Paraben Free Basil-Parsley Romaine Lettuce Cups with Carrot
Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables come together in these vibrant lettuce cups, making them one of those dishes that looks impressive but comes together in minutes with almost no effort. The filling is a bright mix of finely diced carrot, fragrant basil, and flat-leaf parsley, all tossed in a simple dressing of apple cider vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, raw honey, and sea salt. Every ingredient here is clean and straightforward, which is exactly the point — no preservatives, no synthetic additives, just real whole foods you can feel good about. For anyone navigating paraben-free living, packaged dressings and pre-made salads can be a minefield of hidden cosmetic-grade preservatives that sneak into processed foods, so making your own from scratch like this is genuinely the safest move. The romaine leaves act as natural, edible scoops that add a satisfying crunch to every bite, and the optional torn mint on top brings a cool, refreshing finish that takes the whole thing up a notch. Serve these at a casual lunch, a dinner party starter, or an afternoon snack — they disappear fast either way.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the filling
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
For the dressing
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- 8–10 large romaine lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, and sea salt until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced carrot, sliced basil, and chopped parsley. Pour the dressing over the filling and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
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