Summer Lasagna Recipe

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

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. 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

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
4. Spread half of the vegetable mixture over the noodles.
5. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the vegetables.
6. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layers, starting with the noodles and ending with the mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
3. 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.