Whip up this flavorful Giada California Lettuce Cups in just 30 minutes and make your loved ones enjoy it! Made with lettuce, ground turkey, red bell pepper, red onion, and feta cheese, it’s a salad that’s sure to impress. Serve it with a twist, topped with crushed tortilla chips for that extra flair.
Recipe Ingredients
- ²/₃ cup fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 avocados
- 1 cup ruby red grapefruit segments (from 2 or 3 grapefruit; see Cook’s Note)
- ½ cup toasted almonds (see Cook’s Note), coarsely chopped
- 1 serrano chile, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
- 1 head of Boston or butter lettuce, leaves separated, washed, dried, and left whole
How To Make Giada California Lettuce Cups
- Prepare the Avocado: Scoop the flesh from the avocado halves with a large spoon and dice it into bite-size pieces.
- Combine the Filling: Combine the avocado with the grapefruit, almonds, chile, and cilantro leaves.
- Add the Dressing: Toss gently with the dressing (lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper) until well combined.
- Assemble the Cups: Spoon the mixture into the lettuce leaves and serve.
Recipe Tips
- Enhance Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling mixture for a deep, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the crunchy lettuce cups and creamy garlic sauce.
- Vegan Variation: Replace the grilled chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms, marinated in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and Italian seasonings, for a meatless version that’s just as satisfying.
- Make it Mini: Use small, baby lettuce leaves to create bite-sized cups perfect for appetizers or snacks, reducing the cooking time and making it easier to assemble and serve.
- Spice it Up: Add some heat to the filling mixture by incorporating diced jalapeños or serrano peppers, which will add a spicy kick that complements the cool, crisp lettuce cups.
- Garnish with Flair: Top the lettuce cups with shaved parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or a sprinkle of crispy chopped bacon for added texture and visual appeal.
Recipe FAQs and Variations
What type of avocados are best for this recipe?
Use ripe, but firm avocados for the best results. Hass or Fuerte varieties work well.
Can I substitute the grapefruit with another fruit?
Yes, you can use orange or pomelo segments if grapefruit is not available, but adjust the amount of lime juice accordingly.
How do I store leftover filling?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling up to a day in advance, but assemble the lettuce cups just before serving for best results.
Check out More Giada Recipes:
- Giada Butternut Squash Soup With Fontina Cheese Crostini
- Giada Grilled Chicken Involtini
- Giada Lamb Chops With Tomato And Feta Salad
Giada California Lettuce Cups
Course: AppetizerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes270
kcalWhip up this flavorful Giada California Lettuce Cups in just 30 minutes and make your loved ones enjoy it! Made with lettuce, ground turkey, red bell pepper, red onion, and feta cheese, it’s a salad that’s sure to impress. Serve it with a twist, topped with crushed tortilla chips for that extra flair.
Ingredients
²/₃ cup fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 avocados
1 cup ruby red grapefruit segments (from 2 or 3 grapefruit; see Cook’s Note)
½ cup toasted almonds (see Cook’s Note), coarsely chopped
1 serrano chile, coarsely chopped
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
1 head of Boston or butter lettuce, leaves separated, washed, dried, and left whole
Directions
- Prepare the Avocado: Scoop the flesh from the avocado halves with a large spoon and dice it into bite-size pieces.
- Combine the Filling: Combine the avocado with the grapefruit, almonds, chile, and cilantro leaves.
- Add the Dressing: Toss gently with the dressing (lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper) until well combined.
- Assemble the Cups: Spoon the mixture into the lettuce leaves and serve.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories270
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
18g
28%
- Saturated Fat 3g 15%
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 100mg 5%
- Total Carbohydrate
24g
8%
- Dietary Fiber 10g 40%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 4g 8%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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