I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a perfect blend of fresh and vibrant ingredients that make each bite exciting and flavorful, plus it’s super healthy without sacrificing taste. The combination of the creamy avocado, zesty lime, and a hint of smoked paprika wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves makes it feel like a fancy treat without any of the guilt.
I delight in crafting a dish that is as fresh and full of flavor as these Lettuce Wraps filled with Spanish Tuna and Avocado. Butter lettuce is the perfect vehicle for this wrap: it is tender and holds up well, with a subtle flavor that lets the stuffing shine.
Searing the onion briefly in a hot pan mellows its sharpness, so it can still add the punch it needs to contribute to this flavor ensemble without competing with the key players. A hint of smoked paprika in this mix leads to a big finish that, like all good meals, flavors and surprises.
Ingredients
Spanish Tuna:
Rich in protein and high in omega-3 fatty acids, these promote heart health.
Avocado:
Full of healthy fats, fiber, and potassium; rich and nutrient-dense.
Red Onion:
Imparts an intense flavor; packed with antioxidants and vitamin C.
Red Bell Pepper:
The taste is sweet, and it is packed with vitamins A and C, along with plenty of fiber.
Cilantro:
Provides a vibrant, zesty taste and is a source of different antioxidants.
Lime Juice:
High in vitamin C, boosts flavor—tangy, refreshing.
Smoked Paprika:
Imparts a rich, sweet, smoky flavor.
Has antioxidants that are good for you.
Ingredient Quantities
- 8 large leaves of butter or romaine lettuce
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) of Spanish tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped for heat
Instructions
1. Clean and dry the lettuce leaves, then set them aside; they will be used to contain the filling.
2. In a mixing bowl of medium size, gently mix together the well-drained Spanish tuna and the diced avocado. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much. You’re looking for consistency that allows the mixture to maintain its integrity, even when gently stirred and folded.
3. Finely chop a red onion and a red bell pepper and add them to the mixture of tuna and avocado. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
4. Ensure the chopped fresh cilantro is thoroughly mixed throughout the combination before serving.
5. Extract the juice of one lime into the mixture, then dust with smoked paprika. Fold the mixture to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed for preference.
7. If you like, you can add finely chopped jalapeño to the mixture for more heat and flavor.
8. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a level surface and uniformly disperse the tuna and avocado blend among them.
9. Wrap each lettuce leaf carefully around the filling. Tuck the sides in and roll it up to secure the contents.
10. Serve right away, or chill for a little while to let the flavors mix before savoring your crispy and delicious lettuce wraps.
Equipment Needed
1. Knife
2. Cutting board
3. Medium mixing bowl
4. Citrus juicer or squeezer
5. Measuring spoons
6. Spoon or spatula for mixing
7. Lettuce spinner or clean kitchen towel (for drying lettuce)
8. Can opener (for tuna cans)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of lettuce?Sure, you can use iceberg or even cabbage leaves instead of butter or romaine lettuce for a crunchier texture.
- What can I use if I don’t have Spanish tuna in olive oil?Canned tuna in either water or oil works well. If using water-packed tuna, be sure to drain it well and add a little bit of extra virgin olive oil to the mix. This simple step enhances the flavor of the tuna in the pesto.
- Is there a substitution for cilantro?If you aren’t a fan of cilantro, you can swap it out for fresh parsley or basil, and enjoy a different flavor profile altogether.
- How can I add more spice to the wraps?The optional ingredient list includes a very finely chopped fresh jalapeño. This ingredient can really boost the heat level of your dish. Otherwise, there is no heat from the sauce alone. A pinch of cayenne pepper can be mixed in with the other ingredients if using fresh jalapeño is not an option.
- Can I make these wraps in advance?The filling should be prepared and stored separately; the wraps should be assembled just before serving. This lets the lettuce remain crisp.
- How do I keep the avocado from browning?Mixing the lime juice with the diced avocado will help stop it from turning brown.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?Replace the tuna with chickpeas or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option. Retain the same seasoning ingredients.
Substitutions and Variations
Canned olive oil tuna Spanish-style: Canned albacore tuna or salmon, drained, and substituted for the Spanish-style canned olive oil tuna result in a different and equally good sandwich.
Hummus or mashed chickpeas: Use 1/2 cup as a creamy substitute.
Shallots or green onions can be used in place of red onion for a milder flavor.
Substitute yellow or orange bell peppers for red bell peppers for the same level of sweetness. For a different flavor (and a juicier texture), try using diced tomatoes.
Cilantro, fresh: use fresh parsley or fresh basil for a different green herbal note.
Pro Tips
1. Chill the Ingredients: Before you start assembling, chill the drained tuna and diced avocado. This will help keep the mixture fresh and prevent the avocado from browning too quickly, while adding a refreshing touch to the lettuce wraps.
2. Dry the Lettuce Well: Use a salad spinner or pat the lettuce leaves dry with a paper towel to ensure they are completely free of moisture. This will help the wraps hold together better and keep them crisp.
3. Adjust Lime Juice for Balance: Start with half of the lime juice and gradually add more to taste. This ensures you achieve the perfect balance of acidity without overwhelming the other flavors.
4. Mince Jalapeño with Caution: If you’re using jalapeño, remove the seeds and ribs for a milder heat, and mince it very finely to evenly distribute the heat throughout the mix. Always taste-test the mixture as you add jalapeño to control the spice level.
5. Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Chop the onions, bell pepper, and cilantro ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This helps meld flavors and speeds up the assembly process when you’re ready to serve.
Lettuce Wraps With Spanish Tuna And Avocado Recipe
My favorite Lettuce Wraps With Spanish Tuna And Avocado Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Knife
2. Cutting board
3. Medium mixing bowl
4. Citrus juicer or squeezer
5. Measuring spoons
6. Spoon or spatula for mixing
7. Lettuce spinner or clean kitchen towel (for drying lettuce)
8. Can opener (for tuna cans)
Ingredients:
- 8 large leaves of butter or romaine lettuce
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) of Spanish tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped for heat
Instructions:
1. Clean and dry the lettuce leaves, then set them aside; they will be used to contain the filling.
2. In a mixing bowl of medium size, gently mix together the well-drained Spanish tuna and the diced avocado. Be careful not to mash the avocado too much. You’re looking for consistency that allows the mixture to maintain its integrity, even when gently stirred and folded.
3. Finely chop a red onion and a red bell pepper and add them to the mixture of tuna and avocado. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
4. Ensure the chopped fresh cilantro is thoroughly mixed throughout the combination before serving.
5. Extract the juice of one lime into the mixture, then dust with smoked paprika. Fold the mixture to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed for preference.
7. If you like, you can add finely chopped jalapeño to the mixture for more heat and flavor.
8. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a level surface and uniformly disperse the tuna and avocado blend among them.
9. Wrap each lettuce leaf carefully around the filling. Tuck the sides in and roll it up to secure the contents.
10. Serve right away, or chill for a little while to let the flavors mix before savoring your crispy and delicious lettuce wraps.
