Fresh Summer Rolls-Light & Healthy Lettuce Wraps

Craving something light, fresh, and bursting with flavor? These Fresh Summer Rolls, reimagined as healthy lettuce wraps, are your perfect go-to for a vibrant meal or appetizer. Ditch the heavy and embrace the crisp, cool essence of summer with every delicious bite. They’re quick to assemble and packed with nourishing ingredients!

Ingredients

• 12 large butter lettuce leaves or green leaf lettuce, washed and dried
• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, de-veined, and sliced in half lengthwise (or 8 oz cooked chicken, shredded, or 8 oz firm tofu, pressed, pan-fried, and sliced)
• 4 oz vermicelli rice noodles, cooked according to package directions, drained, and rinsed with cold water
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1/2 English cucumber, julienned
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• For the Peanut Dipping Sauce:
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for a kick)
• 1-2 tbsp warm water (to thin)
• 1 tsp finely minced fresh ginger (optional)

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Fillings: If not already cooked, cook your chosen protein (shrimp, chicken, or tofu) and allow it to cool. Prepare the vermicelli rice noodles according to package instructions; once cooked, drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to prevent sticking, then set aside.
2. 2. Chop Vegetables & Herbs: Julienne the carrot and cucumber. Thinly slice the red bell pepper. Pick fresh mint and cilantro leaves from their stems. Arrange all prepared fillings neatly on a large platter or cutting board for easy assembly.
3. 3. Make the Peanut Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sriracha (if using), and minced ginger (if using). Gradually add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired dipping consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. 4. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: Lay a large lettuce leaf flat on your work surface. Near the stem end, place a small portion of vermicelli noodles, a few pieces of shrimp (or other protein), some julienned carrot, cucumber, bell pepper slices, and a few mint and cilantro leaves. Be careful not to overfill.
5. 5. Roll the Wraps: Gently fold the sides of the lettuce leaf inward over the filling, then roll tightly from the stem end towards the top, creating a compact wrap. Repeat with the remaining ingredients until all wraps are assembled.
6. 6. Serve: Arrange the Fresh Summer Lettuce Wraps on a serving platter. Serve immediately with the prepared peanut dipping sauce on the side.