
5. Bake
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is slightly caramelized.
- Rest: Let the lasagne rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents it from falling apart.
Why this is Evidence-Based WFPB:
- Whole Grains: Uses whole wheat noodles for more fiber, B vitamins, and complex carbs instead of refined white flour.
- No Added Oils: All vegetables are dry-sautéed or cooked in broth. This method cuts out empty calories and saturated fat from added oils.
- Nutrient-Dense Cream: This “ricotta” is made from whole, raw cashews. They offer healthy fats, magnesium, and Vitamin K. It also has tofu for complete protein and calcium. This makes it a great alternative to high-fat dairy cheese.
- Veggie-Focused: This sauce has 5 different vegetables. It boosts your daily fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Low Sodium: Relies on herbs, spices, garlic, onion, and lemon juice for flavor, keeping added sodium levels minimal.
