The BEST Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme

The BEST Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme

Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme

I’m so pumped to share this recipe with you—it’s seriously so good! This vegetarian version of the Crunchwrap Supreme from Taco Bell will have you hooked. We’re talking layers of seasoned lentils, melty cheese, fresh pico de gallo, spinach, and crispy tortillas—basically all the flavor and texture you could ever want!

Assembly Instructions

The first step is to make the lentil filling, the Pico de Gallo and then get out all of the Crunchwrap components!

Here’s the order I layered my ingredients:

  • Large Flour Tortilla
  • Lentil Filling
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Tostada
  • Greek Yogurt
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Spinach
  • Extra Tortilla Quarter

Here’s the step-by-step visual to help you assemble your Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme:



Next, a step-by-step guide on folding the Crunchwrap!

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Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme

The BEST Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme


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5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Amy MS, RD, LDN
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 Crunchwraps 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Just like the Crunchwrap Supreme from Taco Bell, but vegetarian! Packed with layers of seasoned lentils, melty cheese, fresh pico de gallo, spinach and crispy tortillas, this Vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme brings all the flavor and texture you crave. It’s the most delicious, satisfying twist on a classic you’ll ever taste—trust me, you’ll want this in your weekly rotation!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Lentil Filling:

  • 1 can, 14 oz, Canned Lentils, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup Walnuts
  • 1/2 Red Onion, finely diced
  • 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Nutritional Yeast (optional but adds killer umami!)

Pico de Gallo:

  • 34 Roma Tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 Medium Red Onion, finely diced
  • 1 Jalapeno, seeded and minced
  • 1 Lime, Juiced
  • 1/8 tsp Kosher or Sea Salt
  • Pinch Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Parsley, chopped

Additional Toppings:

  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • Baby Spinach
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 10-inch size Large Flour Tortillas
  • 8 Tostada Shells

Instructions

Start by making the lentil filling:

  1. Heat a saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sautee until softened, about 7-8 minutes.
  2. Then, turn the heat to low and add the minced garlic, walnuts, spices and 1 tbsp water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the drained and rinsed lentils to the pan and sautee for 1 more minute. Turn off the heat and set aside. (Note: If you are meal prepping, allow the lentils to cool and then pop into a container, label and put in the fridge until you are ready to make your Crunchwrap.)

Pico de Gallo:

  1. Chop the tomatoes, onion, jalapeno and parsley and place into a medium sized bowl. Add the lime juice, salt and pepper. Stir together with a spoon and set aside.

Assembly:

  1. Start by cutting a large tortilla into fourths and set aside. These sections will fill in the center of the crunchwrap.
  2. Next, on a flat surface, lay one large tortilla out. Top with 1/3 cup of the lentil filling right in the center. (Note: Resist the urge to overfill here! Too much filling and you don’t be able to fold and close your wrap!)
  3. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of grated cheddar cheese over the lentils. Top that with 1 tostada shell.
  4. Spoon 2 tbsp of Greek Yogurt on top of the tostada shell. (It’s easiest to pickup the tostada, spread the Greek Yogurt and then place over top the lentils and cheese.) 
  5. To the Greek Yogurt, top with 1/4 cup of pico de gallo. (Note: I like to use a spoon and drain a little of the liquid off as i spoon the pico de gallo on so that the crunchwrap doesn’t get soggy.)
  6. Next, place baby spinach over top, just enough to cover the other toppings. If your spinach leaves are large, tear them into smaller pieces as you place onto your wrap.
  7. Then place the 1/4 piece of flour tortilla right in the center on top.
  8. Next, fold the large tortilla over top of the center ingredients. To do so, start with a small section and fold it up and over towards the center of the wrap. Hold that with your finger and then fold another section over top, slightly overlapping each section. Continue folding and holding until the entire wrap is folded closed. Give it a good press down and place a small plate on top to hold your folds while you heat your pan up.
  9. Heat a cast iron pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp olive oil.
  10. Once the pan is hot, place the wrap seam side down into the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
  11. Flip the wrap over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until nicely browned.
  12. Remove the wrap from the skillet. Slice in half and enjoy!

Notes

  1. If your flour tortillas are a little dry, pop them in the microwave with a damp paper towel for 15 seconds to soften them. Dry tortillas will crack and won’t fold like you want them to!
  2. Other optional add-ons that would be tasty: Guacamole or mashed avocado, swap salsa for pico de gallo if you’re in a hurry, romaine lettuce for spinach.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 438
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 775mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 67g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 8mg
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8 Powerful Foods to Fight Inflammation: A Guide to Eating for Better Health

What if the foods you ate could help you fight off diseases? Imagine if your refrigerator was stocked with items that actively work to reduce inflammation and keep chronic diseases at bay.

In this post, I’m diving into eight potent foods that can help you combat inflammation and improve your overall health.

Understanding Inflammation

To start, let’s clarify what inflammation is. There are two main types:

      1. Acute Inflammation: This occurs suddenly in response to an injury, such as a cut or a sprain. It’s the body’s natural way of healing the affected area and this is a good thing!

      1. Chronic Inflammation: Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation persists even without a threat. This ongoing inflammation can contribute to a range of chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, and certain cancers.

    Now that you know what inflammation is, let’s get into how you can use food to fight it!

    1. Berries

    Berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are powerhouses of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. They contain phytochemicals called anthocyanins that combat inflammation. Research even suggests that a diet rich in berries can promote longevity. Incorporate them into your weekly meals by snacking on them raw, topping your yogurt, or trying out delicious recipes like Triple Berry Dutch Baby, Berries & Greens Smoothie, and Brain-Boosting Blueberry Cookies.

    2. Dark Leafy Greens

    Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, bok choy, and Swiss chard are packed with nutrients, especially beta-carotene. Beta-carotene has been linked to decreased inflammation markers. Experiment with different greens to add variety to your diet and benefit your gut microbiome. Try recipes such as Mediterranean White Bean Tuna & Spinach Salad and Simple Sauteed Bok Choy.

    3. Garlic

    Garlic isn’t just flavorful; it’s also a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It contains compounds that limit the effects of pro-inflammatory molecules. Add garlic to your meals, sauces, and homemade salad dressings. For inspiration, check out Easy Homemade Salsa and Lentil Bolognese recipes.

    4. Olive Oil

    Known for its health benefits, olive oil is rich in antioxidants and phenolic compounds. It has been shown to reduce inflammation similarly to ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug. Use it in various recipes such as Simple Balsamic Dressing and Creamy Zucchini Pasta.

    5. Omega-3 Foods

    Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that our bodies can’t produce on their own and they play a crucial role in cell building, hormone production, and reducing inflammation. Foods rich in Omega-3s include fatty fish like salmon, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans. Try recipes like Buffalo Salmon Quinoa & Chickpea Salad and Honey & Flaxseed Granola.

    6. Nuts

    Nuts are not only delicious but also packed with magnesium, which contributes to their anti-inflammatory properties. Regular nut consumption has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Incorporate nuts into your diet with recipes such as Maple & Olive Oil Granola, Easy Trail Mix, and Banana Nut Muffins.

    7. Beans & Legumes

    Beans and legumes are nutritional powerhouses, rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They contain bioactive compounds like polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihypertensive properties. Explore bean recipes like Greek-Style Nachos and Chickpea Blondies.

    8. Turmeric

    Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice known for its compound, curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

    Curcumin can suppress inflammation through various mechanisms. Add turmeric to your meals in creative ways, such as Turmeric Pickled Onions and Sunrise Banana Pancakes.

    Foods to Avoid

    While incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, it’s equally important to be mindful of foods that can increase inflammation. Ultra-processed foods, fried and fast foods, and excessive sugar should be limited. Reducing these foods can help maintain a healthy inflammatory balance in your body.

    Thrive RDN’s Final Perspective

    Many of the anti-inflammatory foods mentioned here are staples in the Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits. If you’re interested in exploring more about Mediterranean eating, check out our 7 Tips to Start Eating Mediterranean guide.

    I hope these tips inspire you to add more anti-inflammatory foods to your meals and support your health. I’d love to hear what your favorite anti-inflammatory foods are, leave me a comment below!

    Feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions. Here’s to your health and delicious meals!

     

    References:

    Hewlings, S., & Kalman, D. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods, 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092

    Joseph, S. V., Edirisinghe, I., & Burton-Freeman, B. M. (2014). Berries: Anti-inflammatory Effects in Humans. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 62(18), 3886–3903. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf404405

    Juárez-Chairez, M. F., Meza-Márquez, O. G., Márquez-Flores, Y. K., & Jiménez-Martínez, C. (2022). Potential anti-inflammatory effects of legumes: A review. British Journal of Nutrition, 128(11), 2158–2169. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114522000137

    Land Lail, H., Feresin, R. G., Hicks, D., Stone, B., Price, E., & Wanders, D. (2021). Berries as a Treatment for Obesity-Induced Inflammation: Evidence from Preclinical Models. Nutrients, 13(2), 334. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020334

    Parkinson, L., & Keast, R. (2014). Oleocanthal, a Phenolic Derived from Virgin Olive Oil: A Review of the Beneficial Effects on Inflammatory Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 15(7), 12323–12334. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms150712323

    Peng, Y., Ao, M., Dong, B., Jiang, Y., Yu, L., Chen, Z., Hu, C., & Xu, R. (2021). Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcumin in the Inflammatory Diseases: Status, Limitations and Countermeasures. Drug Design, Development and Therapy, Volume 15, 4503–4525. https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S327378

    Rajaram, S., Damasceno, N. R. T., Braga, R. A. M., Martinez, R., Kris-Etherton, P., & Sala-Vila, A. (2023). Effect of Nuts on Markers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 15(5), 1099. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051099

    Schultz, H., Ying, G.-S., Dunaief, J. L., & Dunaief, D. M. (2021). Rising Plasma Beta-Carotene Is Associated With Diminishing C-Reactive Protein in Patients Consuming a Dark Green Leafy Vegetable–Rich, Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) Diet. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 15(6), 634–643. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827619894954

    Shin, J.-H., Ryu, J. H., Kang, M. J., Hwang, C. R., Han, J., & Kang, D. (2013). Short-term heating reduces the anti-inflammatory effects of fresh raw garlic extracts on the LPS-induced production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines by downregulating allicin activity in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 58, 545–551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2013.04.002

    Simopoulos, A. P. (2002). Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 21(6), 495–505. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002.10719248

    Stromsnes, K., Correas, A. G., Lehmann, J., Gambini, J., & Olaso-Gonzalez, G. (2021). Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Diet: Role in Healthy Aging. Biomedicines, 9(8), 922. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines9080922

    Yu, Z., Malik, V. S., Keum, N., Hu, F. B., Giovannucci, E. L., Stampfer, M. J., Willett, W. C., Fuchs, C. S., & Bao, Y. (2016). Associations between nut consumption and inflammatory biomarkers,. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 104(3), 722–728. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.116.134205

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    Turmeric Pickled Onions

    Turmeric Pickled Onions

    Print
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    Turmeric Pickled Onions


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    • Author: Amy MS, RD, LDN

    Description

    Packed with anti-inflammatory benefits and delicious flavor, Turmeric Pickled Onions are a great topping for any meal!


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 1 Large Sweet Onion
    • 1 cup Distilled White Vinegar
    • 1/2 cups Water
    • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
    • 1/4 cup Sugar
    • 1/2 tsp Turmeric
    • 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper

    Instructions

    1. Combine all the ingredients into a mason jar or a glass container with a lid.
    2. Allow to marinate for at least 12 hours, ideally 24 hours.
    3. Serve on top of fajitas, tacos, sandwiches, salads, so many ways!

     

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