🧄🥬 Overnight Mediterranean Lasagna

Overnight Mediterranean Lasagna is a fresh, flavorful twist on classic lasagna — packed with vegetables, herbs, and cheeses — and made even easier by prepping it ahead! Let it rest overnight for the best flavor and texture.

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🧄🥬 Overnight Mediterranean Lasagna

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: Overnight (8+ hours)
Servings: 8

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📝 Ingredients:

For the veggie layer:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
• ½ cup artichoke hearts, chopped (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon oregano

For the cheese mixture:

• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)

Other layers:

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or tomato basil sauce
• 9–12 no-boil lasagna noodles
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: chopped kalamata olives for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Sauté the vegetables: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchini, bell pepper, spinach, and artichokes. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender. Add garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute more. Set aside to cool.
2. Mix cheese filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, feta, egg, and basil. Mix until smooth.
3. Assemble lasagna:
   • Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Layer 3–4 noodles, half the ricotta mixture, half the veggies, and a third of the mozzarella.
   • Repeat layers, ending with noodles, sauce, and remaining mozzarella.
4. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight.
5. Bake the next day at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes, removing foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

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✅ Tips:

• You can prep and freeze it unbaked for up to 2 months.
• Add cooked ground turkey or lentils for extra protein.
• Serve with a Greek salad and garlic bread for a full Mediterranean meal.

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🍽️ What to Serve with Lasagna:

1. Fresh Salads:

• Caesar salad – classic and creamy
• Greek salad – balances Mediterranean flavors
• Arugula & Parmesan salad with lemon vinaigrette

2. Bread Options:

• Garlic bread or garlic knots
• Focaccia with olive oil and herbs
• Crusty baguette or Italian rolls

3. Vegetables & Sides:

• Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts
• Grilled zucchini or eggplant
• Caprese skewers or baked stuffed tomatoes

4. Light Starters or Appetizers:

• Antipasto platter with olives, marinated veggies, and cured meats
• Bruschetta with tomato, basil, and balsamic

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🍷🥂 What Drink Goes with Lasagna:

For Traditional Red Sauce Lasagna:

• Red Wine: Chianti, Barbera, Sangiovese, or Zinfandel
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or a red grape mocktail

For Mediterranean or Veggie Lasagna:

• White Wine: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or dry Rosé
• Non-Alcoholic: Cucumber-mint water or citrus iced tea

For Creamy or Alfredo Lasagna:

• White Wine: Chardonnay or Viognier
• Non-Alcoholic: Apple cider or sparkling lemonade