Summer lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, perfect for a Sunday dinner or any special occasion. This light and flavorful lasagna is layered with seasonal vegetables, creamy ricotta cheese, and a zesty tomato sauce, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal. Follow this recipe to learn how to make a delicious summer lasagna that will impress your family and guests.
Ingredients for Summer Lasagna
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Summer Lasagna
Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Filling
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, corn, cherry tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spread half of the vegetable mixture over the noodles.
- Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, starting with the noodles and ending with the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Slice and serve the summer lasagna hot.
About the Main Ingredients
Vegetables
The combination of zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, corn, and cherry tomatoes adds a colorful and flavorful twist to traditional lasagna. These summer vegetables are fresh, vibrant, and perfect for the season.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is creamy and mild, adding a rich texture to the lasagna. It pairs perfectly with the vegetables and helps bind the layers together.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is the base of this lasagna, providing a rich tomato flavor that complements the vegetables and cheese. You can use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce for this recipe.
Summer lasagna is a delicious and satisfying dish that highlights the best flavors of the season. With layers of fresh vegetables, creamy ricotta cheese, and zesty marinara sauce, this lasagna is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Try making this summer lasagna for a Sunday dinner or any special occasion, and enjoy a taste of summer in every bite.
