Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps (Beans & Corn)

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

Inspired by my vegan black bean tacos and vegan black bean lettuce wraps, this vegetarian lettuce wraps recipe with black beans and corn is a light yet filling, budget-friendly appetizer or light main that is a satisfying, nutritious meal without the heaviness of tortillas (tortillas de harina recipe!).

Instead, these lettuce wraps load crisp, crunchy leaves with a simple yet delicious meat-free filling of black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, garlic, chili powder, and fresh lime juice. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan, they’re great for BBQs, parties, or weekday meals. Plus, they’re fully customizable, ready in 30 minutes, meal-prep friendly, and delicious.

They’re a healthy, low-fuss addition to your recipe rotation, along with jackfruit lettuce cups or tofu lettuce wraps with peanut sauce.

Ingredient Notes

Black bean lettuce wraps are a simple, inexpensive, pantry-friendly meal with just 10 ingredients. See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and substitutes.

Recipe Variations

• Diced tomatoes: Add fresh or canned tomatoes.
• Ground ‘meat’: To make more traditional taco lettuce wraps – but meat-free – use ground extra-firm tofu or vegan ground beef, sautéed with taco seasoning.
• Sweet potato: Add heartiness and a little sweetness with roasted cubed or mashed sweet potato (like my sweet potato black bean tacos) – or butternut squash/pumpkin.
• Other vegetables: Bulk up the filling with mushrooms and/or zucchini.
• Grains: Make a heartier, burrito-like filling with frown rice (how to cook brown rice) or quinoa (a complete guide to quinoa).

How to Make Veggie Lettuce Wraps

Step 3: Leave to cool for 5 minutes, then scoop into the lettuce leaves, add any toppings (referenced below), and enjoy the Southwest-inspired lettuce wraps!

FAQs

Pro Recipe Tips

• Adjust the texture: Optionally lightly mash the black beans.
• To avoid soggy lettuce: If the filling is warm, enjoy the vegan lettuce wraps immediately to avoid wilting.
• Don’t overstuff the fillings: Otherwise, they’re more likely to fall apart.
• To avoid mess: Optionally roll the Mexican-inspired lettuce wraps like a burrito (fold in the sides, then roll from the bottom) – use two lettuce leaves for extra sturdiness.

Serving Recommendations

• Toppings: These taco-like Mexican-inspired lettuce wraps pair well with salsa (like easy Pico de Gallo or mango salsa), this easy guacamole, avocado, vegan sour cream or Mexican avocado crema, tofu feta cheese or vegan shredded cheese, pickled red onion, hot sauce, etc.
• Sides: Like homemade air fryer tortilla chips and dips, seasoned fries or wedges, vegan coleslaw, elote (Mexican street corn salad), easy vegan Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice, marinated tofu, tempeh, or seitan, etc.

The leftover filling also works in salads, tacos, burritos, rice bowls, vegan tofu scramble with veggies, etc.

Storage Information for Vegetarian Lettuce Wraps

Fridge: Any leftover black bean and corn filling can be stored in an airtight container for 4-5 days.

Freeze: Store the filling (not the lettuce) in a Ziplock/Stasher or freezer-safe container for 3 months. Then, thaw overnight.

Reheat: Use a microwave (in 30-second increments) or stovetop (over medium-low).