Go Back
- 1 ripe mango, diced - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 8-10 large romaine or butter lettuce leaves - Fresh cilantro, for garnish For the best taste, I recommend measuring ingredients carefully. Use a sharp knife for chopping. A ripe mango adds sweetness. Black beans give protein and fiber. Make sure to rinse and drain them well. Fresh vegetables have more flavor than canned ones. Fresh lime juice brightens the dish and enhances all flavors. Each serving has about 200 calories. The breakdown is roughly: - Protein: 8g - Carbs: 34g - Fat: 5g Key ingredients offer great health benefits. Mango adds vitamins A and C. Black beans are great for heart health. They help keep your digestion smooth. Red bell peppers are rich in antioxidants. They help fight inflammation and boost your immune system. 1. Start by making the filling. In a medium bowl, mix the diced mango, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and jalapeño. Use a spatula to gently combine them. You want the mango to stay intact. This mix brings sweet and spicy notes together. 2. Next, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This dressing packs bold flavor. Pour it over your mango and black bean mix. Toss gently until everything is coated. 1. Get your lettuce leaves ready. Wash them well and pat them dry. I recommend using whole leaves. Romaine or butter lettuce works best for wrapping. They hold the filling without tearing. 2. Now, it’s time to fill the wraps. Spoon a generous amount of the mango black bean mixture onto each lettuce leaf. Make sure to fill them up but not overstuff. A little garnish with fresh cilantro adds a nice touch. It brightens the flavors. 1. For presentation, arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a serving platter. Drizzle a little extra lime juice on top. It makes the dish look fresh and inviting. Serve with lime wedges on the side for added zest. 2. Pair these wraps with a light drink. A refreshing iced tea or sparkling water complements the spice. You can also serve them with rice or a light salad for a complete meal. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. To get the best flavor and texture, focus on chopping. When dicing the mango, aim for small, even pieces. This helps the mango mix well with the beans. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. For the black beans, rinse and drain them well. This removes extra salt and improves the taste. To achieve the perfect mango texture, choose a ripe mango. It should feel slightly soft but not mushy. If it is too firm, let it ripen for a few days. This way, it will add sweetness to your wraps. For extra flavor, consider adding spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs like basil. These can make the dish pop. You can also switch the jalapeño for a milder pepper if you want less heat. If you have dietary needs, swap black beans for chickpeas. They offer a similar texture and protein. You can also make it vegan by ensuring your dressing is free from animal products. One mistake is over-mixing the ingredients. Gently toss them to keep the mango intact. This preserves the fresh look and taste. Another common issue is choosing the wrong lettuce. Romaine or butter lettuce works best. They hold fillings well and add a nice crunch. Avoid using iceberg lettuce as it can be too watery and fragile. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the mango in this recipe. Try using pineapple for a tangy twist. Peaches or nectarines also work well if you want a sweeter option. For added protein, use grilled chicken or shrimp instead of black beans. Chickpeas are a great plant-based alternative too. They add texture and flavor, making your wraps even more filling. If you follow a vegan diet, this recipe is already perfect for you. Just make sure your dressing is dairy-free. You can use avocado or tahini instead of yogurt. For those needing gluten-free options, ensure the dressing is made without soy sauce and use gluten-free wraps or lettuce. If you are low-carb, the lettuce wraps are ideal. You can also skip the beans for a lighter bite. To make your wraps stand out, mix in flavors from other cuisines. Add a splash of soy sauce for an Asian flair or some curry powder for an Indian twist. You could also toss in some fresh basil or mint for a fresh Mediterranean touch. Try adding a spicy salsa or kimchi for an exciting kick. These fun changes make your wraps unique and memorable. To keep your spicy mango black bean lettuce wraps fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from wilting. Make sure to store the filling and lettuce leaves separately. The filling stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge, while the lettuce may last about two days. You can prep the filling a day ahead. Simply mix the diced mango, black beans, and veggies. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container. For freezing, avoid freezing the mango, as it loses texture. However, you can freeze the black bean mixture for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge before using. Reheat the black bean filling on the stove over low heat. This method keeps the texture nice. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the beans mushy. Serve the filling warm in fresh lettuce leaves for the best taste. If you want to keep the wraps fresh, assemble them right before serving. For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and instructions above. You can try cabbage or collard greens. They hold up well and add crunch. They also have a mild taste that pairs nicely with the filling. Yes, you can prep the filling in advance. Just store it in the fridge. Assemble the wraps right before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. The spice level can change based on your taste. If you want more heat, add more jalapeño. If you prefer less spice, use less or skip it altogether. Many places serve similar dishes. Look for spots that focus on fresh, healthy options. Mexican or fusion restaurants often have wraps like these. These mango black bean lettuce wraps are fresh, fun, and full of flavor. We covered vital ingredients, tips for best results, and ways to adapt the recipe. You can swap ingredients, prep ahead, and store leftovers with ease. Enjoy trying variations to fit your tastes and needs. By following these steps, you can create a tasty, healthy meal that impresses everyone at your table. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen and make these wraps your own. Happy cooking!

Spicy Mango Black Bean Lettuce Wraps

Savor the taste of summer with these Spicy Mango Black Bean Lettuce Wraps! These vibrant wraps are easy to prepare and packed with delicious flavors, combining fresh mango, black beans, and zesty spices. Perfect for a light lunch or appetizer, they're healthy and satisfying. Ready in just 15 minutes, these wraps will impress your guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meals today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 ripe mango, diced

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

1 small red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

8-10 large romaine or butter lettuce leaves

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced mango, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, and minced jalapeño.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

      Pour the dressing over the mango and black bean mixture, gently tossing to combine all ingredients without mashing the mango.

        Prepare your lettuce leaves by washing and patting them dry; keep them whole for wrapping.

          Spoon the mango black bean mixture onto each lettuce leaf, filling them generously.

            Garnish with fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.

              Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the filled lettuce wraps on a serving platter and drizzle with extra lime juice for an eye-catching presentation. Serve with wedges of lime on the side for squeezing!