Vegan Lemon Ricotta Ravioli features tender pasta pockets filled with a creamy, dairy-free ricotta mixture brightened with fresh lemon zest and juice. Tossed in a simple plant-based butter and sage sauce, this dish is both elegant and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, citrusy flavor from fresh lemon
- Creamy vegan ricotta filling that mimics traditional dairy-based ravioli
- No eggs or dairy, yet full of rich, comforting taste
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup vegan ricotta (almond or tofu-based)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional, for thickening filling)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
- A handful of fresh sage leaves
- Optional: chopped walnuts or pine nuts for garnish
Directions

- In a bowl, mix flour, water, and olive oil to form a dough. Knead until smooth, then wrap and let rest for 20 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix vegan ricotta with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add breadcrumbs if the mixture is too runny.
- Roll out dough into thin sheets. Place teaspoons of filling evenly on one sheet, cover with another, press around each mound, and cut into ravioli.
- Boil ravioli in salted water for 3–4 minutes until they float.
- In a skillet, melt vegan butter and add sage leaves until crispy and fragrant.
- Toss cooked ravioli in the butter sauce, garnish with herbs and nuts, and serve warm.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 2–4
- Prep time: 40 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Add spinach: Stir finely chopped spinach into the ricotta filling
- Use herb butter: Add thyme or basil to the vegan butter sauce
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for pasta
- Lemon-pea twist: Mix in mashed peas for added sweetness and texture
storage/reheating
- Refrigerate uncooked ravioli for up to 2 days
- Freeze on a tray, then store in a bag for up to 3 months
- Boil directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to cook time
- Reheat cooked ravioli gently in a skillet with a splash of water and butter
FAQs
Do I need a pasta machine?
No, a rolling pin works fine—just roll the dough thin enough to see your fingers through it.
Can I use store-bought vegan ricotta?
Yes, both almond and tofu-based varieties work well.
Is lemon juice too strong?
It balances the creamy filling; adjust to taste if you prefer it milder.
What’s a good substitute for sage?
Try thyme, basil, or oregano for different herbal notes.
How do I keep the ravioli from bursting?
Seal well, press out all air, and don’t overfill each pocket.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, freeze raw ravioli on a tray, then transfer to a bag for long-term storage.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild lemon and creamy texture are appealing to most kids.
Can I make the dough gluten-free?
Yes, with a gluten-free flour blend—just be gentle when rolling.
What sauce alternatives work?
Tomato-based sauces or vegan cream sauces pair well with this ravioli too.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just roll out dough in batches and store extras in the freezer.
Conclusion
Vegan Lemon Ricotta Ravioli is a fresh, vibrant dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. With its bright flavor, creamy filling, and dairy-free, egg-free approach, it’s perfect for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. Make a batch today and enjoy plant-based comfort at its best.
PrintVegan Lemon Ricotta Ravioli
Light and bright vegan ravioli filled with creamy lemon-infused tofu ‘ricotta’, perfect for a refreshing plant-based pasta dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 ravioli 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fry (or boil)
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 package (14 oz / 400 g) firm tofu, drained
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (≈1 tbsp zest, 2 tbsp juice)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 package fresh vegan round wonton wrappers or pasta sheets
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter or olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley or dill) for garnish
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine tofu, lemon zest, juice, nutritional yeast, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Lay out wrappers on a lightly dusted surface. Place about 1 tsp of filling in the center of half the wrappers.
- Brush edges of wrappers with water, top with remaining wrappers, press shut around filling, sealing edges and expelling any air.
- Heat plant-based butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Working in batches, cook ravioli until golden on each side, about 2–3 minutes per side. Add a splash of water to the pan and cover for 1 minute to gently steam if filling needs warming.
- Transfer cooked ravioli to a serving plate. Repeat with remaining ravioli.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, extra lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil or vegan butter.
Notes
- For a more traditional boiled version, cook ravioli in salted boiling water for 3–4 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- Swap tofu with blended cashews or almond ricotta for richer flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling for subtle heat.
- Prepare filling ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days before assembling ravioli.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 ravioli
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg