| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 9g | 1g | 17g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 6g | 3g | 0.1g |
My love for this Lettuce-Wrapped Tacos recipe comes from a place of tradition and innovation. As a Boston native with Irish roots, my cooking style reflects a blend of classic New England dishes and the authentic flavors of Ireland. Picture this – a hearty seafood stew simmering on the stove with ingredients sourced fresh from the Atlantic, paired with sides of fluffy mounds of Colcannon or traditional soda bread, recipes passed down through generations on engraved wooden tablets.
A Healthy Take on Tacos
This Lettuce-Wrapped Tacos recipe underscores an exciting aspect of cooking: innovation. With this recipe, we’re taking the beloved flavors of Mexico and giving them a healthful twist. This dish replaces the traditional corn tortilla with fresh, crunchy Romaine lettuce, while filling it with a vibrant mix of flavorful fruits and vegetables.
Why Tacos, and Why Lettuce?
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity- it’s healthy, it’s fresh, it’s bursting with flavors, and above all, it’s a homage to Mexican cuisine. Think guacamole, but with a sweet-savory twist, thanks to the addition of ripe mangoes and peaches. Topping it off, we incorporate the delicate piquancy of chopped cilantro and jalapenos, the sweet crunch of red onions, all brought together by a simple dressing of olive oil and lime juice. A sprinkle of salt and pepper ties together the bouquet of flavors. It’s a refreshing take on traditional Mexican dishes, keeping the essence intact while adding a personal touch.
Perfect Side for Any Dish
The versatility of this recipe is another reason why it warrants my deep affection. Whether you’re rounding off your meal with a plate of steaming seafood chowder or having a backyard barbecue, the Lettuce-Wrapped Tacos recipe is an outstanding accompaniment. The light, crisp flavors make it a perfect side dish for a range of meals, aiding digestion and delighting the palate along the way. Likewise, it makes for a fantastic base for various toppings; you could even experiment with various kinds of protein, like shredded chicken or tofu, for a full meal.
Over the years, Laura, my fiancé and taste-tester in chief, has fallen for this recipe as much as I have. Its debut amongst our picnic basket essentials led to a joyful taco picnic with our baby boy, creating a beautiful family memory. I’m delighted to share this recipe with you, in the hopes it’ll carve out just as special a place in your hearts and homes. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 6 large Romaine lettuce leaves
- 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and diced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 cup of ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 cup of ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup of ripe peaches, pitted and diced
- 1/2 cup of freshly chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
First, make sure to wash all your fruits and vegetables under cold water. Once cleaned, separate the six Romaine lettuce leaves and set them aside.
Step Two
For the filling, peel and dice your ripe avocado and put in a bowl. Squeeze the juice from the two limes over the avocado dices to prevent them from turning brown.
Step Three
Next, peel and dice the ripe mango, ripe tomatoes, and peaches and add them to the avocado in your bowl.
Step Four
Chop 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro and a 1/2 cup of red onion as finely as possible to add extra flavor to your taco filling. Also, seed and chop the jalapeño. Add the cilantro, onion, and jalapeño to your bowl of fruit.
Step Five
Next, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil for a little extra creaminess. Mix it all together with a large spoon or spatula, making sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step Six
Season your taco filling with salt and pepper to taste, and mix again.
Step Seven
Divide the taco filling among the Romaine lettuce leaves, dolloping it in the center of each leaf. Fold the sides of the lettuce leaf in over the filling, then roll up the lettuce leaf from the bottom to make a taco.
Step Eight
Now, your lettuce-wrapped tacos are ready to be enjoyed! The combination of textures and flavors will be a refreshing treat. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and taste.
