You know that moment when holiday feasting leaves you feeling like you need a nap under the Christmas tree? That’s exactly why I created this Christmas Healthy Butternut Squash Lasagna—it’s my secret weapon for festive meals that won’t weigh you down. Last year, my sister-in-law (who usually skips seconds) went back for thirds, and no one even noticed it was packed with veggies! The sweet squash layers with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach taste like holiday comfort, but with all the good stuff your body actually wants. Trust me, this dish will make your Christmas table brighter—and your guests happier—without any of the post-meal guilt.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Healthy Butternut Squash Lasagna
This lasagna isn’t just another holiday dish—it’s the answer to all your festive cravings without the usual heaviness. Here’s why it’s become my go-to Christmas centerpiece:
- Holiday flavors that wow: The natural sweetness of butternut squash paired with savory cheeses feels special enough for Christmas dinner
- Guilt-free indulgence: Packed with fiber and vitamins, you can enjoy seconds without that stuffed-to-the-brim feeling
- Effortless elegance: Looks impressive but comes together as easily as traditional lasagna (maybe easier!)
- Leftovers that improve: The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for holiday meal prep
Festive and Nutritious
That beautiful orange color isn’t just for show—each bite delivers a boost of vitamin A from the squash and iron from the spinach. I love how the natural sweetness makes it feel like a holiday treat while actually being good for you. The whole wheat noodles add extra fiber too, so you get all the comfort of lasagna with none of the post-meal slump.
Easy to Customize
Got gluten-free guests? Swap in your favorite gluten-free noodles. Making it for vegans? Plant-based cheeses work beautifully here. I’ve even added roasted garlic or swapped spinach for kale when that’s what I had on hand. This recipe welcomes all your creative twists while still delivering that cozy Christmas flavor everyone loves. If you enjoy creative twists on classics, you might also like this healthy garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna recipe.
Ingredients for Christmas Healthy Butternut Squash Lasagna
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference – here’s what you’ll need to make this holiday lasagna shine:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and sliced into 1/8″ thin rounds – trust me, thinner slices cook perfectly between those noodles
- 9 lasagna noodles (I use whole wheat for extra fiber, but regular or gluten-free work too)
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese – the creamy base that makes every bite luxurious
- 1 egg, lightly beaten to bind everything together
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for that essential savory depth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella – because what’s lasagna without that golden, bubbly top?
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed) – adds color and nutrients without overpowering
- 1 tsp each dried oregano and basil + 1/2 tsp garlic powder – my favorite simple spice trio
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t skip seasoning those squash slices!
- 1 tbsp olive oil – just enough for that perfect golden finish
How to Make Christmas Healthy Butternut Squash Lasagna
Now for the fun part—bringing all those beautiful ingredients together! This lasagna comes together in simple steps, just like traditional versions but with a festive twist. I’ll walk you through each stage so you get that perfect, golden result every time.
Preparing the Cheese Mixture
First, grab a medium bowl and add your ricotta—it should be at room temperature so it blends smoothly. Crack in that egg and whisk it gently before mixing with the ricotta (this prevents lumps). Now sprinkle in your Parmesan, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until it’s completely combined—you want a spreadable consistency that holds its shape when you dollop it. Taste a tiny bit (I always do!) and adjust the seasonings if needed. Set this aside while you prep everything else.
Layering the Lasagna
Here’s where the magic happens! Spread a thin layer of your ricotta mixture on the bottom of your baking dish—this prevents sticking and starts the flavor party. Next, place 3 lasagna noodles side by side (no need to precook if you’re using oven-ready noodles). Now arrange your thinly sliced squash in a single layer—overlapping slightly is fine. Scatter a handful of spinach leaves over the squash, then spoon about 1/3 of the remaining ricotta mixture in dollops. Sprinkle with a light layer of mozzarella. Repeat these layers twice more, ending with noodles. Top with the last of your ricotta and a generous blanket of mozzarella—this will become that gorgeous golden crust we all love!
Baking and Serving
Drizzle that olive oil over the top, then cover tightly with foil—this keeps the moisture in while the noodles soften. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Here’s my secret: let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting—this helps the layers set so you get clean slices. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. The colors make it look extra festive on your holiday table!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Healthy Butternut Squash Lasagna
After making this lasagna every Christmas for years, I’ve picked up some tricks that guarantee amazing results every time:
- Slice squash paper-thin – I use a sharp chef’s knife or mandoline (careful with those fingers!). Thinner slices cook evenly and melt into the layers.
- Always use fresh spinach – Frozen gets watery and sad between those beautiful layers.
- Check noodle doneness early – Poke the center with a fork at 30 minutes; if it’s still too firm, add 5 more minutes before removing the foil.
- Let it rest – I know it’s tempting to dig in, but waiting those 10 minutes means picture-perfect slices that hold their shape.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this lasagna? It welcomes all your creative twists! For my vegan friends, swap ricotta and mozzarella with cashew-based alternatives—they melt beautifully. Gluten-free noodles work just as well as traditional ones. Sometimes I roast garlic cloves and mash them into the ricotta mixture for extra depth. Want more greens? Kale or Swiss chard can stand in for spinach. The recipe stays festive no matter how you tweak it! If you are looking for other ways to incorporate vegetables into your meals, check out this healthy marinated cucumbers onions tomatoes salad.
Storing and Reheating Christmas Healthy Butternut Squash Lasagna
Here’s the best part—this lasagna tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days (just cover tightly with foil). When reheating, I always use the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes—it keeps that perfect texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but the edges won’t stay as crisp. Pro tip: sprinkle a little extra mozzarella before reheating for that fresh-from-the-oven look!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates—but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying! Each generous slice of this Christmas lasagna has about 280 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated), 14g protein, and 38g carbs with a bonus 6g fiber. That’s holiday eating you can feel great about! Understanding the nutritional impact of your favorite dishes is key to balanced eating, especially during the holidays; you can learn more about general dietary guidelines here.
FAQs About Christmas Healthy Butternut Squash Lasagna
Can I freeze this lasagna?
I don’t recommend freezing it—the butternut squash releases too much water when thawed, making the layers soggy. But it keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 days, and honestly, leftovers rarely last that long in my house!
Can I use zucchini instead of butternut squash?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced zucchini works great—just reduce the bake time by about 10 minutes since it cooks faster. The flavor changes slightly, but you’ll still get that lovely layered texture. I sometimes do half squash, half zucchini for color.
Is this lasagna kid-friendly?
Surprisingly, yes! The natural sweetness of the squash and mild cheeses usually win over even picky eaters. My nephew calls it “orange pizza” and happily cleans his plate. Pro tip: let kids help layer the ingredients—they’re more likely to try it when they’ve helped make it! For more kid-approved healthy recipes, check out this healthy power breakfast bowl.
Share Your Holiday Creation
I’d love to see your beautiful lasagna creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—nothing makes me happier than seeing your holiday tables filled with this festive dish. Happy cooking!
Print
Christmas Healthy Butternut Squash Lasagna: A Festive 9-Layer Delight
- Total Time: 65 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and festive lasagna made with butternut squash, perfect for Christmas dinners. This dish is rich in flavor but light on calories.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and thinly sliced
- 9 lasagna noodles, whole wheat or gluten-free
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a thin layer of the ricotta mixture at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles on top, followed by a layer of butternut squash slices.
- Add spinach and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, replace ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives.
- You can roast the butternut squash beforehand for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian