Beef Free Basil-Parsley Romaine Cups with Apple
These bright, herb-forward lettuce cups are the kind of dish that looks impressive on a platter but comes together with almost no effort. Crisp romaine leaves act as natural vessels for a filling that's genuinely vibrant — sweet diced apple, ribbons of fresh basil, chopped flat-leaf parsley, and shredded carrot all tossed in a honey-apple cider vinegar dressing that ties everything together beautifully. The dressing itself is just four ingredients whisked in a bowl, yet it delivers a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that makes every bite feel intentional. Toasted pumpkin seeds scattered on top add a satisfying crunch and a subtle nuttiness that rounds out the whole thing. Everything here is completely plant-based and naturally free from any meat, so there's no substitution needed — the recipe is already built around fresh produce and pantry staples. Serve these as a starter, a light lunch, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, and make sure to spoon the filling in right before serving so the romaine stays crisp and the apple stays bright.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the cups
- 2 heads romaine lettuce hearts
For the filling
- 1 large apple, cored and finely diced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
For serving
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds, toasted (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Separate the romaine hearts into individual leaves, selecting the 10–12 largest, most cup-shaped leaves. Rinse and pat completely dry, then arrange on a serving platter.
- 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and sea salt until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!