Black Bean Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Corn Salsa and Cilantro Lime Rice for #WeekdaySupper #ChooseDreams

Searching for an easy and fresh weekday supper? Well, look no further, because today I really do have one for you. These black bean lettuce wraps I’m sharing are a summertime favorite in my house, and I hope they might find their way onto your table.

Let’s talk about budget-friendly recipes. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – buying produce that is in season is always a great way to go when you are interested in saving money on a meal. Vegetables (and fruit) that are in season will also taste much better…because they are fresh! I always get excited when summer corn season rolls around – there is something so wonderful about fresh, sweet corn on the cob. Am I right? I have been taking advantage of the fresh corn to create double and triple batches of fresh grilled corn salsa. Making a large batch allows me to utilize the salsa in a number of recipes, and today’s recipe just so happens to include it!

Beans are another affordable and easy to make meal component as well. I personally love black beans; they pack a nice punch of protein, antioxidants, and fiber. However, if you’d prefer to sub in pinto beans or another type of bean, that would also work out! You can buy dried beans and soak them, but if you’re a busy family on the go, opting for canned is oh so easy and quick to prepare. I suggest rinsing and draining your beans after opening the can, then adding in some salsa and herbs to flavor them as you heat. If left to my own devices, I could probably just eat an entire pot filled with black beans, but I digress…

What I love about today’s lettuce wraps is that they give the flavor and texture of your favorite burrito or taco, but the lettuce wrap replaces the tortilla for a healthy alternative. You get a lovely, cool crunch when you bite into one of these wraps, which is juxtaposed with the warm rice and beans. The corn salsa does add a bit of a kick too (assuming you add jalapenos…and I do love some jalapenos in my life…). I can completely fill up on these lettuce wraps for a meal.

And they are such a cinch to put together for a family on the go. The longest component to prepare is the rice, and if you are REALLY in a pinch and can’t wait 30 minutes for rice to cook on the stove, you can always opt for the microwave steamer bags as an easy alternative that is ready in minutes. Options: you have them.

So – are you a fan of lettuce wraps? Have you created your own style at home?

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup water
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons tomato salsa
• Juice from 1/3 of a lime
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Bibb lettuce leaves (or iceberg)
• 1 cup corn salsa click for recipe
• 1/2 cup guacamole (or 1 Haas avocado)

Instructions

1. Prepare the jasmine rice according to package directions (bring rice and water to a boil, stir, then cover and reduce heat to low for 20 minutes. Remove from heat for 5 minutes).
2. Open the can of black beans and pour into a colander - rinse and drain. Add beans to a small pot over low heat and add the tomato salsa. Stir to combine. Heat through, stirring occasionally (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Chop the fresh cilantro leaves. Reserve a few pinches for garnish (if desired), then add the cilantro to the cooked rice along with the lime juice. Stir to combine.
4. To put a wrap together: begin with a Bibb lettuce leaf Add a scoop of cilantro lime rice, followed by a scoop of the black beans, and corn salsa. Sprinkle with reserved cilantro leaves, sliced avocado, or guacamole. Fold into a taco-like shape and take a bite - enjoy!

Make sure you hop over and follow the Health and Fitness #ChooseDreams Pinterest board. Also, take a few minutes to visit the American Family Insurance website, follow them on Twitter, ‘Like’ them on Facebook, check in on them on LinkedIn, watch them on YouTube, follow them on G , and see what inspires them on Pinterest!

This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own.

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But wait…there’s more!!! Make sure you get extra helpings of Weekday Supper inspiration by checking out this week’s recipes:

take a few minutes to visit the American Family Insurance website, follow them on Twitter, ‘Like’ them on Facebook, check in on them on LinkedIn, watch them on YouTube, follow them on G , and see what inspires them on Pinterest! This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own. – See more at: http://rufflesandtruffles.com/2014/07/quinoa-bowls-with-grilled-vegetables/#sthash.rAesg5nE.dpuf

take a few minutes to visit the American Family Insurance website, follow them on Twitter, ‘Like’ them on Facebook, check in on them on LinkedIn, watch them on YouTube, follow them on G , and see what inspires them on Pinterest! This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own. – See more at: http://rufflesandtruffles.com/2014/07/quinoa-bowls-with-grilled-vegetables/#sthash.rAesg5nE.dp

take a few minutes to visit the American Family Insurance website, follow them on Twitter, ‘Like’ them on Facebook, check in on them on LinkedIn, watch them on YouTube, follow them on G , and see what inspires them on Pinterest! This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own. – See more at: http://rufflesandtruffles.com/2014/07/quinoa-bowls-with-grilled-vegetables/#sthash.rAesg5nE.dpu

Monday – Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Couscous & Heirloom Salad by Foxes Love Lemons
Tuesday – Chick Pea Tabbouleh with Grilled Chicken and Artichokes by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
Wednesday – Black Bean Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Corn Salsa and Cilantro Lime Rice by Ruffles & Truffles
Thursday – Bacon Ranch Quinoa Chicken Salad by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Friday – Summer Veggie Medley on Polenta by The Not So Cheesy Kitchen

The post Black Bean Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Corn Salsa and Cilantro Lime Rice for #WeekdaySupper #ChooseDreams appeared first on Ruffles & Truffles.