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Raw Vegan Lasagna with Basil Pesto, Brazil Nut Ricotta & Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

July 5, 2026

This Raw Vegan Lasagna combines fresh zucchini, yellow squash, creamy Brazil nut ricotta, basil pesto, and rich sun-dried tomato sauce into a decadent plant-based meal that’s packed with vegetables and surprisingly satisfying.

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When most people think about lasagna, they picture bubbling cheese, layers of pasta, and a casserole dish fresh from the oven.

This isn’t that kind of lasagna.

Instead, it’s a vibrant celebration of colorful vegetables, fresh herbs, healthy fats, and wholesome plant foods that somehow manages to be every bit as satisfying.

I’m always looking for delicious ways to add more fruits and vegetables to my diet, and this Raw Vegan Lasagna has become one of my favorite ways to do just that.

The “noodles” are made from thin ribbons of zucchini and yellow squash, two vegetables that are naturally low in calories but rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. They’re also packed with water, making this dish wonderfully hydrating while adding volume without feeling heavy.

The basil pesto is much more than a flavorful spread. Fresh basil contains antioxidant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress, while garlic provides sulfur-containing compounds that have been studied for their role in supporting cardiovascular and immune health. Pine nuts contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, magnesium, and vitamin E—nutrients that help support overall wellness.

Then there’s the creamy Brazil nut ricotta, one of my favorite parts of this recipe. Brazil nuts are one of nature’s richest sources of selenium, a mineral that plays an important role in thyroid function, immune health, and the body’s antioxidant defense system. Nutritional yeast adds a delicious cheesy flavor while providing protein and, in many fortified varieties, B vitamins.

The sun-dried tomato sauce brings bold, concentrated tomato flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the pesto and ricotta. Tomatoes are well known for their lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with heart health and protection against oxidative stress. Combined with extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in anti-inflammatory polyphenols and healthy monounsaturated fats, this sauce delivers both incredible flavor and nutritional benefits.

A layer of fresh baby spinach adds even more nutritional value, supplying folate, vitamin K, iron, lutein, and other phytonutrients that support healthy bones, vision, and overall wellness.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it showcases the power of eating a variety of colorful plant foods. Every layer contributes different vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fats, and phytonutrients that work together to nourish your body.

The biggest surprise?

Just how rich and decadent this dish tastes.

It’s proof that healthy food doesn’t have to feel restrictive or boring. In fact, meals like this remind us that eating more plants can be one of the most delicious forms of self-care.

Raw vegan lasagna  made with zucchini ribbons, pesto, and sun-dried tomato sauce on a black plate.

Whether you’re fully plant-based, trying to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, or simply looking for a fresh twist on a comfort-food classic, this recipe delivers.

I’m not saying you have to eat all your lasagnas raw.

But I am saying that this recipe deserves a permanent place in your collection of plant-powered meals.

Your body—and your taste buds—will thank you.

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Raw Vegan Lasagna with Basil Pesto, Brazil Nut Ricotta & Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

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If you’ve been looking for a creative way to eat more vegetables, this Raw Vegan Lasagna deserves a spot on your menu. Layers of zucchini and yellow squash replace traditional pasta, while homemade basil pesto, creamy Brazil nut ricotta, and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce create all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna—without ever turning on the oven.

It’s fresh, vibrant, surprisingly filling, and proof that healthy food can be absolutely decadent.

  • Author: Sandra Brooks
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Soaking Time: 4–6 hours (Brazil nuts) + 30 minutes (sun-dried tomatoes)
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Main

Ingredients

Scale

Basil Pesto

  • 2 cups fresh basil, packed
  • ½ cup pine nuts
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Brazil Nut Ricotta

  • 1½ cups raw Brazil nuts, soaked 4–6 hours, drained
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked 30 minutes
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Lasagna Layers

  • 1 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise into thin ribbons
  • 1 large yellow squash, sliced lengthwise into thin ribbons
  • 2 cups baby spinach

 

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pesto

Place basil, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Blend until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta

Add soaked Brazil nuts, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, water, garlic, salt, and pepper to a food processor.

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

Blend soaked sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.

If needed, add a tablespoon or two of water to reach a spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble

On a serving platter or shallow dish:

  • Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce.
  • Add a layer of zucchini slices.
  • Spread Brazil nut ricotta.
  • Add spinach.
  • Spoon on basil pesto.
  • Add yellow squash.
  • Repeat the layers until ingredients are used.
  • Finish with tomato sauce, pesto, and a sprinkle of pine nuts or fresh basil.

Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy chilled.

Notes

  • A mandoline makes slicing the vegetables much easier.
  • Pat zucchini and squash dry with paper towels before assembling to reduce excess moisture.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Garnish with fresh basil, microgreens, or cracked black pepper before serving

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Raw vegan lasagna made with zucchini ribbons, pesto, and sun-dried tomato sauce on a black plate.

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I'm Sandra, your plant powered docta.

Licensed clinical psychologist + plant-powered foodie on a mission to help women over 40 embrace radical self-care.

I’ve been vegan for 15 years (vegetarian since I was 12 ). Here you’ll find plant-based recipes, hormone-friendly hacks, and a little joy sprinkled in (because health should feel good!).

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