Easy peasy lettuce roll ups: your go-to recipe for quick and refreshing meals

Lettuce roll ups are a vibrant and delectable appetizer that can elevate any party or gathering. With their crisp lettuce leaves, savory fillings, and vibrant colors, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests. This blog post will provide you with a comprehensive lettuce roll ups recipe that will guide you through every step of the preparation process.

Ingredients

For the Lettuce Wraps:

• 1 head of lettuce (such as romaine or butterhead)
• 1 cup of water

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup of cooked ground turkey or chicken
• 1/2 cup of chopped bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 cup of chopped onion
• 1/4 cup of chopped celery
• 1/4 cup of chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup of sour cream
• 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Lettuce Wraps:
1. Remove the outer leaves of the lettuce and discard them.
2. Cut the remaining lettuce into 12 equal-sized pieces.
3. Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the lettuce pieces for 5-10 minutes, or until they become crispy.
4. Remove the lettuce from the water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Make the Filling:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground turkey or chicken and cook until browned.
3. Add the bell peppers, onion, celery, and carrots to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the parsley, cilantro, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the flavors have blended.
Prepare the Dressing:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.
Assemble the Lettuce Roll Ups:
1. Place a lettuce wrap on a plate.
2. Spread a spoonful of the filling into the center of the lettuce.
3. Top with a dollop of the dressing.
4. Roll up the lettuce wrap tightly.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for the remaining lettuce wraps and filling.
Chill and Serve:
1. Refrigerate the lettuce roll ups for at least 30 minutes before serving.
2. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips

• For a vegetarian option, replace the ground turkey or chicken with cooked tofu or beans.
• To add a bit of spice, sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper into the filling.
• If you don’t have any sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt.
• For a more colorful presentation, use different varieties of lettuce, such as red leaf or green leaf.
• You can also add other vegetables to the filling, such as chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, or radishes.

Variations

• Caprese Roll Ups: Fill the lettuce wraps with sliced mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Asian Roll Ups: Fill the lettuce wraps with cooked shrimp, shredded cabbage, and carrots. Drizzle with a sweet and sour sauce.
• Mediterranean Roll Ups: Fill the lettuce wraps with hummus, roasted vegetables, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a tahini dressing.

Health Benefits

Lettuce roll ups are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Lettuce is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. The filling provides protein, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Lettuce roll ups are a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their vibrant colors, savory flavors, and health benefits, these bite-sized treats are sure to become a staple at your next party or gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the lettuce roll ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the lettuce roll ups up to 2 hours ahead of time. Simply assemble the roll ups and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, remove them from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
2. What other fillings can I use?
There are endless possibilities for fillings. Some popular options include:

• Tuna salad
• Chicken salad
• Egg salad
• Ham and cheese
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese
• Guacamole and salsa
• Peanut butter and banana

3. How can I make the dressing healthier?
To make the dressing healthier, you can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt and use low-fat or fat-free milk instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing.