Ultimate Creamy Salmon Zucchini Lasagna: An Easy & Healthy Family Favorite
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of this baked salmon zucchini lasagna, a dish brimming with wholesome ingredients and surprisingly simple to prepare. Forget the takeout; bring the authentic flavors of Italy right into your home kitchen, with a modern, healthier twist. This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s designed for those busy evenings when you crave something satisfying and comforting without spending hours at the stove. Plus, it’s so good, you’ll want to make extra for delightful leftovers the next day!
Craving more exquisite pasta experiences? Be sure to explore our Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta for a fiery kick, or try the comforting Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni) for a taste of the Alps!
While we cherish moments spent experimenting with elaborate, time-consuming recipes in the kitchen, sometimes life calls for a simpler approach. Those evenings when you arrive home, tired but still wanting a wholesome, home-cooked meal, are exactly what this salmon zucchini lasagna is for. It’s designed to be quick to assemble and then effortlessly baked in the oven, leaving you free to relax. An added bonus? This recipe generously yields enough for delicious lunch leftovers, making your next day even easier!
Growing up with a mom who lives in Italy, I’ve always been surrounded by the wonderful tradition of family pasta recipes. In the land of pasta, every household seems to have its cherished, unique dish passed down through generations. My partner, Hugo, and I deeply appreciate this idea of creating special family food traditions. We were inspired to develop our very own signature lasagna recipe to share, a dish that truly reflects our passion for fresh, wholesome ingredients and simple, heartwarming meals. This baked salmon zucchini lasagna is the culmination of that desire – a delicious, unique, and easy-to-make dish that we hope will become a beloved tradition in your home too!
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Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon Zucchini Lasagna:
- Effortlessly Quick & Easy: Our recipe streamlines the process. Simply prepare the fresh ingredients, layer them, and let your oven do the rest. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Healthy & Indulgently Creamy: This lasagna masterfully balances wholesome ingredients with a rich, creamy texture. You get all the comfort without the heavy guilt, making it a truly satisfying meal.
- Packed with Nutrient-Rich Salmon: Salmon, a noble source of Omega-3 fatty acids, takes center stage, offering incredible health benefits along with its delicate flavor and flaky texture.
- The Unique Touch of Dill: The fresh aroma and subtle, anise-like flavor of dill elevate this pasta dish, creating a unique and delicious profile that perfectly complements the salmon and zucchini.
- Even Better as Leftovers: Like many great pasta dishes, this lasagna’s flavors meld and deepen overnight, often making the leftovers even more delectable than when freshly made. It’s ideal for meal prepping!
- Those Irresistible Corner Pieces: Is it just us, or are the corner pieces with their perfectly crispy, golden-brown cheese crust the absolute best? We think so too, and we’re always calling dibs! 😉
- Super Nutrient-Dense: Beyond salmon, this lasagna is loaded with chunks of fresh, often organic zucchini, providing essential vitamins and a lovely textural contrast. It’s a meal that truly nourishes.
- Customizable & Versatile: Easily adapt this recipe to your liking. Swap out cheese, add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or even experiment with different herbs for a personalized twist.
- A Dish for All Seasons: While comforting in colder months, the fresh flavors of salmon and zucchini also make it a lighter, vibrant option for spring and summer dining.
Beyond delicious recipes, we believe in mastering the art of flavor. Interested in elevating your culinary skills by learning more about using spices in your cooking? Download our free, one-page printable guide, “Spices are Sexy,” to unlock a world of aromatic possibilities!
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Lasagna:
Crafting the perfect salmon zucchini lasagna begins with choosing the right components. Here’s a closer look at the stars of this dish:
- Salmon Fillets: We recommend using fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon is often preferred for its flavor and superior omega-3 content, but good quality farmed salmon works just as well. Look for fillets that are vibrant in color and firm to the touch.
- Zucchini: Fresh, firm zucchini are essential. When sliced and grilled, they provide a tender, slightly smoky flavor and a delicate texture that pairs beautifully with the richness of the salmon and cheese. Grilling them beforehand helps remove excess moisture, preventing a watery lasagna.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy, mild Italian cheese is key to the lasagna’s luxurious texture. We use a small tub (approximately 2 cups) to create layers of milky softness. For an extra rich flavor, you can opt for full-fat ricotta.
- Dill: Fresh dill is a game-changer in this recipe. Its unique, slightly sweet and grassy flavor perfectly complements the salmon and brightens the entire dish. Don’t skip it!
- Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a vibrant acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese and salmon, adding a refreshing burst of flavor. Always use fresh lemons for the best results.
- Lasagna Sheets: You can use traditional lasagna noodles that require par-boiling or oven-ready (no-boil) sheets for an even quicker preparation. Whichever you choose, ensure they are cooked al dente if par-boiling.
- Cheese (Emmental or your favorite): While we love the nutty, slightly sweet notes of Emmental, feel free to choose your favorite grated cheese. Mozzarella for stretchiness, Gruyère for boldness, or a Parmesan blend for sharpness would all be excellent choices.
- Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: These basic pantry staples are crucial for seasoning each component and bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.
Tips for the Best Salmon Zucchini Lasagna:
To ensure your baked salmon zucchini lasagna turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Zucchini: When grilling the zucchini slices, aim for a tender-crisp texture with nice grill marks. Overcooking can make them mushy and release too much water during baking.
- Drain Excess Moisture: Zucchini can release a lot of water. After grilling, lightly dab the zucchini slices with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This prevents your lasagna from becoming watery.
- Marinate the Salmon: The lemon-dill marinade is essential for infusing the salmon with bright, fresh flavors. Don’t rush this step; 15 minutes is perfect for the flavors to penetrate.
- Pre-cook Salmon for Texture: Lightly pan-frying the salmon before layering ensures it’s cooked through and flaky, adding a wonderful texture to the lasagna.
- Layering is Key: Pay attention to the layering order. Starting with zucchini, then pasta, ricotta, salmon, and a sprinkle of zest and lemon juice, helps distribute flavors evenly and creates a stable structure.
- Allow for Resting Time: Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set, making for cleaner cuts and preventing it from falling apart.
- Customize Your Cheese: While Emmental is our go-to, experiment with other cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the entire lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Freezing Instructions: This lasagna freezes beautifully! Assemble but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding extra time if still partially frozen.
- Serving Suggestions: This hearty lasagna pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette and a side of crusty bread to soak up all the creamy goodness.
Looking for More Tasty Pasta Recipes?
If you’ve enjoyed this delightful salmon zucchini lasagna, you’ll love exploring our other delicious pasta creations. From spicy and vibrant to rich and comforting, we have a pasta dish for every palate and occasion:
- Jamaican Rasta Pasta
- Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni)
- Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
- Garlic and Oil Spaghetti
- Bucatini Cacio e Pepe
- Spaghetti alle Vongole
- Porcini Mushroom Pasta
- Salmon Lasagna (Yes, it’s that good, it deserves another mention!)
- Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta
- šalša (Croatian Tomato Sauce – perfect for any pasta!)
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Salmon Zucchini Lasagna
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- Author: Alix and Hugo
Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
Yield: Serves 4
Description
This quick and easy baked salmon zucchini lasagna recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, offering a rich, creamy, and healthy meal perfect for any family dinner. With flaky salmon, tender zucchini, and savory cheese layers, it’s sure to become your new favorite go-to comfort food. Plus, it makes incredible leftovers!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 2 medium salmon fillets (about 6-8 oz each), skin removed, flaked
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 small tub of ricotta cheese (approximately 2 cups)
- Olive oil, for cooking and drizzling
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- Zest of half a lemon
- 12 lasagna sheets (oven-ready or par-boiled)
- 1/2 cup of milk (whole or low-fat)
- 1 cup of your favorite cheese, grated (we used Emmental, but mozzarella or Gruyère work beautifully)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 sprigs of freshly chopped dill, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
- Marinate Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow bowl and pour the prepared marinade evenly over them. Ensure the salmon is well-coated.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Grill Zucchini: Heat a large frying pan or grill pan over high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the thinly sliced zucchini to the hot pan in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches.
- Sprinkle the zucchini slices lightly with salt.
- Cook the zucchini on each side for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until tender-crisp with visible grill marks. Remove and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
- Cook Salmon: Reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more olive oil to the same frying pan, if needed.
- Carefully place the marinated salmon fillets, skin-side down (if applicable), into the pan. Pour any remaining marinade over the salmon. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Once cooked, flake the salmon into pieces and set aside.
- Prepare Lasagna Sheets: If using traditional lasagna sheets, heat 6 cups of water in a large pot on high heat until boiling.
- Once the water begins to boil, add the lasagna sheets and cook according to package directions until al dente. Turn off the heat and drain carefully. If using no-boil sheets, skip this step.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 360°F (180°C).
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches), begin layering. Start with a thin layer of grilled zucchini at the bottom.
- Arrange two layers of lasagna sheets over the zucchini. Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the pasta, followed by a layer of flaked salmon. Sprinkle with some lemon zest and a few drops of lemon juice. Repeat this layering process two more times, ensuring you end with a pasta layer.
- Add Milk: Pour the milk evenly over the top layer of the assembled lasagna. This adds moisture and helps create that creamy texture.
- Initial Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Carefully remove the lasagna from the oven.
- Evenly spread the grated cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the lasagna is thoroughly cooked, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set and makes for easier, neater portions. Garnish with a little extra fresh dill if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dinner, Seafood, Pasta
- Cuisine: Italian, French Fusion