Name: Vegan Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 130 g / 1 cup cashews or sunflower seeds, soaked overnight; Zest of 1 lemon; 45 ml / 3 tbsp lemon juice; 1 small garlic clove; 45 ml / 3 tbsp olive oil, divided; ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste; 12 g / 4 tbsp nutritional yeast; 300 g / 10.5 oz baby spinach; 1 tbsp chopped dill; 1 tbsp chopped parsley; 6 small spring onions / scallions; Generous grind of black pepper; 1½ cups cooked chickpeas (from a tin or jar); ½ cup coarse breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed); 1 sheet vegan puff pastry*; Vegan egg wash: 2 tsp plant milk, 1 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp maple syrup or sugar; 1 tbsp sesame or poppy seeds, to decorate

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, savory treat that’s both comforting and vibrant, this Vegan Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, flaky rolls are packed with a luscious cashew-based ricotta, fresh baby spinach, herbs, and a hint of lemon zest, all wrapped in crisp vegan puff pastry. They offer the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors with a satisfying crunch that makes them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving these at a family dinner or bringing them to a gathering, they’re sure to impress and delight everyone around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view shows a collection of fresh ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a glass jar filled with round, light tan beans in liquid. Next to the jar, several long green onions with white bases lie horizontally. Beside them, a large bunch of dark green spinach leaves with a textured surface is placed. In front of the spinach, a small white speckled bowl holds light beige cashew nuts, and next to it, a smaller bowl contains finely crumbled yellow flakes. Near the bowls, a whole yellow lemon and a single bulb of garlic with purple stripes rest on the surface. A small bunch of bright green dill is also visible to the right of the spinach. The colors are vibrant, with fresh greens, soft yellows, and natural nut tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a spectacular taste and texture. Each item contributes to the creamy ricotta feel, herbal brightness, or the crispy flaky crust that makes these rolls sing.

Cashews or sunflower seeds (130 g / 1 cup): Soaked overnight to soften and blend into a creamy, ricotta-like base.
Lemon zest & juice: Adds a fresh citrusy brightness that lifts the entire filling.
Garlic clove (1 small): Delivers a gentle kick of savory depth.
Olive oil (45 ml / 3 tbsp, divided): Used for both richness in the filling and sauteing the spring onions.
Baby spinach (300 g / 10.5 oz): Offers vibrant color, nutrients, and a tender texture when wilted.
Chopped dill (1 tbsp): Brings a delicate, fresh herbal note.
Chopped parsley (1 tbsp): Adds a bright, green freshness to the filling.
Spring onions (6 small): Mild onion flavor that softens beautifully when pan-fried.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
Nutritional yeast (12 g / 4 tbsp): Gives a subtle cheesy, nutty taste without any dairy.
Cooked chickpeas (1½ cups): Adds texture, protein, and a slight earthiness to the filling.
Coarse breadcrumbs (½ cup, GF if desired): Helps bind everything together and adds a bit of bite to the filling.
Vegan puff pastry sheet: The flaky, buttery wrapper that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
Vegan egg wash: A simple mix of plant milk, olive oil, and maple syrup to give the rolls a golden shine.
Sesame or poppy seeds (1 tbsp): For a nutty, crunchy topping that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Make Vegan Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Ricotta Base

Start by draining the soaked cashews or sunflower seeds and placing them in your food processor. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, nutritional yeast, two tablespoons of olive oil, and half a teaspoon of salt. Blend until you get a smooth, creamy mixture that resembles ricotta. It’s okay to stop and scrape down the sides a few times—this ensures every bit gets perfectly blended and velvety.

Step 2: Sauté the Spring Onions

Trim off the dark green tops of your spring onions and save those for another use. Slice the white and light green parts, then gently fry them in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil until they soften, sweeten, and release their wonderful aroma. This step adds a comforting mild onion flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh herbs and spinach.

Step 3: Wilt and Prepare the Spinach

Bring a pot of water to a simmer and blanch the baby spinach for just 20 seconds, then plunge it into ice-cold water to halt the cooking. This quick blanching keeps the spinach bright and tender. After draining, squeeze out as much water as you can with your hands—as moisture can make the rolls soggy. Finally, chop the spinach finely to ensure an even distribution throughout your filling.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cashew ricotta, sautéed spring onions, chopped spinach, cooked chickpeas, fresh dill, parsley, and breadcrumbs. Season with black pepper and more salt if needed. Mix everything gently but thoroughly—the filling should be well combined but still have texture and body for a satisfying bite.

Step 5: Prepare and Fill the Puff Pastry

Allow your puff pastry sheet to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes; this makes it easier to work with. Cut the sheet into two equal rectangles widthwise, then dollop half of your filling in a long snake shape along the center of each piece. Carefully fold the pastry over the filling and pinch the edges to seal. Flip the rolls so the seam is underneath and cut each roll into smaller segments—about five pieces each if you want nice bite-size rolls.

Step 6: Glaze and Bake

Brush the tops of your rolls with the vegan egg wash mixture—a simple blend of plant milk, olive oil, and maple syrup—to give them that gorgeous golden glow as they bake. Sprinkle liberally with sesame or poppy seeds, and add a pinch of coarse salt for that final flavor lift. Arrange the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a preheated pizza stone. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for about 25 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and beautifully browned.

How to Serve Vegan Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe

The image shows several golden-brown pastry rolls arranged in rows on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each roll has a flaky outer layer with a crisp texture, topped with toasted sesame seeds scattered on top. Inside, the filling is greenish-black, mixed with light beige chunks, visible from the open ends of the rolls. The pastries are evenly spaced, with the front roll in sharp focus, showing the layered puff pastry wrapping around the savory filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or dill scattered on top just before serving enhance the herbal notes inside the rolls and add a lovely pop of green. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon zest can also brighten the serving plate and complement the citrus in the filling.

Side Dishes

These rolls pair wonderfully with a vibrant tomato salad or a crisp mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. To keep the meal comforting, roasted root vegetables or a warming bowl of lentil soup make fantastic accompaniments that don’t overpower the delicate flavors of the rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these Vegan Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe as an elegant appetizer by arranging them on a wooden board with vegan dips like roasted red pepper hummus or a creamy avocado sauce. For a party-friendly option, place the rolls into mini muffin cups, or slice them thinner to make small bite-sized pinwheels perfect for casual snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the puff pastry from getting soggy, let the rolls cool completely before packing them away and try to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked rolls. Arrange them on a tray in the freezer until frozen solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and are ready to bake straight from the freezer with just a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Reheating

To enjoy your rolls warm again with that fresh-baked crispness, reheat them in an oven or toaster oven at 180°C (355°F) for about 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the pastry soggy and less appetizing.

FAQs

Can I use sunflower seeds instead of cashews?

Absolutely! Sunflower seeds make an excellent nut-free alternative that still blends into a creamy, ricotta-like texture. Just soak them overnight like cashews before using.

Is it okay to use frozen spinach?

Fresh baby spinach is ideal for its delicate texture and flavor, but if you must use frozen, thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before adding to your filling to avoid soggy rolls.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Yes, by choosing gluten-free puff pastry and using gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can easily keep this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

What other herbs can I add to the filling?

Dill and parsley are heavenly here, but you could experiment with basil, chives, or even tarragon for different herbal dimensions. Just keep the herbs fresh and finely chopped.

How do I make the vegan egg wash?

Mix together 2 teaspoons of your favorite plant milk, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or sugar. This mixture helps the pastry brown beautifully while keeping it vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Spinach and Ricotta Rolls Recipe is a gem that truly brings together ease, flavor, and that comforting feeling of a warm homemade treat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these rolls always spark joy and plenty of compliments. Give them a try and discover just how deliciously vibrant and satisfying plant-based baking can be!