Lettuce Wrap Recipe Vegetarian: Easy, Fresh, and Delicious

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Looking for a fresh, light, and incredibly tasty vegetarian meal? Lettuce wraps are the perfect solution!

These delightful handheld dishes are not only easy to prepare but also offer a fantastic way to pack in a variety of vibrant vegetables and plant-based proteins. Whether you’re seeking a quick lunch, a healthy appetizer, or a fun dinner idea, this vegetarian lettuce wrap recipe will satisfy your cravings without weighing you down.

Crisp lettuce leaves serve as the perfect vessel, wrapping up a flavorful mix of seasoned veggies and wholesome ingredients that burst with texture and taste. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and low in calories, making them ideal for anyone looking to eat clean without compromising on flavor.

In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through creating a delicious vegetarian lettuce wrap that’s bursting with freshness and nutrition. Ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian lettuce wrap recipe is a versatile and healthy choice that ticks all the boxes for busy cooks and health-conscious food lovers. Here’s why you’ll want to make it again and again:

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or light lunches.
  • Fresh and Crunchy: Crisp lettuce leaves combined with vibrant veggies provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.
  • Nutritious and Low-Calorie: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein without excess calories.
  • Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite veggies, grains, or sauces to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
  • Fun to Eat: Perfect for casual meals or entertaining guests — everyone loves assembling their own wraps!

Ingredients

  • 1 head of butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce (leaves separated and washed)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (for protein and texture)
  • 1 cup finely diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup chopped mushrooms (button or cremini)
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts or cashews (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Large skillet or wok
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Serving platter or plates

Instructions

  1. Prepare the lettuce: Gently separate the lettuce leaves, rinse them well, and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Set aside on a plate, ready for wrapping.
  2. Cook the quinoa: If you don’t have pre-cooked quinoa, rinse 1/2 cup dry quinoa under cold water, then cook according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Cook the vegetables: Add the chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  5. Add seasonings: Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat the veggies evenly.
  6. Combine with quinoa and fresh veggies: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Assemble the wraps: Spoon a generous amount of the veggie-quinoa mixture into each lettuce leaf. Top with chopped roasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
  8. Serve immediately: Arrange the wraps on a platter and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a spicy peanut sauce or extra soy sauce.

Tips & Variations

“For extra protein, add some cooked lentils or crumbled tofu to the veggie mix. You can also swap quinoa for brown rice or bulgur wheat if you prefer.”

Here are some ideas to make this recipe your own:

  • Make it spicy: Add chopped fresh chili or a drizzle of sriracha to the filling mixture.
  • Add crunch: Toss in some water chestnuts or shredded jicama for extra texture.
  • Use different greens: Try romaine, butter lettuce, or even collard greens for sturdier wraps.
  • Change up the sauce: Experiment with tahini, peanut sauce, or a light vinaigrette for varied flavor profiles.
  • Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure your hoisin sauce does not contain honey or animal products.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (2 wraps)
Calories 210
Protein 7 grams
Carbohydrates 30 grams
Dietary Fiber 6 grams
Fat 7 grams
Saturated Fat 1 gram
Sodium 450 mg

Serving Suggestions

Lettuce wraps are wonderfully versatile and can be served as a main dish or a light appetizer. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

  • Pair with a side of Low Calorie Vegetable Soup for a comforting and nutritious combo.
  • Serve alongside a fresh salad featuring citrus dressing to complement the savory wraps.
  • Accompany with a chilled glass of iced green tea or sparkling water with lemon.
  • For a fun party idea, create a DIY lettuce wrap bar with various fillings and sauces, letting guests customize their own.

Conclusion

This vegetarian lettuce wrap recipe is a shining example of how healthy eating can be both delicious and effortless. The combination of fresh, crunchy lettuce with a vibrant, seasoned vegetable filling creates a meal that’s satisfying without feeling heavy.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these wraps deliver color, texture, and flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re incredibly adaptable, so you can tailor the ingredients to suit your pantry and preferences.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out other vegetarian favorites like Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or indulge your sweet tooth with a Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

For more wholesome cooking inspiration, explore our collection of Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Happy cooking and enjoy your fresh, flavorful vegetarian lettuce wraps!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

Description: A fresh and flavorful vegetarian lettuce wrap packed with veggies and protein-rich tofu. Perfect as a light lunch or appetizer.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and crumbled
  • 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add crumbled tofu and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers; cook for 3 minutes.
  5. Mix in soy sauce and hoisin sauce; cook for 2 more minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in green onions.
  7. Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves.
  8. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 12 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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