Let me tell you, finding lunch and dinner options that are both quick and exciting can be a real challenge, especially when you’re trying to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. That’s where these Smoky BBQ Ranch Veggie Wraps come into play! My family, always eager taste testers, absolutely devoured these the first time I made them. The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, creamy ranch, and crisp, fresh vegetables all wrapped up in a soft tortilla is just irresistible. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from anything green, couldn’t get enough. What I love most is how incredibly versatile they are. Perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even packed for a picnic or road trip, these wraps are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. And the best part? They are incredibly easy to throw together, making them a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Get ready to experience a burst of flavor and texture that will make you rethink your wrap game forever!
Ingredients
- Large Tortillas: (4-6) Choose your favorite type – whole wheat, spinach, or regular flour tortillas all work beautifully. They form the perfect base for our flavorful filling.
- Smoked Tofu or Jackfruit: (1 block/can) This is our vegetarian protein powerhouse! Smoked tofu adds a firm, chewy texture and smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly. Alternatively, pre-cooked jackfruit offers a slightly sweeter, pulled “meat” like texture.
- Vegetarian BBQ Sauce: (1 cup) The star of the show! Use your favorite store-bought vegetarian BBQ sauce or whip up a homemade version for a truly customized flavor. Look for smoky and tangy varieties for the best results.
- Ranch Dressing: (½ cup) Provides a creamy, cool contrast to the smoky BBQ sauce. Opt for a classic ranch or explore flavored varieties like avocado ranch or spicy ranch for an extra kick. Vegan ranch dressing is a great option for a dairy-free version.
- Shredded Lettuce: (2 cups) Adds a refreshing crunch and lightness to the wraps. Romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce all work well.
- Diced Tomatoes: (1 cup) Brings a juicy, vibrant sweetness and acidity. Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes halved are excellent choices.
- Thinly Sliced Red Onion: (½ cup) Offers a pungent bite and beautiful color. Soak red onion slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow their sharpness if desired.
- Canned Corn: (1 cup) Drained and rinsed, adds a pop of sweetness and texture. Fresh or frozen corn (thawed) can also be used.
- Black Beans: (1 cup) Canned, rinsed, and drained, provides a hearty, earthy flavor and boosts the protein content.
- Diced Bell Pepper: (1 cup) Adds a crisp sweetness and vibrant color. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are all delicious.
- Optional: Sliced Avocado: (1-2) For extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Optional: Chopped Cilantro: (¼ cup) For a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Optional: Spices (for Tofu/Jackfruit): Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper – to enhance the flavor of your chosen protein.
Instructions
- Prepare the Protein (If Using Raw Tofu/Jackfruit): If you are using raw tofu, press it for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. Dice the tofu or jackfruit into bite-sized pieces. If using pre-cooked smoked tofu or jackfruit, simply dice it.
- Season and Sauté (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sauté your diced tofu or jackfruit with a little oil and the optional spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper) in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until slightly browned and heated through. This step is optional but recommended for enhancing the flavor of plain tofu or jackfruit. If using pre-cooked smoked tofu, you can skip this step or just lightly warm it.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables as described in the ingredients list. Ensure the lettuce is shredded, tomatoes are diced, red onion is thinly sliced, and bell pepper is diced. Drain and rinse the canned corn and black beans.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay out a tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a generous tablespoon of ranch dressing evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. This will act as a “glue” and add flavor to every bite.
- Layer the Filling: On top of the ranch dressing, layer the filling ingredients in the following order: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, corn, black beans, diced bell pepper, and your prepared tofu or jackfruit. Be careful not to overfill the wraps, as this will make them difficult to close.
- Drizzle with BBQ Sauce: Drizzle a generous amount of vegetarian BBQ sauce over the layered vegetables and protein. Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference.
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add slices of avocado and chopped cilantro on top of the BBQ sauce.
- Wrap it Up: To wrap, fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then tightly roll it up from the bottom, like a burrito. If you want to keep the wrap extra secure, you can tuck in the bottom edge as you roll.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 4-8 for the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the wraps immediately for the best texture. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and store them in the refrigerator for later. For a warm wrap, you can grill them briefly or pan-fry them for a few minutes on each side before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximate)
(Based on 4 servings, using smoked tofu and average ingredient amounts. Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 20-25g (depending on ranch and avocado)
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and should be considered a guideline. For precise nutritional values, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes (optional, for sautéing tofu/jackfruit)
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Description: These Smoky BBQ Ranch Veggie Wraps are incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for a fast lunch or dinner. The majority of the time is spent chopping vegetables and assembling the wraps. The optional step of sautéing the tofu or jackfruit adds a few extra minutes but enhances the flavor profile. Overall, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes!
How to Serve
These versatile wraps can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- Perfect for Lunch: Pack them for a satisfying and flavorful midday meal at work or school. They travel well and are delicious even when eaten cold.
- Quick and Easy Dinner: A lifesaver on busy weeknights! Serve them with a simple side salad or some baked sweet potato fries for a complete and balanced dinner.
- Picnic and BBQ Favorite: Ideal for outdoor gatherings. They are portable and require no heating, making them perfect for picnics, BBQs, and potlucks.
- Road Trip Snack: Forget greasy fast food! These wraps are a healthy and delicious option to pack for road trips. They are easy to eat on the go and will keep you energized.
- Party Appetizer: Cut the wraps in half or into pinwheels to create bite-sized appetizers for parties and gatherings. They are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Side Dish Delight: Serve alongside a hearty soup or chili for a more substantial meal.
- With Complementary Sides:
- Coleslaw: A classic BBQ side that pairs perfectly with the smoky and tangy flavors of the wraps.
- Potato Salad: Another picnic staple that complements the wraps beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing and light option to balance the savory flavors.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier alternative to regular fries, adding a touch of sweetness.
- Corn on the Cob: For a summery BBQ vibe.
Additional Tips for Perfect BBQ Ranch Veggie Wraps
- Make-Ahead Magic: These wraps can be made ahead of time! Assemble them a few hours in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. This makes them ideal for meal prepping and busy schedules.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables to your liking. Consider adding shredded carrots, cucumber, sprouts, roasted red peppers, or even pickled onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing, use a spicy BBQ sauce, or include some diced jalapeños or pickled banana peppers in the filling.
- Veganize It Easily: To make these wraps vegan, simply use vegan ranch dressing and ensure your BBQ sauce is also vegan-friendly. Smoked tofu and jackfruit are naturally vegan protein options.
- Warm it Up: If you prefer a warm wrap, you can lightly grill them on a panini press or in a skillet for a few minutes on each side after assembling. This will make the tortilla slightly crispy and warm the filling through.
- Protein Power Boost: For an extra protein boost, consider adding other vegetarian protein sources like chickpeas, lentils, or crumbled vegetarian “sausage” to the filling.
- Cheese Please (Optional): While the recipe is designed to be meat-free, if you are not strictly vegetarian, you could add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor and creaminess. For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based shredded cheese alternative.
- Dipping Delights: Serve with extra ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping. This adds another layer of flavor and allows everyone to customize their wraps to their liking.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these BBQ Ranch Veggie Wraps ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! These wraps are perfect for making ahead. Assemble them up to 4 hours in advance, wrap them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator. They are great for meal prepping lunches or preparing for a picnic or party.
Q2: Are these wraps vegetarian and can they be made vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe is designed to be vegetarian. To make them vegan, simply use vegan ranch dressing and ensure your BBQ sauce is also vegan-friendly. Smoked tofu and jackfruit are both excellent vegan protein options.
Q3: Can I use different types of tortillas for these wraps?
A: Definitely! Feel free to use your favorite tortillas. Whole wheat tortillas add extra fiber, spinach tortillas add a subtle flavor and color, and regular flour tortillas are a classic choice. You can also use gluten-free tortillas if needed.
Q4: What other vegetables can I add to these wraps?
A: The possibilities are endless! Get creative and add any vegetables you enjoy. Some great additions include shredded carrots, cucumber, sprouts, roasted red peppers, avocado, pickled onions, jalapeños, or banana peppers.
Q5: How can I make these wraps spicier?
A: There are several ways to add spice! You can use a spicy BBQ sauce, add a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing, include diced jalapeños or pickled banana peppers in the filling, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Q6: How long do these wraps last in the refrigerator?
A: Assembled wraps are best eaten within 4 hours of preparation. If you need to store them for slightly longer, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but the tortillas may become a little softer. For optimal freshness, it’s best to assemble them closer to serving time.
Q7: Can I freeze BBQ Ranch Veggie Wraps?
A: Freezing fully assembled wraps is not recommended as the vegetables and tortillas can become soggy upon thawing. However, you can prepare the individual components (like sautéed tofu or jackfruit and chopped vegetables) and freeze them separately. Then, thaw and assemble the wraps fresh when you are ready to eat.
Q8: What are some good side dishes to serve with these wraps?
A: These wraps are quite versatile and pair well with many side dishes. Classic BBQ sides like coleslaw and potato salad are excellent choices. For lighter options, consider fruit salad or a simple green salad. Baked sweet potato fries or corn on the cob also complement the wraps nicely for a more substantial meal.
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BBQ Ranch Turkey Wraps
Ingredients
- Large Tortillas: (4-6) Choose your favorite type – whole wheat, spinach, or regular flour tortillas all work beautifully. They form the perfect base for our flavorful filling.
- Smoked Tofu or Jackfruit: (1 block/can) This is our vegetarian protein powerhouse! Smoked tofu adds a firm, chewy texture and smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly. Alternatively, pre-cooked jackfruit offers a slightly sweeter, pulled “meat” like texture.
- Vegetarian BBQ Sauce: (1 cup) The star of the show! Use your favorite store-bought vegetarian BBQ sauce or whip up a homemade version for a truly customized flavor. Look for smoky and tangy varieties for the best results.
- Ranch Dressing: (½ cup) Provides a creamy, cool contrast to the smoky BBQ sauce. Opt for a classic ranch or explore flavored varieties like avocado ranch or spicy ranch for an extra kick. Vegan ranch dressing is a great option for a dairy-free version.
- Shredded Lettuce: (2 cups) Adds a refreshing crunch and lightness to the wraps. Romaine, iceberg, or butter lettuce all work well.
- Diced Tomatoes: (1 cup) Brings a juicy, vibrant sweetness and acidity. Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes halved are excellent choices.
- Thinly Sliced Red Onion: (½ cup) Offers a pungent bite and beautiful color. Soak red onion slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow their sharpness if desired.
- Canned Corn: (1 cup) Drained and rinsed, adds a pop of sweetness and texture. Fresh or frozen corn (thawed) can also be used.
- Black Beans: (1 cup) Canned, rinsed, and drained, provides a hearty, earthy flavor and boosts the protein content.
- Diced Bell Pepper: (1 cup) Adds a crisp sweetness and vibrant color. Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are all delicious.
- Optional: Sliced Avocado: (1-2) For extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Optional: Chopped Cilantro: (¼ cup) For a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Optional: Spices (for Tofu/Jackfruit): Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper – to enhance the flavor of your chosen protein.
Instructions
- Prepare the Protein (If Using Raw Tofu/Jackfruit): If you are using raw tofu, press it for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. Dice the tofu or jackfruit into bite-sized pieces. If using pre-cooked smoked tofu or jackfruit, simply dice it.
- Season and Sauté (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sauté your diced tofu or jackfruit with a little oil and the optional spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper) in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until slightly browned and heated through. This step is optional but recommended for enhancing the flavor of plain tofu or jackfruit. If using pre-cooked smoked tofu, you can skip this step or just lightly warm it.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables as described in the ingredients list. Ensure the lettuce is shredded, tomatoes are diced, red onion is thinly sliced, and bell pepper is diced. Drain and rinse the canned corn and black beans.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay out a tortilla on a clean surface. Spread a generous tablespoon of ranch dressing evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. This will act as a “glue” and add flavor to every bite.
- Layer the Filling: On top of the ranch dressing, layer the filling ingredients in the following order: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, corn, black beans, diced bell pepper, and your prepared tofu or jackfruit. Be careful not to overfill the wraps, as this will make them difficult to close.
- Drizzle with BBQ Sauce: Drizzle a generous amount of vegetarian BBQ sauce over the layered vegetables and protein. Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference.
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add slices of avocado and chopped cilantro on top of the BBQ sauce.
- Wrap it Up: To wrap, fold in the sides of the tortilla towards the center, then tightly roll it up from the bottom, like a burrito. If you want to keep the wrap extra secure, you can tuck in the bottom edge as you roll.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 4-8 for the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the wraps immediately for the best texture. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and store them in the refrigerator for later. For a warm wrap, you can grill them briefly or pan-fry them for a few minutes on each side before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 20g