If you’re searching for a dish that blends comfort, freshness, and a delightful twist on classic lasagna, then The Best Squash Lasagna is about to become your new kitchen favorite. Bursting with rich flavors, tender layers, and vibrant colors, this recipe redefines what lasagna can be by swapping traditional pasta for thinly sliced squash, creating a lighter yet satisfying meal that will wow your family and guests alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and wholesome: Using squash brings a natural sweetness and moisture that elevates every bite.
Healthier twist: It’s a low-carb alternative without sacrificing the indulgent, cheesy goodness.
Easy to customize: The recipe adapts beautifully to your preferred flavors and dietary needs.
Perfect for entertaining: It’s elegant enough to impress, yet simple enough to prepare on a weeknight.
Seasonal versatility: Works great with both summer squash and winter varieties like butternut or acorn.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Best Squash Lasagna relies on a handful of simple ingredients that combine to create an irresistible harmony of taste and texture. Each element adds its own character, from the creamy cheese filling to the fresh, mild squash slices that replace traditional noodles.

Fresh squash: Thinly sliced zucchini or yellow squash provide a tender, yet substantial layer.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and richness for that classic lasagna feel.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating golden, bubbly layers.
Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, umami kick to boost flavor complexity.
Tomato sauce: Choose a homemade or quality store-bought sauce for a fresh, tangy base.
Garlic and herbs: Minced garlic, basil, and oregano infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
Olive oil: Used to roast or sauté squash, enhancing its sweetness and texture.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and bring all components together.

Variations for The Best Squash Lasagna

One of the best parts about The Best Squash Lasagna is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether adapting to what you have on hand, adjusting for dietary preferences, or experimenting with flavors, these variations keep things exciting.

Vegetarian option: Load up with extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for earthy flavor and extra nutrients.
Meat addition: Add sautéed ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a meaty boost.
Vegan substitute: Use cashew-based ricotta and dairy-free cheese alternatives to enjoy a plant-powered version.
Spicy twist: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a hint of heat that livens the palate.
Different squash types: Experiment with butternut or acorn squash for a sweeter and more robust flavor profile.

Why The Best Squash Lasagna Will Wow You

How to Make The Best Squash Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the squash

Start by washing your squash and carefully slicing it lengthwise into thin, even strips using a mandoline or sharp knife, ensuring soft yet textured layers for the lasagna.

Step 2: Roast or sauté the squash

Lightly coat the squash slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast or sauté them until just tender to concentrate their natural sweetness and prevent extra moisture in your lasagna.

Step 3: Mix the cheese filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta, a portion of the grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and freshly chopped basil, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper for a creamy, flavorful filling.

Step 4: Assemble the layers

In your baking dish, start with a layer of tomato sauce, followed by squash slices, dollops of the ricotta mixture, shredded mozzarella, and repeat until your ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake the lasagna

Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to brown and bubble beautifully.

Step 6: Let it rest

Once out of the oven, permit the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing, which helps the layers set and keeps the dish from becoming too watery.

Pro Tips for Making The Best Squash Lasagna

Slice evenly: Uniform squash slices ensure even cooking and a professional look.
Drain excess moisture: Salt the squash slices and let them sit briefly, then pat dry to avoid watery lasagna.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil and oregano bring vibrant flavor that dried spices can’t match.
Balance the cheeses: Combining ricotta with mozzarella and Parmesan offers creaminess, meltiness, and sharpness.
Rest before serving: Allowing the lasagna to stand after baking prevents it from falling apart when cut.

How to Serve The Best Squash Lasagna

Garnishes

Top your lasagna with freshly chopped basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a final touch that boosts both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to round out the meal with fresh and crunchy elements.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve portions layered on individual plates, topped with microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant twist perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

The Best Squash Lasagna freezes beautifully; slice it into portions, wrap them securely, and freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later with minimal effort.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil to keep moisture, until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

FAQs

Can I make The Best Squash Lasagna gluten-free?

Absolutely! Since this recipe uses thinly sliced squash instead of traditional pasta, it’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.

What type of squash works best for this lasagna?

Zucchini and yellow squash are the most popular for their texture and flavor, but you can also experiment with butternut or acorn squash for a sweeter variation.

How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?

Salting the squash slices ahead of time to draw out moisture and patting them dry is key, along with roasting or sautéing before assembling.

Can I prepare The Best Squash Lasagna in advance?

Yes! Assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate before baking, which also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

With simple cheese substitutions like cashew ricotta and dairy-free mozzarella, this dish can easily be made vegan-friendly without losing the comforting texture.

Final Thoughts

The Best Squash Lasagna is a vibrant, flavorful, and healthier alternative to classic lasagna that brings something truly special to the table. Whether you’re aiming for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe combines ease and elegance in every layer. Give it a try and watch how a simple twist on tradition can turn into an absolute favorite!

The Best Squash Lasagna

Print Recipe

The Best Squash Lasagna is a fresh, wholesome, and lighter twist on classic lasagna that uses thinly sliced squash instead of pasta. This low-carb, gluten-free dish layers tender squash with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and a tangy tomato sauce, infused with garlic and herbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, it offers seasonal versatility and easy customization to suit a variety of dietary preferences.

Author: Lilly
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Squash Layer

4 medium zucchini or yellow squash, thinly sliced lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Filling

1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Fresh basil and oregano (for seasoning and garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the squash: Wash the squash thoroughly and slice them lengthwise into thin, even strips using a mandoline or a sharp knife to ensure tender yet textured layers for the lasagna.
Roast or sauté the squash: Lightly coat the squash slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven or sauté on the stovetop until just tender, which helps concentrate their natural sweetness and prevents excess moisture in the lasagna.
Mix the cheese filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and freshly chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a creamy and flavorful filling.
Assemble the layers: In a baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce first. Then add a layer of squash slices, dollops of the ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake the lasagna: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to brown and become bubbly.
Let it rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and preventing the dish from becoming watery.

Notes

Slice evenly: Ensure squash slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking and a professional presentation.
Drain excess moisture: Salt squash slices and let them sit briefly, then pat dry to avoid watery lasagna.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil and oregano provide vibrant flavor that dried herbs cannot match.
Balance the cheeses: Combining ricotta with mozzarella and Parmesan offers creaminess, melty texture, and a sharp flavor contrast.
Rest before serving: Allow the lasagna to stand after baking to prevent it from falling apart when cut.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 16 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: squash lasagna, low carb lasagna, gluten free lasagna, zucchini recipes, healthy lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, squash recipe