Name: Tie-Dye Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 batch Cherry Tomato Sauce (roasted cherry tomatoes and onions blended with garlic); 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 orange bell pepper, diced; 1 medium yellow or red onion, diced; 1 medium zucchini, chopped; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Kosher salt, for pasta water; Nonstick cooking spray; 10 to 12 lasagna noodles (1 pound box); 3 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup), plus more for garnish (optional); ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); ¼ cup julienned fresh basil leaves, for serving; 1 (15-ounce) container whole-milk ricotta cheese; ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 1 large egg, beaten; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you have a soft spot for vibrant flavors and beautiful presentations, then this Tie-Dye Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe is bound to become your new favorite comfort food. It’s not just any lasagna; it’s a colorful fusion of roasted veggies, luscious pesto ricotta, and a rich cherry tomato sauce that layers up to create a spectacle of taste and texture. The way the colors swirl and mingle reminds me of joyful summer picnics and cozy dinners with friends, making every bite an experience to savor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on making this stunning dish again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular baking dish shows one visible layer of lasagna noodles at the bottom, covered by a thick spread of light green creamy sauce with small darker green flecks, giving it a textured, slightly uneven surface. A metal spoon is resting on top of the sauce, with some sauce on it. Around the dish, dark green fresh basil leaves lay on a white marbled surface. A small white bowl with more of the same green sauce is partially visible near the top edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this Tie-Dye Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe means gathering some simple but essential ingredients that each play a star role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and eye-catching color. From juicy roasted cherry tomatoes to creamy pesto-infused ricotta, every component brings something special to the table.

Cherry Tomato Sauce: Roasting fresh cherry tomatoes and garlic gives this sauce a naturally sweet and tangy depth.
Red & Orange Bell Peppers: Their bright colors and sweetness brighten the layers and add a crisp texture.
Yellow or Red Onion: Adds a subtle sharpness that mellows with roasting, enriching flavor complexity.
Zucchini: Its mild, tender flesh helps balance the robust elements and adds volume.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Essential for roasting and bringing richness throughout the dish.
Garlic Powder & Kosher Salt: Key seasoning to elevate all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Lasagna Noodles: The sturdy foundation that soaks up every sauce and layer beautifully.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melted and gooey, it ties the layers together with creamy indulgence.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty crunch when sprinkled on top.
Basil Pesto: A fragrant green boost that brightens the ricotta and overall flavor.
Ricotta Cheese & Egg: Creates the creamy pesto ricotta filling that’s rich and smooth.
Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish, they add a fresh herbal note and a pop of green.

How to Make Tie-Dye Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Roast Your Tomato Sauce and Veggies

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, then roasting your cherry tomatoes, garlic, and onions until they are tender and bursting with flavor. At the same time, roast your diced bell peppers, onion, and zucchini tossed with olive oil and seasonings until they’re slightly golden and caramelized. This roasting process intensifies natural sweetness while infusing the veggies with wonderful texture—that’s the magic behind this recipe’s vibrant colors and rich flavor depth.

Step 2: Blend the Roasted Tomato Sauce

Once cooled a bit, squeeze the garlic from its skin and blend it together with the roasted cherry tomatoes and onions until smooth and saucy. This homemade tomato sauce is the heart of the Tie-Dye Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe, giving it that fresh, luscious quality that jarred sauces just can’t match. The consistency should be thick but pourable, ready to nestle perfectly between layers.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Boil your noodles briefly until they’re just pliable yet slightly firm to the bite, then lay them flat on a sprayed baking sheet. This step is crucial to ensure the noodles don’t stick together when layered. Soft yet sturdy noodles help maintain the lasagna’s structure while soaking up all the flavorful sauces and cheeses.

Step 4: Prepare the Pesto Ricotta

Combine creamy ricotta cheese with fragrant basil pesto, a beaten egg, salt, garlic powder, and fresh cracked pepper to create a smooth, herbaceous filling. This luscious mixture adds a creamy, fresh layer that contrasts beautifully against roasted veggies and zesty tomato sauce—think of it like a cozy blanket hugging every colorful bite.

Step 5: Assemble Your Lasagna Layers

In a sprayed 9×13 baking dish, start with a layer of tomato sauce, then arrange your noodles strategically across the bottom. Next comes half your pesto ricotta, followed by half the roasted veggies, mozzarella, more tomato sauce, and a sprinkling of Parmesan. Repeat the layers, topping the whole masterpiece with the remaining mozzarella cheese for that signature bubbly crust. Every layer is like a brushstroke, crafting the iconic Tie-Dye effect.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Cover the dish with foil sprayed to prevent sticking, and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil, dollop extra pesto on top, and bake uncovered until the cheese turns just golden at the edges—about 15 to 20 more minutes. The final result is a bubbling mosaic of color and melty cheese that’s both a feast for the eyes and a delight to the palate.

How to Serve Tie-Dye Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe

The image shows a thick slice of lasagna on a white plate with a brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The lasagna has several layers: at the bottom, a creamy, slightly yellow cheese layer; above it, a rich red sauce mixed with vegetables like zucchini and orange squash pieces; then a layer of melted mozzarella cheese with a golden-brown baked top; patches of green pesto sauce spread unevenly over the slice; and fresh chopped green basil leaves sprinkled on top. A silver fork rests on the plate beside the lasagna slice. In the background, another plate with a larger portion of lasagna is slightly out of focus, and there is a small container and a bowl with grated cheese on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish off your lasagna with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. These simple garnishes add a fresh herbal aroma and a punch of savory flavor, creating a visual contrast that ups the dish’s appeal. The bright green basil against melted cheese and red tomato sauce looks like a work of art!

Side Dishes

Serve this lasagna alongside a crisp mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of garlic bread for that classic Italian touch. The crisp textures and tangy notes from sides make each forkful of the tie-dye layers stand out while adding variety to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, serve individual portions in small ramekins layered with the same components, showcasing the vibrant colors through the sides. You can also create a family-style buffet, letting guests scoop generous slices to appreciate both the flavors and the visual spectacle of this Tie-Dye Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices of this lasagna keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, tightly wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil or store in freezer-safe containers. Frozen lasagna can last up to 3 months, perfect for busy nights when you crave comfort food with minimal effort.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven. Cover with foil in the oven to keep moisture intact and prevent the cheese from drying out, heating at 350°F until warm in the center. In the microwave, cover with a lid or damp paper towel to avoid dryness and maintain that luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! No-boil noodles can be a shortcut, but make sure your tomato sauce is a bit more watery so the noodles can soften properly during baking. The tying of textures is key, so adjust accordingly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since traditional lasagna noodles contain gluten. However, you can substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles, just check their cook times and adjust layering and baking as needed.

Can I make the tomato sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The roasted cherry tomato sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This often enhances the flavor, making your Tie-Dye Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe even more flavorful when assembled.

What can I use instead of pesto if I don’t have any?

If pesto isn’t on hand, you can substitute with fresh basil mixed with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. While it won’t be quite the same, it still adds that fresh herbal note the dish needs.

Can I add other vegetables to this lasagna?

Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant would all make fantastic additions or swaps. Just keep the layering balanced so the lasagna maintains its colorful tie-dye effect and delightful texture contrasts.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Tie-Dye Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe is a game changer. It’s the perfect way to brighten up dinner with layers of roasted veggie goodness, creamy pesto filling, and a luscious tomato sauce that shines in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this colorful dish promises comfort and excitement on your plate. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own—the joy in cooking and sharing this lasagna is truly special!