Spice Free Basil-Parsley Romaine Cups with Apple
These fresh, vibrant lettuce cups are proof that simple ingredients can deliver serious flavor without a single spice in sight. Crisp romaine leaves act as natural edible bowls, cradling a bright filling of finely diced apple, shredded carrot, fresh basil, and flat-leaf parsley — a combination that's herbaceous, sweet, and satisfying all at once. The dressing is a clean, three-ingredient blend of extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and raw honey that ties everything together with a gentle tang. Because every component here is naturally free of added spices, there's no need to scrutinize labels or swap anything out — it just works as written. Toasted pumpkin seeds scattered on top add a welcome crunch and a little nutty richness if you want to take it one step further. This is the kind of dish that looks impressive on a platter but comes together in minutes, making it ideal for a light lunch, a starter, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve it right away so the romaine stays crisp and the filling keeps its fresh, lively texture.
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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.
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