Vegan Spinach Rolls

Flaky, golden, and filled with vibrant greens—perfect for holidays, potlucks, or healthy snacks.

If you’re searching for a plant-based pastry that’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor, these Vegan Spinach Rolls tick every box. Combining the crispness of phyllo dough with a savory spinach-tofu filling, they’re a modern vegan twist on a traditional favorite. Whether you’re preparing a cozy fall brunch or need some vegan Christmas food ideas, these spinach rolls are the perfect go-to.

✨ What Are Vegan Spinach Rolls?

At their core, vegan spinach rolls are flaky pastries filled with a hearty blend of sautéed spinach, onion, garlic, and seasoned tofu. Think of them as the plant-based cousin of Greek spanakopita—only these are made without eggs, butter, or cheese.

Wrapped in thin, crispy vegan phyllo dough, these rolls are perfect as:

Salty vegetarian snacks
Healthy spinach pastry dishes
Vegan Thanksgiving recipes appetizers
Or elegant starters at any event

They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, served with dips, chutneys, or sauces, and make for ideal party finger food, especially during the festive season.

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

100% Plant-Based: No dairy, no eggs—just delicious, cruelty-free ingredients.
Nutritious: Loaded with iron-rich spinach and protein-packed tofu.
Crispy & Light: Thanks to phyllo dough, these rolls are lighter than traditional puff pastry snacks.
Versatile: Great for meals, snacks, potlucks, lunchboxes, and festive spreads.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Store in the freezer and bake fresh as needed.

Whether you’re vegan or just trying to eat more veggies, these vegan phyllo recipes bring joy to every bite.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Spinach Filling:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1½ cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
½ cup firm tofu, crumbled
2 tbsp nutritional yeast (adds a cheesy, umami flavor)
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp salt, to taste
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional but amazing!)
1 tbsp chopped dill or fresh parsley

For the Phyllo Wrapping:

8 sheets vegan phyllo dough, thawed
¼ cup olive oil (or vegan butter), for brushing
Sesame seeds or nigella seeds for garnish (optional)

✅ Pro Tip: Always keep phyllo dough covered with a slightly damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Spinach Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully drained.
Stir in crumbled tofu, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and fresh herbs.
Mix until the filling resembles ricotta. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Allow the mixture to cool before handling.

🧠 Why Tofu? It mimics the creamy texture of cheese and adds plant-based protein without overpowering flavor.

2. Assemble the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unroll the phyllo dough and cut each sheet into three long strips (about 3-inch-wide).
Take one strip and brush lightly with olive oil.
Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the spinach mixture at the end of the strip and roll it up like a cigar. Tuck the edges in as you go for a neater finish.
Place each roll seam-side down on the baking tray.
Repeat with remaining filling and dough.
Brush the tops with more oil and sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds on top for added crunch and presentation.

3. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Let cool slightly before serving.

🥶 Freezer-Friendly Tip: Freeze the rolls unbaked. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen—just add 5–7 minutes to the baking time.

🧺 Serving Suggestions

Looking for ideas to serve your rolls with flair? Here are some crowd-pleasing pairings:

For Dipping: Vegan tzatziki, tahini lemon sauce, hummus, spicy harissa dip
As a Side Dish: Alongside roasted vegetables, soups, or grain salads
For Holidays: Serve on a platter with cranberry sauce for a festive touch
For Parties: Cut into bite-size pieces and skewer with cocktail picks for elegant hors d’oeuvres

They’re perfect for any table—be it your vegan Thanksgiving spread or a summery outdoor brunch.

🥒 Make It Your Own: Variations

Want to mix things up? These vegan spinach rolls are endlessly customizable.

🌿 Greens Galore

Swap spinach for kale, Swiss chard, or a blend of greens.

🍋 Add Brightness

Add a bit of lemon zest to the filling for a refreshing twist.

🧀 Crave Creaminess?

Mix in 2 tbsp of vegan cream cheese or cashew cheese for extra decadence.

🍅 Mediterranean Vibes

Toss in chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or pine nuts for a gourmet feel.

🌾 Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free rice paper and bake or pan-sear like vegan fresh rolls!

🌱 Nutrition at a Glance (Per Roll)

Nutrient	Approx. Value
Calories	110 kcal
Protein	4g
Carbs	12g
Fat	6g
Fiber	2g
Iron	10% DV
Calcium	8% DV

Values vary based on brand and portion size.

📖 Story Behind the Recipe

The idea for these vegan spinach rolls came during a family holiday where traditional spanakopita was always a staple. As more of us began following plant-based diets, I wanted to recreate that same flaky, salty, herbaceous flavor—but in a cruelty-free, lighter version. These rolls were born out of love, nostalgia, and a little culinary experimentation—and now they’re a holiday tradition of their own.

They embody the best of what healthy vegan side dishes should be: satisfying, flavorful, wholesome, and shared with joy.

🎉 Great for All Occasions

These vegan spinach rolls aren’t just for holidays. Here’s when they shine:

🏡 Weeknight Dinners

Quick to prep, easy to bake, and great with soups or grain bowls.

🎁 Meal Prep

Make a big batch, freeze, and bake when cravings hit.

🎉 Parties & Gatherings

These rolls disappear fast on appetizer trays. Make extra!

🍂 Holidays

Add them to your Vegan Thanksgiving recipes appetizers list or Christmas menu for a fuss-free, elegant starter.

📦 Storage & Reheating

Fridge:

Store cooked rolls in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until crispy again.

Freezer:

Freeze unbaked or baked rolls. To bake from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the oven time.