A step-by-step guide on How to Make a Lettuce Wrap Sandwich that won't fall apart. Perfect for low-carb, keto or Whole30 diets.
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Taking the time to make a healthy/balanced lunch for myself has always been a struggle. Far too often half a bag of tortilla chips with a heaping side of guacamole while I'm typing away at the computer is my go-to lunch of choice.
The past couple of weeks I have been setting aside a little extra time on Sunday (and usually again on Wednesday) to prep a few quick grab-n' go lunch options that are just for me. It's been really nice to have a balanced lunch just hanging out in the fridge waiting on me. I shared THESE CHIPOTLE CHICKEN BURRITOS last week. They worked out well, until all 30 were gone in less than a week (#lifewithboys) aaaaaannnnnd I was once again left lunch-less.
Nope, these "unwiches" are just for me, and in the interest of full disclosure I should mention... my bread loving boys couldn't care any less!
Admittedly, this is more of a technique or a concept than a recipe. There is all kinds of room for options. Think Jimmy Johns or Subway... pick your meat, add your toppings. I personally keep things pretty basic and go turkey, cheese, cucumber, tomato, pickle and dijon, but you could add all types of fun ingredients or meat combinations if you're feeling creative!
Wrapping a sandwich in lettuce as opposed to bread has some obvious benefits (buh-bye carbs and extra calories), but you guys.. all the flavors of your favorite sandwich are still hanging out. The "unwich" is a game changer!
A couple tips to ensure that your first "unwich" experience is a a good one!
- Choose a leafy green lettuce that doesn't have a thick center (I avoid Romaine for this reason). Plain ol' green lettuce is my favorite choice. Other great options include collard greens, dinosaur kale or even the larger outer leaves from Iceberg lettuce.
- Don't skip on the parchment paper! This is what is going to hold the sandwich together. Without it, well... things get really messy.
- Keep the parchment paper smaller than you think it should be. If it's too large, the parchment will get wrapped up in the unwich. When wrapping, make sure the first layer of parchment paper goes around all the lettuce BEFORE you start rolling. You may have to adjust the lettuce underneath the parchment paper.
Sound complicated? No worries.. I made ya a video that breaks it down step-by-step!
How To Make An "Unwich" Video:
Time Saving Tips and Tricks
Prep: A lettuce wrap sandwich doesn't require any cooking or a lot of preparation. For this reason, I don't find it necessary to prep for this recipe.
Make Ahead: Yes! I like to make 3 or 4 lettuce wrap sandwiches and store them in the fridge. They are great for a quick grab-n-go lunch or even a snack!
Freezer: Sorry guys, not this time, but... wouldn't that be great!
Print
How to Make a Lettuce Wrap Sandwich
- Yield: 1 Lettuce Wrap 1x
Description
A step-by-step guide on How to Make a Lettuce Wrap Sandwich that won't fall apart. Perfect for low-carb, keto or Whole30 diets.
Ingredients
- 4-6 green lettuce leaves
- 4 slices of deli meat (I use Applegate Organic Turkey)
- 1 slice white cheddar cheese
- 3 slices of tomato
- 3 slices of cucumber
- 1 pickle
- 1 Tbs dijon mustard
Instructions
- Arrange lettuce wraps on top of a large square of parchment paper. Once arranged, the lettuce should measure about 9" x 10". If your lettuce is small, it is ok to layer tiny pieces on top of one another.
- Layer toppings in any order into the center of the lettuce wrap. I like to put the turkey down first so that the other toppings have a solid base to rest on.
- Using the parchment paper as your guide, tightly roll the lettuce up. Start with the end that is closest to you.
- Once you have begun to roll the lettuce, tuck the ends of the parchment paper towards the center (just like when rolling a burrito).
- Continue to roll the lettuce wrap. Keep everything as tight as possible.
- When the lettuce is completely rolled, wrap the remaining parchment paper around the "unwich" tightly.
- Use a serrated knife to slice through the center at an angle. Do not cut all the way through the second layer. This will help it hold together while in fridge and in transit.
Let's Connect:
- Prep-Ahead recipes are my all time favorite! Join the BRAND NEW Simply Sissom Community Private FB Group and let’s meal prep together! Each week I share an exclusive recipe in the group via FB Live that is REALLY simple and make-ahead friendly. Join us!
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- Want to prep 5 whole-food meals for a family of 4 in just 45 minutes? Check out my new program, Savvy Mama Meal Prep: Quick and Easy. Use code SMMP50 to save 50%
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Brenna Keogh says
I'm super confused as to how you are not eating parchment paper with this method! Watched the video and read the instructions. Still confused.
Bailey Sissom says
Hi Brenna.. I updated the video. Hopefully it shows a much better method for you!! The previous method did wrap a small amount of paper into the "unwich." I always just pulled it out after cutting the wrap in half. It wasn't a big deal, but the new way is even better!
Lisa Rakowski says
Can this be made ahead or will it come out soggy?
Bailey Sissom says
Unfortunately I think it would get soggy if made too far ahead of time. That said.. a couple of hours should be fine!
kazy says
What lettuce did you use in this video?
Bailey Sissom says
I believe I used large Romaine lettuce leaves.