Collard Wrap with Quinoa, Carrot & Hummus: The No-BS Lunch Upgrade You Need

Let’s be real—most “healthy” wraps are sad, flavorless tubes of regret. But this collard wrap? It’s the superhero of lunch.

Crunchy, creamy, packed with protein, and somehow still Instagram-worthy. No cooking skills required. No weird ingredients.

Just a meal that’ll make your coworkers jealous while you smugly ignore the breakroom microwave chaos. Ready to never settle for a soggy sandwich again?

Why This Recipe Slaps

This isn’t just a wrap; it’s a texture party. The collard green holds everything like a edible burrito blanket, while the quinoa and hummus bring the protein punch.

Carrots add crunch, and a squeeze of lemon keeps it fresh. It’s gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and won’t leave you in a 3 PM carb coma. Plus, it’s stupidly customizable—swap ingredients like you’re playing culinary Lego.

Ingredients (AKA The Dream Team)

• 2 large collard green leaves (stems trimmed but not massacred)
• ½ cup cooked quinoa (cooled, unless you enjoy steamed finger burns)
• ¼ cup hummus (store-bought or homemade—no judgment)
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or grated (rainbow carrots if you’re fancy)
• ½ avocado, sliced (because everything’s better with avocado)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh, not the sad bottled stuff)
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (to taste, or to spite)

Step-by-Step Instructions (Lazy Chef Approved)

1. Prep the collard leaves: Lay them flat, stem-side up.

   Shave the thick part of the stem down with a knife so it folds without cracking—like flattening a stubborn piece of tape.

2. Spread the hummus: Smear it evenly over the leaves, leaving a 1-inch border. This is glue for your ingredients, so don’t skimp.
3. Layer the goods: Pile quinoa, carrots, and avocado in the center. Drizzle lemon juice and sprinkle spices.

   Pretend you’re building a tiny food pyramid.

4. Fold like a pro: Tuck the sides in, then roll from the bottom up, squeezing gently. If it bursts, call it a “deconstructed wrap” and own it.
5. Slice and conquer: Cut diagonally because presentation matters (or eat it like a burrito—we’re not your boss).

Storage: Keep It Fresh, Not Sad

Wrap these in parchment paper or beeswax wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The avocado might brown a bit, but a squeeze of lemon slows the betrayal.

Freezing? Don’t. Collard greens turn into zombie leaves when thawed.

Why This Wrap Wins at Life

• Protein-packed: Quinoa + hummus = ~12g protein.

  Suck it, sad desk salads.

• Fiber fest: Collards and carrots keep your gut happy. You’re welcome.
• Meal-prep friendly: Takes 10 minutes and survives the fridge.
• Low-calorie but filling: ~300 calories per wrap, with zero guilt.

Common Mistakes (Don’t Be This Person)

• Overstuffing: This isn’t a burrito challenge. It’ll explode.
• Skipping the stem shave: Cracked wraps = edible failure.
• Using warm quinoa: Steam makes the collard soggy.

  Patience, grasshopper.

• Forgetting the lemon: It’s the flavor lifeguard. Don’t drown your wrap in blandness.

Alternatives: Mix It Up

Quinoa haters? Use brown rice or chickpeas. Hummus too basic? Swap in pesto or mashed white beans. Carrots boring you? Try bell peppers or cucumber. Collards not your thing?

Butter lettuce works, but good luck rolling it without a PhD in food origami.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead for meal prep?

Yes, but store them whole and wrap tightly. Cut right before eating to avoid sogginess.

My wrap keeps falling apart. Help?

You either overstuffed it or didn’t shave the stem enough.

Also, rolling too loose is a crime.

Is there a substitute for collard greens?

Swiss chard or large kale leaves work, but collards are the MVP for flexibility.

Can I add meat?

Sure, but then it’s not vegan. Grilled chicken or turkey slices fit nicely—don’t tell the purists.

Why does my avocado turn brown?

Because science (oxidation). More lemon juice slows it down, but eat it within a day for best results.

Final Thoughts

This wrap is the lunch equivalent of finding money in your pocket—unexpectedly satisfying and ridiculously easy.

It’s healthy without the virtue signaling, fast without the guilt, and customizable without the decision fatigue. Make it once, and you’ll never side-eye a sad deli sandwich again. Now go forth and wrap like a boss.