Veggie Wrap

A veggie wrap, rolled with hummus, sliced cheese, and crisp vegetables, makes a satisfying lunch, whether you’re at home or on the go. Be sure to try all the variations or freestyle your own vegetarian wrap.

Sometimes lunch is my least favorite meal of the day. Often I’m rushing around and making lunch seems like so much of a chore.

When my kids were younger, after returning home from errands, play dates, or outings, we’d all be tired, hungry, and maybe even cranky. Waiting a half hour for lunch to be ready was really too long, and it’s still true today even though my kids are older.

The last thing I want to do is spend a lot of time making lunch. No, I guess that’s not the last thing I want to do, but it’s up there.

So I’m always trying to find ways to mix up lunch a little. I like to try something new, try to keep things interesting, but still healthy.

You might be thinking, “Yeah, Rach, easy for you to say, you’re at home for lunch. I’m stuck in my cubicle at work.”

That doesn’t have to mean PB&J every day! There are tons of healthy and creative options that will keep you looking forward to lunch. A good example is this veggie wrap: it’s healthy and satisfying, and you can have it ready to eat in less than 10 minutes.

About This Recipe

I almost hesitate to call this a recipe. It’s really more an idea or suggestion. A veggie wrap can be all sorts of things, depending on what you like or what you happen to have in your refrigerator.

Actually, it doesn’t even have to be a veggie wrap. You can add sliced deli meat to it if you want. Take a look at the recipe links below for lots more wrap ideas.

To reiterate, this vegetarian wrap is really simple to make, incredibly versatile, and loaded with lots of fresh, healthy ingredients.

Get really creative with it. I’ll give you lots of suggestions but I’m sure you’ll be thinking of your own, too.

What You’ll Need

• Wrap: This can be as simple as a flour tortilla. I love whole wheat tortillas. You can also buy spinach or tomato wraps, or low carb wraps. There are all sorts of choices out there. For a no-carb wrap, substitute a sturdy lettuce leaf or one of the carb-free wraps on the market such as an egg white wrap.
• Spread: A spread not only helps glue everything together, it adds protein and flavor. Choose from hummus, bean spreads (try this delicious black bean spread.), flavored cream cheese, edamame dip, or guacamole.
• Sliced Cheese: There are so many options, from provolone to sharp cheddar to pepper Jack. If you prefer, try crumbled cheese, such as feta, blue cheese, or gorgonzola.
• Veggies: Crisp thinly sliced veggies round out the wrap. Choose from radishes, cucumbers, bell peppers, celery, and so on. Chopped tomatoes are great, too. Try olives or capers for a savory touch. Roll in sprouts, roasted peppers, or pickled red onions.
• Spinach: Of course, spinach isn’t the only choice, either. Any tender leafy green will work.

How To Make A Veggie Wrap

Once you’ve decided what you want to include in your wrap, it’s time to get rolling.

Prep the vegetables first. Wash and dry them thoroughly. You don’t want a watery wrap. It’s best if the veggies are thinly sliced, julienned, or shredded. If they are sliced too thick and chunky, it can be difficult to roll the wrap and they tend to fall out more easily.

Put the wrap on a counter or cutting board. Thinly spread the hummus on the wrap. Don’t go all the way to the very edge; leave about a half-inch border so the spread doesn’t ooze out on your fingers when you eat it.

Now for the filling. Layer on the sliced cheese, and then the veggies you’ve chosen. Finish with spinach leaves. Don’t be tempted to pile the fillings too high. I always get carried away and then find that it’s impossible to roll up the wrap.

To roll up the wrap, make a small fold on the bottom side to hold in the fillings. That part is optional but it does help. Then roll the wrap from one side to the other. Secure it with a toothpick or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap if you’re eating it on the go.

Enjoy! Make lunch an event, the way it should be. You’ll be so happy you did when that 3 P.M. slump hits. I guarantee if you have a lunch like this, you’ll be feeling a lot better than if you hit up some fast food joint on your way home. Just sayin’.

More Combinations

• Spinach wrap with vegetable cream cheese, provolone cheese, and vegetables of choice.
• Tomato wrap with balsamic glaze or Italian dressing, mozzarella cheese, and vegetables of choice. Try tomatoes, red onions, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean vibe.

• Multigrain wrap with guacamole, black beans, pepper jack cheese, vegetables of choice, and pickled red onions.

Make It Your Own

• For a panini-style wrap, heat a skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add a dab of butter or olive oil. Brown the wrap lightly on all sides. Serve immediately.
• For a low-carb option, wrap everything up in a large lettuce or collard leaf.
• Add a dressing, dip, or balsamic reduction.
• Try one of the wrap recipes listed below.

Storage Tips

The veggie wrap is best served immediately or the day you prepare it. If you want to prep veggie wraps for lunchboxes, wrap them up tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator.

For best results if you want to make wraps ahead, avoid watery vegetables like tomatoes, or runny dressings. I find that cream cheese spreads or bean spreads hold up better than hummus or guacamole.

More Wrap Recipes

• Southwestern Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
• Pickle Roll Ups with Ham (Pinwheels)
• Roasted Vegetable Wrap with feta and pesto
• California Breakfast Wrap with avocado, egg, bacon
• Turkey Wrap
• Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Sweet and Sour Shrimp Lettuce Wraps