Searching for an easy and fresh weekday supper? Well, look no further, because today I really do have one for you. These black bean lettuce wraps I’m sharing are a summertime favorite in my house, and I hope they might find their way onto your table.
Let’s talk about budget-friendly recipes. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – buying produce that is in season is always a great way to go when you are interested in saving money on a meal. Vegetables (and fruit) that are in season will also taste much better…because they are fresh! I always get excited when summer corn season rolls around – there is something so wonderful about fresh, sweet corn on the cob. Am I right? I have been taking advantage of the fresh corn to create double and triple batches of fresh grilled corn salsa. Making a large batch allows me to utilize the salsa in a number of recipes, and today’s recipe just so happens to include it!
Beans are another affordable and easy to make meal component as well. I personally love black beans; they pack a nice punch of protein, antioxidants, and fiber. However, if you’d prefer to sub in pinto beans or another type of bean, that would also work out! You can buy dried beans and soak them, but if you’re a busy family on the go, opting for canned is oh so easy and quick to prepare. I suggest rinsing and draining your beans after opening the can, then adding in some salsa and herbs to flavor them as you heat. If left to my own devices, I could probably just eat an entire pot filled with black beans, but I digress…
What I love about today’s lettuce wraps is that they give the flavor and texture of your favorite burrito or taco, but the lettuce wrap replaces the tortilla for a healthy alternative. You get a lovely, cool crunch when you bite into one of these wraps, which is juxtaposed with the warm rice and beans. The corn salsa does add a bit of a kick too (assuming you add jalapenos…and I do love some jalapenos in my life…). I can completely fill up on these lettuce wraps for a meal.
And they are such a cinch to put together for a family on the go. The longest component to prepare is the rice, and if you are REALLY in a pinch and can’t wait 30 minutes for rice to cook on the stove, you can always opt for the microwave steamer bags as an easy alternative that is ready in minutes. Options: you have them.
So – are you a fan of lettuce wraps? Have you created your own style at home?
Make sure you hop over and follow the Health and Fitness #ChooseDreams Pinterest board. Also, take a few minutes to visit the American Family Insurance website, follow them on Twitter, ‘Like’ them on Facebook, check in on them on LinkedIn, watch them on YouTube, follow them on G+, and see what inspires them on Pinterest!
This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own.
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But wait…there’s more!!! Make sure you get extra helpings of Weekday Supper inspiration by checking out this week’s recipes:
take a few minutes to visit the American Family Insurance website, follow them on Twitter, ‘Like’ them on Facebook, check in on them on LinkedIn, watch them on YouTube, follow them on G+, and see what inspires them on Pinterest! This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own. – See more at: https://helpfulhomemade.com/2014/07/quinoa-bowls-with-grilled-vegetables/#sthash.rAesg5nE.dpuf
take a few minutes to visit the American Family Insurance website, follow them on Twitter, ‘Like’ them on Facebook, check in on them on LinkedIn, watch them on YouTube, follow them on G+, and see what inspires them on Pinterest! This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own. – See more at: https://helpfulhomemade.com/2014/07/quinoa-bowls-with-grilled-vegetables/#sthash.rAesg5nE.dp
take a few minutes to visit the American Family Insurance website, follow them on Twitter, ‘Like’ them on Facebook, check in on them on LinkedIn, watch them on YouTube, follow them on G+, and see what inspires them on Pinterest! This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own. – See more at: https://helpfulhomemade.com/2014/07/quinoa-bowls-with-grilled-vegetables/#sthash.rAesg5nE.dpu
Monday – Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Couscous & Heirloom Salad by Foxes Love Lemons
Tuesday – Chick Pea Tabbouleh with Grilled Chicken and Artichokes by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
Wednesday – Black Bean Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Corn Salsa and Cilantro Lime Rice by Ruffles & Truffles
Thursday – Bacon Ranch Quinoa Chicken Salad by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Friday – Summer Veggie Medley on Polenta by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Oh wow Katie – what a festival of flavors! I’ll take an extra serving of these please!
Katie, I was just thinking about how the kids love corn and black beans and I should combine them in some way to pack in their lunch! Perfect timing, can’t wait to try this!
LOVEEEEE. You’re probably lucky I don’t live closer otherwise I’d be over for dinner every night 🙂
Oh my goodness! The colors, the flavors, just absolutely gorgeous!!
Oh how all of us love black beans – yes, they are the best. Now I have to admit that we have never {as in never ever} have had lettuce wraps. I will need to change that soon! Thank you for this great recipe.
These are totally up my alley!
Lettuce wraps are so fun! These sound super tasty!