Spicy Sweet Potato & Pineapple Lettuce Wraps

Eating well isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about nourishing the body with essential nutrients that support overall health. These Spicy Sweet Potato & Pineapple Lettuce Wraps, packed with colorful ingredients, are a perfect example of how food can be both delicious and profoundly beneficial. Each component contributes to well-being, offering vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats that promote energy, digestion, immunity, and vitality. Whether served as a meal, an appetizer, or a snack, each bite delivers a wholesome balance of nutrients.

At the heart of this dish are sweet potatoes and black beans—a powerful duo that forms a complete protein when combined. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), and complex carbohydrates that provide steady energy. Black beans, on the other hand, offer plant-based protein, iron, and gut-friendly fiber. Together, they provide essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, energy, and overall vitality.

The variety of fresh produce—crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, and sweet corn—adds even more nutritional punch. These vegetables are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support immunity, eye health, and digestion. The diced pineapple brings natural sweetness and bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory properties and digestive benefits. Creamy avocado contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and vitamin E, which support brain function and glowing skin. Fresh cilantro and zesty lemon juice add flavor and detoxifying and alkalizing benefits. A dash of Cajun seasoning ties everything together with a bold, spicy flair, while the romaine lettuce is the perfect crisp vessel for this nutritious mix.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. It can be eaten as a refreshing salad, scooped into lettuce leaves as a fun party starter, or as a light, plant-powered meal. It’s a dish that invites creativity while nourishing the body from the inside out.

This recipe offers a delicious way to eat more plants, balance your plate, and bring people together in every colorful, flavorful spoonful—proof that food can be healing and joyful. This recipe is completely customizable. Add whatever you want, but don't miss the pineapple; it takes the dish to a different level. So grab a plate and indulge in a meal that loves you back!

Serves - 4-5

Preparation time - 20 mins

Cooking Time - 20 -25 mins

Total Time - 40-45 mins

Ingredients

Romaine lettuce - 15-16

Black beans – 1 cup ( cooked or rinsed if using canned ones)

Corn – 1 cup (boiled/steamed)

Sweet potatoes – 1 cup ( chopped into bite-sized pieces)

Pineapple – 1 Cup (diced)

Cucumber – 1 cup (chopped)

Onion- ½ cup (chopped)

Bell pepper (any color)– ½ cup (chopped)

Avacado – 1 (chopped)

Cilantro – 1 bunch ( finely chopped)

Tomato(cherry/roma) - ½ cup ( chopped

Lemon juice – 2 tbsp

Black pepper – 1 tsp (freshly crushed)

Oil – 1 tbsp

Cajun seasoning – 1 tbsp

Directions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Season & Roast: Combine chopped sweet potatoes and diced pineapple in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Toss well to coat. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared tray and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly crisp. Let cool for 5 minutes.

   

3. Prep Lettuce Wraps: While the sweet potatoes roast, wash and thoroughly dry the romaine leaves. Set aside.

   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   

4. Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes and pineapple with black beans, corn, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, avocado, tomato, and cilantro. Season with black pepper and lemon juice, and toss gently to combine.

   
   

   

   
   

5. Assemble & Serve: Lay out the romaine leaves on a serving platter. Spoon the salad mixture into each leaf and serve immediately.

   
   

   

   References

   1.Nutrition-related health outcomes of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) consumption: A systematic review - ScienceDirect

   2. Sweet Potato Is Not Simply an Abundant Food Crop: A Comprehensive Review of Its Phytochemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and the Effects of Processing - PMC

   3. Pineapple (Ananas comosus): A comprehensive review of nutritional values, volatile compounds, health benefits, and potential food products - PubMed

   4. Bromelain, a Group of Pineapple Proteolytic Complex Enzymes (Ananas comosus) and Their Possible Therapeutic and Clinical Effects. A Summary - PMC

   5. Black beans and red kidney beans induce positive postprandial vascular responses in healthy adults: A pilot randomized cross-over study - PubMed

   6. Black Beans, Fiber, and Antioxidant Capacity Pilot Study: Examination of Whole Foods vs. Functional Components on Postprandial Metabolic, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome - PMC