In a world where health meets flavor, simplicity shines brightest. Enter teh collard green wrap-a vibrant, nutrient-packed alternative to conventional tortillas that brings a crisp, earthy twist to your meal. When layered with creamy hummus and a colorful medley of fresh veggies, these wraps transform into a delectable handheld feast. Whether you’re seeking a light lunch, a refreshing snack, or a creative way to sneak more greens into your diet, collard green wraps with hummus and veggies offer a fresh, flavorful solution that’s as nourishing as it is indeed tasty.Let’s dive into this green goodness that’s as satisfying for your taste buds as it is for your body.
Fresh & Flavorful: Collard Green Wraps with Hummus & Veggies bring a vibrant twist to wholesome eating. The essence of this dish lies in the meticulous selection of each component-from the freshest collard greens that provide a crisp and tender bite, to the luxuriously creamy hummus that binds bold flavors and smooth texture, finishing with an array of colorful vegetables that add crunchy vitality and nutritional power. This wrap is not only a party of textures and tastes but also a canvas for creativity and health-conscious dining.
Prep and Cook Time
Readiness: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes (blanching greens)
Yield
Serves 4 generous wraps
Difficulty Level
Easy – perfect for beginners and busy weekdays!
ingredients
- 4 large collard green leaves, washed and stems trimmed
- 1 cup classic hummus (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional fresh herbs: parsley, cilantro, or mint
Instructions
- Prepare the Collard Greens: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Submerge each collard green leaf for 30-45 seconds untill just tender but still vibrant and pliable. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking and preserve color. Pat dry gently with clean kitchen towels.
- Trim the stems: Remove the thick center vein on each leaf by carefully slicing lengthwise with a sharp knife, ensuring the wraps fold easily without tearing.
- Prepare the hummus spread: If making homemade hummus, blend cooked chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasoning until silky smooth. For store-bought, feel free to enhance it with a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of extra lemon juice to amp up flavor.
- Prepare the veggies: Julienne the carrots,thinly slice cucumbers and red bell pepper,shred the cabbage,and slice the avocado. Toss the avocado slices in lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness.
- Assemble the wraps: Lay a collard green leaf flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous 2-3 tablespoons of hummus evenly, leaving a small border at the edges. Layer the vibrant vegetables and herbs in the center in a visually appealing pile.
- Roll with care: Fold the sides of the leaf inward, then tightly roll from the stem end upward. Tuck in the ingredients gently as you roll to secure a neat,elongated wrap.
- Slice and serve: With a sharp knife, slice each wrap diagonally for an inviting presentation.Serve immediately or wrap tightly in parchment paper for an energizing lunch on the go.
Tips for Success
- Select leaves wisely: Choose collard greens that are vibrant, dark green, and free from blemishes. Younger leaves tend to be more tender and easier to roll.
- Blanching is key: Don’t skip the rapid blanching step to soften leaves without losing that essential crispness-this makes rolling easier and enhances the texture.
- Customize your hummus: Experiment by adding roasted red peppers, garlic, or cumin for flair. Creamy texture is crucial, so add olive oil or water as needed.
- Crunch factor: Mix and match veggies – shredded kale,snap peas,or radishes can also create delightful contrasts.
- Make-ahead hack: Prepare collard leaves and hummus a day in advance,store wrapped separately; assemble the wraps fresh to maintain veggie crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the wraps on a platter garnished with sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or mint for fragrance and color. Serve alongside a bright citrus vinaigrette or a cooling tzatziki dip to complement the creamy hummus and fresh vegetables. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil on the wraps adds a stunning finishing touch and subtle heat.
| Nutrient | Per Wrap |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 12g |
For a deeper dive into nutritious vegetable wraps, check out our Healthy Veggie Wrap Recipes collection. For additional expert tips on choosing nutrient-dense greens, visit ChooseMyPlate.gov.
Q&A
Q&A: Fresh & Flavorful – Collard Green Wraps with Hummus & Veggies
Q1: What makes collard green wraps a great alternative to traditional tortillas or bread?
A: Collard greens are nutrient powerhouses packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus fiber and antioxidants. Their sturdy yet tender leaves make them an ideal, low-carb, gluten-free wrap that’s both refreshing and full of earthiness. Unlike regular wraps,collard greens add a vibrant green crunch and a subtle bitterness that perfectly complements creamy hummus and crisp veggies.
Q2: How do you prepare collard green leaves for wrapping?
A: to prep collard green leaves, start by rinsing them thoroughly. Then, trim off the thick stem at the base without damaging the leaf. For easier rolling, blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 20-30 seconds, then plunge them into ice water to keep their bright color and soften the texture. This step makes the leaves more pliable and easier to handle when assembling your wraps.
Q3: What types of hummus work best in these wraps?
A: Classic chickpea hummus is a fantastic choice because its creamy texture and mild garlic and lemon notes balance the bitterness of collards beautifully. But feel free to experiment with flavors like roasted red pepper, roasted garlic, or even spicy harissa hummus for a flavor twist. Adding different hummus varieties can elevate your wraps from simple to sensational.
Q4: Which veggies add the best crunch and flavor inside the wraps?
A: Fresh, crisp veggies really brighten these wraps. Think thinly sliced cucumbers,shredded carrots,bell peppers,radishes,and crunchy sprouts.A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint adds an aromatic lift. The key is variety-not just in color but also in texture, to contrast the soft hummus and tender greens.
Q5: Can these wraps be made ahead of time for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! For best results, spread the hummus and layer veggies on the collard leaves just before eating to avoid sogginess. However, you can store pre-washed, blanched collard leaves and chopped veggies separately in airtight containers for several days. When ready to eat, quickly assemble the wraps for a fresh, portable meal bursting with flavor and nutrition.
Q6: Are collard green wraps suitable for special diets?
A: Yes! These wraps are naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.They’re an excellent option for anyone seeking a clean, whole-food snack or meal that’s both satisfying and diet-kind. Plus,they’re easy to customize for any dietary needs,making them a versatile superstar in the wrap world.
Q7: What’s a simple dipping sauce or drizzle to pair with these wraps?
A: A tangy lemon-tahini sauce or a zesty yogurt-dill dressing pairs beautifully, enhancing the greens and hummus without overpowering them.For a bit of heat, try a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of chili flakes. these add-ons turn the humble wrap into an exciting explosion of fresh and savory flavors.
Dive into this refreshing, nutrient-packed delight with your favorite fresh veggies and creamy hummus tucked inside bright green collard leaves. It’s a wrap that’s as vibrant as it is nourishing!
The Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking a vibrant lunch, a light dinner, or a nutritious snack, these collard green wraps with hummus and veggies deliver fresh flavors and wholesome goodness in every bite. Easy to customize and quick to assemble, they’re proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. So next time you want to elevate your meal with a boost of color, crunch, and plant-powered nutrition, reach for collard greens and let your creativity roll!
