You know those days when you crave something light yet bursting with flavor? That’s exactly what these Easy Turkey Santa Fe Lettuce Wraps deliver. Imagine a symphony of spices, turkey so tender it practically sings, all nestled inside crisp lettuce leaves. It’s like a fiesta in your mouth—unexpectedly delightful and so simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them before.
Steps
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sauté minced red bell peppers and scallions for about 2 minutes until they are tender.
- Add diced leftover turkey, corn, black beans, spinach, diced jalapeños, cumin, chili powder, and salt to the skillet. Stir the mixture well and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Place approximately 1/3 cup of the cooked turkey mixture onto the center of each large iceberg lettuce leaf.
- Sprinkle each wrap with 2 tablespoons of shredded Mexican cheese blend. Optionally, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of avocado cilantro ranch dressing on top before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell peppers
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
- 12 ounces diced leftover turkey breast
- 2/3 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup thawed and drained frozen spinach
- 2 tablespoons chopped jarred jalapeno peppers
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup low-fat shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 8 large iceberg lettuce leaves
- 12 tablespoons Avocado Cilantro Ranch Dressing
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1188 kcal | Carbohydrates: 84 g | Protein: 124 g | Fat: 52 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 212 mg | Sodium: 5432 mg | Fiber: 24 g | Sugar: 16 g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat for the Santa Fe Lettuce Wraps?
- Absolutely! While the recipe calls for leftover turkey, you can easily substitute it with leftover chicken breast or even cooked ground turkey.
- What type of lettuce is best for making lettuce wraps?
- Iceberg lettuce is recommended for its large leaves that can hold plenty of filling. Alternatively, romaine or baby romaine lettuce can also be used, though they may be smaller.
- How can I make this recipe suitable for a Paleo diet?
- To make the recipe Paleo-friendly, simply omit the black beans and increase the amount of spinach in the filling.
- Can this recipe be transformed into a salad instead of wraps?
- Yes, you can turn this recipe into a salad by serving the filling over a bowl of chopped lettuce for a hearty meal.
- What sauce pairs well with these lettuce wraps?
- The Avocado Cilantro Ranch Dressing is a perfect complement to these wraps. If you’re short on time, you can mix 1/4 avocado into 1/2 cup of light ranch dressing as a quick alternative.
Tips
- Choose the Right Lettuce: Opt for larger lettuce leaves like iceberg or romaine to effectively hold your filling. For a different texture, butter or Boston lettuce can also be used, though they are smaller.
- Customize for Dietary Preferences: To make the wraps Paleo-friendly, omit the black beans and increase the spinach. You can also use leftover chicken breast if turkey isn’t available.
- Efficient Sauce Alternative: If you’re short on time, mix 1/4 of a mashed avocado with 1/2 cup of light ranch dressing for a quick and tasty sauce.
- Transform into a Salad: If you prefer a salad over wraps, simply serve the turkey mixture over a bed of chopped lettuce for an equally delicious meal.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A good quality skillet for sautéing the ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons – For accurately measuring spices and small quantities of liquids.
- Measuring Cups – Useful for measuring the turkey, corn, beans, and other ingredients.
