Don’t think we’re trying to pull some “diet food” ploy on you—the thing about lettuce wraps is that they are fun, beloved by all ages. That they can easily be made low-carb and paleo, and that they get even kids to scarf down fresh produce, is just icing.
Though lettuce and herb wraps are found throughout Asia, from Lao and Thai larb to Korean ssambap, any well-seasoned filling can taste extra-bright when wrapped in fresh and crunchy leaves. So grab some lettuce, dream up a great filling, and enjoy!
This Buffalo chicken spread would be fit for any party, and is a welcome break from all the other rich options.
It hits all the necessary notes for Buffalo chicken, including the blue cheese and celery sidekicks. Don’t sleep on that pickled onion vinaigrette; it really interprets the profile of “Buffalo” (hot sauce + extra tang of vinegar) cleverly and translates into a salad-y crunch.
Balsamic Chicken Lettuce Wrap
Trish Yearwood takes the wrap in a Mediterranean direction, pairing smoky grilled chicken with a hint of sweetness from the balsamic marinade with briny olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and fresh basil leaves. The effect is summery and festive.
Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
Think tacos, but much lighter! These turkey tacos from Ree Drummond clearly took inspiration from the classic Tex-Mex dinner kits that we all grew up with and love, but the homemade pico de gallo and swapping in lettuce for taco shells means that this is as fresh, bright and light as can be.
Eat-Your-Veggies Pork Scallion Meatballs
This really smart preparation replicates the vibe of a dumpling but cuts down on the labor by starting with store-bought coleslaw. The result is truly veggie-rich, but they will disappear just as fast as an order of dumplings.
Mushroom ‘Cheesesteak’ Lettuce Wraps
Get ready to bowl over your vegetarian friends and family with these cheesesteak wraps that actually get their meaty umami not from steak, but portobello mushrooms. They manage to hit all the notes of a great cheesesteak, but you won’t miss that usual post-cheesesteak-fullness-for-days feeling.
Cajun Tequila Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
We love the pairing of a crunchy slaw with sweet, plump shrimp, and these, with layers of heat and a Cajun seasoning and hits of rich avocado, is a combination you’ll want to eat for days.
