Vegetarian 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 in minutes with nothing more than a knife, a bowl, and a whisk. Crisp romaine leaves act as natural vessels for a filling that layers sweet diced apple, fragrant basil, flat-leaf parsley, and shredded carrot — a combination that's fresh, colorful, and genuinely satisfying. The dressing is a simple emulsion of extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of raw honey that ties everything together with a light, tangy sweetness. Every single ingredient here is plant-based and whole, so there's no need to scan labels or swap anything out to keep things meat- and egg-free. Toasted pumpkin seeds scattered on top add a welcome crunch and a little extra protein, making these cups feel like a complete bite rather than just a starter. Serve them immediately after assembling so the romaine stays crisp and the herbs stay vibrant — this is one of those recipes where freshness is everything.
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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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