A healthy, low-carb lunch that’s easy and full of flavor!
Raise your hand if you love carbs 🙋🏽♀️ I know, we all do. But those grains can get you quite sluggish mid-afternoon, so ditch the bread and head for these homemade Jimmy John Unwich lookalikes! These Lettuce Wrap Sandwiches are gluten free, whole30 approved and keto-friendly, and best yet naturally delicious!
Heyoo friends! I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I love carbs.
But when it comes to sandwiches, I’m not a huge bread fan. Especially because, well you know, it’s gluten free bread. I do have my favorite GF bread brands though – Glutino, Canyon Bakehouse and Schar – but when it comes down to it, I could probably do without.
In fact, you can almost always find me having an open face sandwich (which Nick thinks is totally weird). The only time I can think of when I don’t just have one piece of bread is for a PBJ – which has been ages.
Even though I’m not a huge bread fan, when it comes to choosing between a real sandwich and a lettuce wrap, I’m going for the sammie! Which is why I knew I had to come up with a killer lettuce wrap sandwich recipe.
I know everyone follows a different “diet,” so a lunch that can satisfy a number of them is a win in my book!
As you guys know my goal for 2019 was more paleo meals, and with this meal-prep friendly lunch, I’m making it happen! It has become our go-to these past couple of weeks and best yet, Nick is loving them!!
The Ultimate Lettuce Wrap Sandwich Ingredients
- Head of Lettuce
- Mayo (preferably Whole30 approved) – I use Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil Mayo, Chosen Foods is also an option or homemade!
- Avocado
- Lunch/Deli Meat (for Whole30 approved, buy Applegate brand)
- Salami (again, for Whole30 approved, buy Applegate brand)
- Tomato
- Banana peppers or jalapenos
- Salt/Pepper
- Optional: cheese
Simple, yet satisfying.
How to Make Lettuce Wrap Sandwiches
Here’s how to make a lettuce wrap unwhich like Jimmy Johns, without wasting a dime or dollar on delivery!
First up, let’s chat about the lettuce. I know a regular old head of lettuce isn’t as nutritious as romaine leaves or butterhead, but when it comes to holding the samwhich together these leaves are the way to go! I can only get about 4 lettuce wraps with one head, so keep that in mind when you’re meal prepping 🙂
Also, I found that 2 leaves per wrap is the max amount you need. Any more than that is just too much. I like to use one big leaf and then some smaller “cripsier” scraps to help fill it out and keep it from tearing when rolling.
Next, the dressings. You can really use whatever your heart desires, but I love the combo of mayo and avocado. It gives it such a rich and creamy base, and it helps hold the lettuce wrap together! Plus, talk about Keto-friendly!
Now for the meat! I tend to go for sliced chicken breast – it’s just what I prefer. If you’re looking for a Whole30 approved lettuce wrap, make sure you buy applegate brand! Full disclosure, I usually buy whatever is at the deli counter because this chicka is balling on a budget. I do buy Applegate’s bacon quite frequently (it’s Nicks fav!)
Salami or bacon? It’s a tough choice, but when it comes to the ease of making them, salami is our go-to. I love the flavor it brings to the sandwich. (Again, keto-friendly!)
Last up, the toppings – tomato for it’s freshness, banana peppers for a little spice and crunch. Those are my favs, but you could also try jalapenos, cheese, spicy mustard, or sprouts. Take a look at Jimmy Johns menu and get creative 🙂
If you’re prepping these for meal-prep, add all the ingredients to a container (here’s the glass containers I use) and then assemble right before eating. If you assemble it days before, they will get soggy. Trust me, I’ve tried. 😏
So how do you roll it up without having everything fall out? That’s the tricky part.
I roll two sides into the center and then roll the lettuce leaf tightly away from my body, ending with the fold face down. You can use toothpicks to hold it together, but I’ve found it easiest just to dive right in! They do get messy, so make sure to grab some napkins. If you’re on the go, try rolling it in parchment paper.
Either way, you’re going to be eating a stickin’ scrumptious lunch, so enjoy! 🙂
- • Head of lettuce
- • 4 tablepoons Whole30 compliant mayo (1 tablespoon on each lettuce wrap)
- • 1/2 avocado (1/8 on each)
- • .75 lbs lunch/deli meat (3 oz on each)
- • 8 slices salami (2 slices on each)
- • 4 tablespoons banana peppers (1 tablespoon on each)
- • 1 tomato, sliced (1 - 2 slices on each)
- • Optional: cheese
- Carefully peel leaves off head of lettuce and set aside (You'll need at least 4 big leaves. You can use scraps for "filing".)
- Grab one large leaf and any smaller pieces you want to add and spread 1 tablespoon of mayo and ⅛ an avocado on one side.
- Add 3 oz of lunch meat of your choice, 2 slices of salami, 1 tablespoon banana pepper and 1-2 slices of tomato (you can also use toppings of choice).
- Fold two sides into the center and tightly roll away from the body.
- You can use toothpicks to hold it together, but I’ve found it easiest just to dive right in. Enjoy!
Looking for other delicious, meal-prep friendly lunches? Try these:
One of our favorite easy, low carb lunches! A weekly staple !