Imagine a dish that captures the essence of summer with every bite—welcome to Summer Lasagna No Bake! This delightful Italian creation is not only a feast for the eyes but also a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. In just 20 minutes of prep time, you can assemble layers of creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes, all nestled between no-boil lasagna noodles. Perfect for warm days when the last thing you want is to heat up the kitchen, this no-bake lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that will have your guests asking for seconds. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the steps to create this culinary masterpiece!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles, no-boil
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups sliced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your work surface by laying out all ingredients and ensuring they are at room temperature for easier assembly.
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese with chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
- Slice fresh tomatoes into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even layering.
- Select a 9x13 inch rectangular dish for assembling the no-bake lasagna.
- Begin layering by spreading a thin layer of ricotta mixture on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
- Place no-boil lasagna noodles in a single layer, slightly overlapping edges to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Spread a generous layer of ricotta mixture over the noodles, ensuring even coverage.
- Add a layer of fresh spinach leaves, covering the ricotta completely.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes in a single, slightly overlapping layer on top of the spinach.
- Sprinkle a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the tomatoes.
- Repeat layering process: noodles, ricotta, spinach, tomatoes, and cheese until all ingredients are used.
- Finish with a final layer of cheese on top, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and noodles to soften.
- Before serving, let the lasagna sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ease cutting.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Prep Your Ingredients: Before you start, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This makes assembly easier and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Layering Technique: When layering, make sure to spread the ricotta mixture evenly to prevent dry spots. Each layer should be generous but not overwhelming.
- Slice Uniformly: For the tomatoes, aim for uniform slices about 1/4 inch thick. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the lasagna to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours is crucial. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and the noodles to soften, making for a more enjoyable texture.
- Serve at Room Temperature: Before serving, let the lasagna sit out for about 15 minutes. This makes it easier to cut and enhances the overall flavor experience.
- Garnish for Freshness: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. It adds a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that will elevate your dish.With these tips in mind, you’re all set to create a stunning Summer Lasagna No Bake that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg
