High-Protein Zucchini Ham Lasagna
Zucchini slices layered with ham and cheese — ready in 40 minutes
This high-protein zucchini ham lasagna layers thin zucchini slices with diced ham and a creamy cheese mixture, then bakes under a blanket of mozzarella until the top browns in spots, like the plate. Each serving has 28 g of protein and 6 g net carbs.
Low carb, sugar-free, and no pasta.
Why you’ll love this lasagna
- 28g protein per serving
- 6g net carbs
- Zucchini and ham
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Cheesy layers
- One dish
Health notes
- Protein: Ham, cottage cheese or ricotta, and mozzarella.
- Low carb: Zucchini slices. No pasta or sugar.
- Sugar-free: No added sugar.
- Keto-friendly: Each serving stays around 6g net carbs if the zucchini is measured.
Key element — salt the zucchini first
Unsalted zucchini releases water and softens the layers. Salt and blot the slices so the lasagna stays firm, like the plate.
Ingredients
Lasagna (6 servings)
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
- ½ tsp salt
- 8 oz deli ham, diced
- 1½ cups cottage cheese or ricotta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or more mozzarella
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 egg mixed into the cheese for structure
Swaps
- Pasta sheets or a sugar sauce: Not in the 6g number.
- No ham: Use more cheese or cooked chicken. Protein stays close.
- Ricotta only: Same macros if measured.
- Extra cheese on top: Calories rise a little.
Instructions
| 1 | Salt. Slice the zucchini into long thin strips. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit 10 minutes. Blot dry. |
| 2 | Cheese mix. Stir the cottage cheese, half the mozzarella, garlic powder, seasoning, and pepper. Optional: mix in one egg. |
| 3 | Layer. In a baking dish, layer zucchini, ham, and the cheese mix. Repeat until the ingredients are used. Top with the remaining cheese. |
| 4 | Bake. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, like the plate. Rest 5 minutes. This batch makes 6 servings. |
Pro tips
- Salt and blot the zucchini so the layers stay firm.
- Pasta sheets or a sugar sauce are not in these numbers.
- Do not overbake. Pull when the top is just browned in spots.
- Rest 5 minutes so the slices hold.
- Macros are per serving, 6 from this dish.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Net carbohydrates | 6g |
| Total carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Total fat | 17g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
Estimates based on zucchini, ham, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, divided into 6 servings. Pasta and a sugar sauce are not included.
Variations
No ham
Use cooked chicken or more cheese. Protein stays close.
Ricotta
Swap for the cottage cheese. Same macros if measured.
Extra cheese
Add more on top. Calories rise a little.
Herb
Fresh basil or parsley on top after baking.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Cover once cool |
| Reheat | 2 min | Microwave or a short oven |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Cool fully. Thaw in the fridge |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about this zucchini ham lasagna
1. Protein per serving?
2. Net carbs per serving?
3. What keeps the layers firm?
4. About how long does this take?
5. What is not in the 6g number?
