Description
These Lettuce Wrap Summer Rolls are a fresh, vibrant, and healthy appetizer perfect for warm weather. Packed with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and optional avocado and nuts, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors without any cooking required. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, these rolls make a light and refreshing snack or starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 8 large butter or Bibb lettuce leaves
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber matchsticks
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup purple cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
Noodles and Nuts
- 1 cup cooked rice noodles
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts or cashews (optional)
Dipping Sauce
- Dipping sauce of choice (such as peanut sauce or nuoc cham)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce: Rinse and pat dry the butter or Bibb lettuce leaves thoroughly. Lay them flat on a clean surface to prepare for assembling the rolls.
- Add the Fillings: In the center of each lettuce leaf, layer a small handful of cooked rice noodles followed by shredded carrots, cucumber matchsticks, thinly sliced red bell pepper, finely shredded purple cabbage, and a few fresh mint, cilantro, and basil leaves for aromatic flavor.
- Optional Additions: Add sliced avocado and chopped peanuts or cashews over the vegetables for creamy texture and crunch if you choose to use them.
- Roll the Wraps: Fold the sides of each lettuce leaf slightly inward to contain the fillings and tightly roll it up from the bottom, similar to wrapping a burrito. Make sure to roll firmly to hold everything together.
- Serve: Place each roll seam-side down on a serving plate to prevent unrolling. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce such as peanut sauce or nuoc cham for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize these rolls by adding grilled shrimp, tofu, or chicken for added protein.
- Keep all ingredients cold to maintain a refreshing and crisp bite, especially on hot summer days.
- If preparing ahead, wrap each roll individually in damp paper towels and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
