Hallelujah for a new week! I’m sure it seemed quiet around here last week, but a lot was going on behind the scenes. This website is now operating like it’s 2017, thanks to a new server with better technology. I think it’s all running properly now, but please let me know if see anything strange—pages not loading properly, features not working, and so forth.
Acronyms and technical terms are still swimming around in my head, but I wasn’t totally out of touch last week. My friends Maria and Jessica launched their helpful new menu planning service, Sweet Peas Meals! Definitely check it out.
I was also working on the site in the early a.m. when Nordstrom’s big annual sale launched, so I snagged some practical items for my family’s upcoming trip to Glacier National Park—including this warm vest, more SmartWool socks (the best) and those leggings that everyone tells me are so great (those are affiliate links). I’ll report back on what proves worthy in my August roundup.
Am I the only one who awaits packages in the mail like Christmas morning? It never gets old. Anyway, I’ll quit chatting and tell you about these vegetable lettuce wraps that I promised you last week. It might be hard to tell from the photos, but you’re looking at a crisp butter lettuce leaf topped with edamame hummus, sesame-soy soba noodles, and quick-pickled veggies.
These lettuce wraps are easy to make, fun to look at, and even tastier than they look. They would make a perfect light summer meal or appetizer at your next party. If you plan on having leftovers, just store the individual components separately in the fridge and assemble before serving.
I had a hard time capturing all those vibrant colors in one photograph, so I hope these photos do them proper justice. Please share your results with me on Instagram with the hashtag #cookieandkate!
Colorful Veggie Lettuce Wraps
These healthy vegetable lettuce wraps are colorful and delicious! This recipe is a perfect appetizer or light meal. It’s vegetarian, vegan & easily gluten free (see notes). Recipe yields about 12 lettuce wraps, enough for about 3 main meals or 6 appetizer servings.
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil for the soba noodles. Carefully remove about 12 intact lettuce leaves from your heads of lettuce, and set aside (save the smaller leaves and use them in a salad).
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the sliced vegetables, vinegar and salt, and toss to combine. Let the mixture marinate, tossing occasionally, for at least 10 minutes.
- Cook the soba noodles just until al dente, according to package directions (usually about 4 minutes). Drain the noodles, then return them to the pot (off the heat) and stir in the green onions, sesame seeds, tamari and sesame oil. Set aside.
- To assemble the lettuce wraps, spread a dollop of hummus over the center of a lettuce leaf. Top with a small handful of soba noodles, then pickled veggies. Sprinkle lightly with additional sesame seeds, if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Storage suggestions: If you plan to have leftover lettuce wraps, store individual components separately, and assemble just before serving (otherwise, the lettuce will wilt).
*Make it gluten free: Use gluten-free tamari (San-J brand is gluten free) and soba noodles (100% buckwheat). Not all tamari and soba noodles are gluten free, so be sure to check the labels.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
