Vegan Zucchini Casserole
This Garden Vegan Zucchini Casserole is a comforting, vegetable-packed dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Fresh zucchini slices are layered with tender rice, juicy cherry tomatoes, herbs, and a creamy dairy-free sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly.
The result is a warm, hearty casserole that’s rich in flavor but still light and wholesome. The zucchini softens beautifully while baking, soaking up the creamy sauce and herbs, while the roasted tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color.
It’s a great way to use up garden zucchini and enjoy a satisfying plant-based comfort meal.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- ½ cup cashew cream or blended soaked cashews
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Optional Topping
- vegan shredded cheese
- breadcrumbs
- fresh parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish.
2️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
3️⃣ Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl whisk together:
- plant milk
- cashew cream
- nutritional yeast
- cornstarch
- garlic powder
Mix until smooth.
4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
In the baking dish combine:
- zucchini slices
- cherry tomatoes
- cooked rice
- sautéed onions
Pour the creamy sauce over everything and mix gently.
Top with vegan cheese or breadcrumbs if desired.
5️⃣ Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
💡 Helpful Cooking Tips
⭐ Slice zucchini evenly so it cooks uniformly.
⭐ Salt zucchini lightly and let sit 10 minutes to remove excess water.
⭐ Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
⭐ Use quinoa instead of rice for more protein.
This Garden Vegan Zucchini Casserole is cozy, flavorful, and easy to make with simple ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that proves plant-based comfort food can be just as satisfying as traditional casseroles.
