When you think of peaches, you probably picture a juicy afternoon snack, a homemade cobbler, or a slice of fresh peach pie.
But what if we told you one of the most delicious ways to enjoy fresh peaches has nothing to do with dessert?
Instead, imagine this…
Sweet peaches. Crisp cucumbers and kohlrabi. Colorful bell peppers. Fresh mint. Tender rice noodles. A creamy peanut sauce. All wrapped up in a crisp lettuce leaf.
It may sound like an unexpected combination, but one bite is all it takes to understand why this recipe has become one of our favorite hidden gems of summer. Watch this video to see how easy our Summer Peach Lettuce Wraps come together:
Why It Works
Great meals are all about balance. And one of the best things about REAL food is that the ingredients that make a meal colorful, flavorful, and satisfying are the same ingredients that nourish our bodies.
- The peaches add natural sweetness along with vitamin C and fiber.
- The colorful peppers bring a refreshing crunch and are loaded with antioxidants.
- The kohlrabi contributes another layer of crisp texture and is a member of the cancer-fighting cruciferous vegetable family.
- Fresh brightens every bite with vibrant flavor.
- The creamy peanut sauce ties everything together with a rich, savory flavor that’s both comforting and satisfying.
The result is a meal that’s light enough for a warm summer evening, yet hearty enough to leave you feeling satisfied. Better yet, there’s no need to heat up the kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you stop and ask, “Why haven’t I made this before?”
Fresh From the Garden
Summer is the perfect time to let fresh produce take center stage. One of our favorite parts of making this recipe was walking out to our garden and harvesting several of the ingredients. It doesn’t get much fresher than that.
And it’s super-easy to customize. Add your favorite vegetables, swap in hearts of palm noodles (like Palmini), or include zucchini if you have those in abundance. You could also use basil instead of mint. And the peach and veggie filling is fantastic on salads, grilled meats, and so many other dishes.
Buy the “Seconds”
The peaches we used for this recipe weren’t picture-perfect – and that’s exactly why we bought them.
Many orchards and farmers’ markets sell “seconds” – fruits or vegetables with small bruises, odd shapes, or minor blemishes that make them less attractive to display for customers. While they may not win any beauty contests, they’re often every bit as sweet and delicious as the perfect-looking produce, especially, if you’re planning to slice or chop them for a recipe like this. No one will ever know the difference!
Even better, they’re usually cheaper. We bought 10 pounds of slightly hail-damaged peaches for just $15 – about half the price of the “perfect” peaches. Buying seconds is a great way to stretch your grocery budget, reduce food waste, and support local growers who work hard to make the most of their harvest. Just be sure to use them within a week or so (or freeze them).
Don’t Skip the Peanut Sauce
If you’ve never made our Thai peanut sauce, brace yourself, you are in for a treat! With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you can create a creamy sauce that’s sweet, savory, and even a little tangy. It comes together in minutes and tastes far fresher than anything you will get at the store.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to drizzle it on grain bowls, roasted vegetables, salads, pizzas, or burgers long after the peaches are gone. Here are some delicious ideas if you need a little inspiration:
Thai Vegetable Noodle Stir Fry
Celebrate the Best of Summer
Summer has a way of reminding us that the simplest foods are often the most memorable. When peaches are at their peak and gardens are overflowing with fresh produce, there’s no better time to try something new.
We hope these Summer Peach Lettuce Wraps become one of your new summer favorites!
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