Vegan Spanakopita
Vegan spanakopita | Crispy and flaky phyllo pastry stuffed with a delicious spinach and vegan feta filling, made with tofu. Then brushed with vegan butter and baked until perfectly golden and crunchy. This vegan spanakopita tastes exactly like the real thing, only better.
Let’s delve into the world of vegan spanakopita, a mouthwatering twist on the classic Greek delicacy. Spanakopita traditionally combines layers of flaky phyllo pastry with a rich filling of spinach and feta cheese.
While spanakopita is undeniably delicious, it’s obviously not plant-based. Traditional recipes rely heavily on animal-based products such as feta cheese and butter.
That is why it is necessary to find alternatives to create a vegan version without compromising on taste and texture.
We are done with missing out on our favourite foods, such as Greek spanakopita. With the assistance of plant-based alternatives, there are no hurdles we can’t jump in the world of food.
How to veganize spanakopita
Successfully veganizing spanakopita requires thoughtful ingredient substitutions and creative techniques to replicate the creamy and savory experience of the original dish.
That’s why, in this vegan spanakopita recipe, I use tofu to create a rich and creamy vegan feta that is full of flavour. I use lemon juice and apple cider vinegar for tanginess, nutritional yeast for a cheesy and umami flavour, and salt to enhance all of the flavours.
The spanakopita filling consists of vegan tofu feta, and spinach cooked with yellow and green onion and garlic. I also added dill for some freshness, and a squeeze of lemon for tanginess. You can add some oregano, thyme or any other herbs/seasonings you like. Don’t be afraid to tailor the seasonings to suit your preference.
To make vegan spanakopita you’ll need to use phyllo pastry, which is almost always naturally vegan as it’s normally made with oil, not butter. This is arguably one of the greatest blessings bestowed upon the vegan community.
You can likely buy phyllo pastry in the frozen section of your local grocery store. You can also make your own homemade version using oil or vegan butter.
This vegan spanakopita takes very little time to prepare and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as the main dish. I use full sheets of phyllo for 4 large spanakopita swirls, but you can also cut smaller squares of phyllo and make snack-sized vegan spanakopita triangles.
Nutritional benefits of vegan spanakopita ingredients
Tofu is an incredible nutrient-dense source of plant-based protein according to Healthline. Tofu can offer a variety of different vitamins and minerals such as calcium.
Spinach, the star ingredient in spanakopita, is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium, and its high soluble fiber content aids digestion and may help prevent cancer, according to Healthline.
The spinach in spanakopita not only adds vibrant color and earthy flavor but also provides nutrients and health benefits.
This vegan spanakopita recipe offers a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes your body and supports a balanced diet.
What kind of tofu is best for making vegan feta?
Tofu is kind of the chameleon for vegan cheeses. Tofu varies greatly in texture, from silken tofu to extra firm. And it’s basically a sponge for flavour, waiting to absorb any seasonings or marinade thrown it’s way.
The tofu feta in these vegan spanakopita swirls uses firm tofu. It effortlessly morphs itself into a creamy yet crumbly texture, just like that of feta. Flavoured with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, and salt, it mimics the flavours of traditional feta.
Don’t forget to press the tofu. Drain the tofu and press out all of the excess liquid. Then wrap the tofu block in paper towel and place it under a heavy object, like a cast iron pan for 10-15 minutes.
This simple step ensures that the tofu can adequately absorb flavour.
Ingredients
(Exact measurements are below)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350° F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Heat a large nonstick pan on medium heat with a tablespoon of neutral oil. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the green onion and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the chopped spinach, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes. Spinach cooks very quickly, you’ll know when it’s ready when it shrinks significantly in size and becomes a darker colour. You just want a gentle wilt on the spinach.
Clear a spot in the middle of your pan and add the dill, parsley, and garlic. Garlic cooks very quickly so cook until just fragrant, about 10-15 seconds.
Remove from the heat and transfer to a large heat-safe mixing bowl to cool.
To a food processor, add the tofu feta ingredients. Blend for 30 seconds. The mixture should be a little crumbly, not completely smooth. You can taste it and add more of any of the ingredients, just add a little bit at a time and mix by hand.
Add the vegan feta mixture to the spinach mixture and combine with a spatula.
Open your package of phyllo sheets and drape a damp towel over the open package, so they don’t dry out.
Lay out a phyllo sheet, placing the long side closest to you. Brush it lightly with melted vegan butter. Place a second sheet on top of the first one, and brush it with more butter.
Spoon the spinach and vegan feta mixture along the edge that is closest to you. Leave about an inch gap from the edge.
Roll the empty gap over the spinach mixture and continue tightly rolling it into a log.
Begin turning one side of the phyllo log into itself. Continue turning until you have a circular spiral.
Parts of the phyllo sheets may tear. Use any leftover phyllo pieces you have to patch the tear. Just brush a piece of phyllo with butter and plaster it to the tear.
Repeat the steps and transfer the spanakopita swirls to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops of each swirl with butter and bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve warm by itself, or with a side of vegan tzatziki or Greek salad for a balanced meal.
Tips for making vegan spanakopita
What to serve with vegan spanakopita
One classic pairing that will never disappoint is tzatziki. The cool, creamy texture and tangy flavors of tzatziki complement the savoury Greek spinach and feta appetizer in every way. Try my vegan tzatziki recipe.
To create a balanced meal, toss together a quick greek salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomato and olives. Dress with a simple vinaigrette.
For a heartier option, serve the vegan spanakopita with a side of lemon potatoes or a quinoa salad.
Eating feta cheese instead of tofu feta? Try my vegetarian spanakopita spring rolls.
Substitutions
Storage and reheating
Vegan spanakopita will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly.
Vegan spanakopita can be individually wrapped and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat vegan spanakopita, warm it in a medium-heated oven until thoroughly warmed. About 10 minutes. Closely watch the pastry so it doesn’t burn. If reheating frozen spanakopita, simply unwrap it and place it directly in the oven without thawing. Warm for about 15 minutes.
FAQ’s
Absolutely! Vegan spanakopita can be frozen to enjoy at a later time. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the freezer and when you’re ready to indulge, thaw it and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Yes, frozen spinach can be used for vegan spanakopita. Thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before incorporating it into the filling. This ensures the right consistency and prevents the spanakopita from becoming too watery.
You can use homemade tofu feta or storebought dairy-free feta alternatives. You can also experiment with vegan cheese using ingredients like cashews, potatoes, or beans.
Store-bought phyllo pastry is almost always naturally vegan as it is made with oil, not butter.
Puff pastry and phyllo are similar in that they’re both used to make a variety of delicious flaky treats. Puff pastry is made with layers of dough and fat, which makes it airy and flaky. Phyllo pastry is stretched thin and brushed with fat, which makes it flaky and crispy.
Vegan Spanakopita
Equipment
- nonstick pan
- baking sheet
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 10 cups fresh spinach
- ½ a yellow onion chopped
- 4 sprigs green onion sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8 phyllo sheets
- ½ cup butter melted
- neutral oil for cooking
for the vegan feta
- 300 grams firm tofu
- 4-5 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ¾ teaspoons salt
Instructions
For the vegan feta
- Add the ingredients to a food processor and blend for 20 seconds. The texture should be crumbly, not smooth. Set aside.
To make the vegan spanakopita
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat a large nonstick pan on medium heat with a drizzle of neutral oil.
- Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally. Add the green onion and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the spinach, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the spinach is wilted and has shrunk quite a bit.
- Add the garlic and herbs. Cook for 15 seconds, until the garlic is fragrant. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove top.
- Once cooled slightly, add the tofu mixture to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Place a phyllo sheet in front of you, with the longer side at the top and bottom. Lightly butter the entire surface. Add another sheet on top of the first sheet, and butter it as well.
- Spoon the spanakopita filling in a log along the bottom of the phyllo, leaving a 1 inch gap from the edge.
- Fold the excess pastry over the filling, and continue tightly rolling it into a tight log.
- Begin turning one end of the phyllo log into itself. Continue turning until you have a circular spiral. If parts of the phyllo tear, take a leftover piece of pastry and plaster over the tear with some melted butter.
- Repeat with the rest of the filling and pastry. You should make 4 spirals total.
- Transfer the spanakopita spirals to the parchment lined baking sheets. Brush the tops of each [astry with melted butter and bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Erika Piper
Hey there, I’m Erika. I’ve been meat-free for over a decade.
I’m here to provide delicious and affordable plant-based recipes for anyone interested.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or just curious about trying it out, I’m here to support you with my easy and accessible recipes.
