This Vegan “Christmas” Lasagna is a festive and flavorful holiday centerpiece featuring layers of pesto ricotta, savory vegan Italian sausage, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for mixed-diet gatherings, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Table of Contents
Holiday meals should be as joyful and comforting as the season itself, and this Vegan “Christmas” Lasagna delivers just that. Vibrant layers of red marinara, green pesto, and creamy golden cheese make it a feast for the eyes and the palate. Whether you’re hosting a full vegan holiday spread or accommodating mixed-diet guests, this lasagna is the perfect solution for a festive, crowd-pleasing dish.
What sets this recipe apart isn’t just its stunning appearance—it’s the bold, hearty flavors that capture the magic of the season. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead, leaving you with more time to connect with loved ones around the table. Ready to wow your holiday guests? Read on!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Growing up, lasagna or some kind of pasta dish was always on at least one of the holiday menus of the season. My mom’s traditional lasagna featured layers of spinach ricotta (ricotta cheese mixed with flecks of chopped spinach). I always thought it was a clever nod to the season with the red and green.
My kids are not huge fans of spinach when it’s cooked (it’s a texture thing), but they love pesto, so that’s how this Vegan “Christmas” Lasagna was born. I love it for its festive flair. With swirls of red marinara, green pesto, and golden cheesy goodness, this dish is visually and seasonally delightful.
Along with its perfect match to the holiday season, it’s also:
Easily Adaptable
This dish is a dream for mixed-diet families. Serve it as is for a completely vegan main course, or add a side of meat sausage for non-vegan guests who might prefer that option. Everyone at the table can enjoy a plate tailored to their tastes, ensuring no one feels left out of the holiday magic.
Make-Ahead Friendly
The holiday season can get hectic, and that’s where this lasagna shines. You can assemble it the day before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. It’s a lifesaver for hosting, letting you enjoy more time with loved ones and less time stressing in the kitchen.
What You Need To Make Vegan "Christmas" Lasagna
This festive lasagna comes together with a mix of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients, plus a couple of trusty kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need to create this stunning holiday dish:
Main Ingredients
- Vegan Italian Sausage: Brings hearty, savory flavor and the perfect “meaty” texture to the layers.
- Vegan Ricotta: This is the creamy base for the ricotta-pesto blend that takes this lasagna to the next level. I love this one.
- Store-Bought or Homemade Pesto: It adds vibrant green color and herbaceous flavor to the ricotta mixture. Trader Joe’s has a great option. I also really like this product.
- Marinara Sauce: This is a must for that classic red lasagna layer; opt for your favorite store-bought jar or make your own. If you’re taking help from the store, this jar is next level.
- Vegan Mozzarella: Choose a brand that melts beautifully on top for that golden, bubbly finish. This is the only product I’ll use.
- No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: Save time and effort—no need to pre-cook! I love this brand because they’re also naturally gluten-free.
Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
This luscious sauce ties everything together with its rich, tangy flavor. You’ll need:
- Cashews: These are the base for a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Vegetable Broth: Because it adds depth and brings everything together, choose one with rich flavor. I love this no-chicken variety.
- Garlic: This is a mush for it’s aromatic richness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: You need just a splash of acidity to brighten the flavors.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with umami, they’re the star of the sauce.
- Nutritional Yeast: This adds a subtle cheesy note.
- Lemon Juice: Just a squeeze adds a fresh, tangy finish.
- Seasonings: You need salt and an Italian herb blend.
Special Equipment
- High-Speed Blender: Essential for whipping up the silky-smooth sun-dried tomato cream sauce, my Vitamix is my pick for nut based sauces like this one.
- Lasagna Pan: A large, deep baking dish is key for layering everything together and baking it to perfection.
How To Make Vegan "Christmas" Lasagna
- Prepare the filling: Sauté onions, crumble vegan sausage, and season to perfection.
- Blend the sun-dried tomato cream sauce: Combine the cashews, broth, and other ingredients and process until silky smooth.
- Mix the ricotta layer: Stir the pesto into the vegan ricotta for a bright and creamy spread.
- Assemble the lasagna: Layer marinara, noodles, ricotta, sausage, cream sauce, and mozzarella, repeating until the pan is full.
- Bake and serve: Cover with foil, bake, then uncover for the final golden finish. Let the lasagna rest before serving for easier slicing.
Recipe Tips
Meal Prep:
- Make the cream sauce and ricotta-pesto mixture a day ahead to save time. You can also assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and bake just before serving.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This lasagna also freezes beautifully—slice into portions and wrap individually for easy reheating.
Adapting for Non-Vegans:
- Serve with a side of traditional meat sausage for non-vegan guests. Alternatively, divide the lasagna into two pans and layer one with vegan sausage and the other with cooked ground meat.
What To Serve With Vegan "Christmas" Lasagna
This flavorful lasagna is a star on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your meal to a true holiday feast. Here are some serving ideas to round out the menu:
Salads
- Crisp Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The peppery bite of arugula with a zesty lemon dressing perfectly balances the richness of the lasagna. Add toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan for extra flair.
- Classic Caesar Salad: Toss crisp romaine lettuce with vegan Caesar dressing, croutons, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a traditional pairing.
Sides
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery, and packed with garlicky goodness—perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce on your plate. Use vegan butter and garlic to keep it plant-based.
- Crusty Baguette Slices: Serve plain or lightly toasted for a simple, rustic addition to your table.
Festive Extras
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes brings seasonal colors and flavors to the meal.
- Antipasto Platter: Add a holiday touch with marinated olives, artichokes, roasted red peppers, and vegan cheeses to kick off your dinner.
FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free?
How can I save time on prep?
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
What can I use if I can’t find vegan ricotta?
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
How can I make the pesto at home?
Vegan “Christmas” Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan “Christmas” Lasagna is a festive and flavorful holiday centerpiece featuring layers of pesto ricotta, savory vegan Italian sausage, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for mixed-diet gatherings, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 package vegan Italian sausage
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 Tbsp Italian herbs seasoning blend
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 12 oz vegan ricotta
- 2 cups store-bought or homemade vegan pesto, divided
- 28 oz marinara sauce
- 3 oz sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in water for 10 minutes
- 2 cups grated vegan mozzarella
- 1 package no-boil regular or gluten-free lasagna noodles
For the sun-dried tomato cream sauce:
- 2 cups cashews
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat to 375°F.
- Make the meat filling: In a large skillet, heat the oil in a saute pan. Add the onion. Cook until translucent. Crumble in the vegan sausage and seasonings. Cook for about 10 minutes until brown and caramelized.
- Make the ricotta filling: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta and 1 cup of the pesto, stirring well to combine.
- Make the cream sauce: In a high-speed blender, add all of the ingredients for the sun-dried tomato cream sauce and mix until smooth.
- Assemble the lasagna: Pour 1/4 cup of sauce across the bottom of a lasagna pan or casserole dish. Spread it to cover the bottom surface of the pan thoroughly. Next, place 3-4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce to cover as much surface of the pan as possible. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta across the noodles. Sprinkle ⅓ of the sun-dried tomatoes and vegan mozzarella. Top with ⅓ of the meat filling on top and drizzle ⅓ of the cream sauce on top.
- Repeat: Continue for two more times so that there are three layers of noodles. Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top and spread to cover evenly. Swirl the remaining pesto, and sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup of the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Gluten Allergy: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles such as Jovial Foods.
- Spoiler Alert: Vegan “Christmas Lasagna” will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week.
- For non-vegans: Serve with meat sausage on the side.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Meals
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian