Cheap & Easy Lunch: Mediterranean Hummus Wraps

Lunch. It always seem to get the short end of the stick. With our sodium-filled lunch meat sandwiches (bland as they are) or the quick fix or fast food, lunch rarely seems appealing or satisfying for that matter. Often, those of us with busy lives make what is simple, and that is usually sacrificing nutrition over simplicity. Most of the people I know put little thought or effort into what they consume at lunchtime, but it is an extremely important meal. Why neglect it? This is the time of day where most of us are considerably hungry after working hard all morning, but we do not want something that will make us sleepy or sluggish afterwards. We need fuel for our bodies and brains, and why shouldn't we eat something that tastes delicious? Why not look forward to lunchtime for the food not just because it is a break for the busy day?

Well, I have found a solution to all of these problems. The past month of so I have made homemade soups to eat at lunch with a salad, but I needed a change. I quickly get bored with the same old same old and desired something that took a little less time to prepare and to eat - no using the microwave to warm up lunch this week. Furthermore, usually I like my lunches to take under ten minutes to assemble, and with a little prep works, these Mediterranean Hummus Wraps are done in less than five. Now how is that for easy!

The idea for the wrap came from my love of pinwheels. Pickle pinwheels, cream cheese pinwheels, turkey and cheese pinwheels, and you get the picture. I love anything wrapped up, stuffed, and cute, because they are easy to eat and usually delicious. I love wraps and pinwheels of almost any kind. Yet, most of the foods I know like this are not exactly healthy. Cream cheese may be the yummy food of the gods, but I probably should not consume it on a daily basis.

Thus, I created a healthier alternative using hummus - the craze of recent years, making this delectable spread available to almost anyone. Look in your deli aisle at Walmart and I bet you will find hummus of different brands and flavors. Add some veggie, whole grains, and healthy fats, and this Mediterranean Wrap will keep you satisfied yet feeling light on your toes. It's crunchy, flavorful, and best of all, it is really, really good for you. 

Here is what you will need to make your wraps:

• olives of your choice
• leafy greens
• hummus
• whole wheat tortillas
• carrots
• cucumber
• red or yellow bell pepper

I used kalamata olives for their tangy taste. Last time I made these, I used a kale and spinach salad mix as my greens, but romaine was cheaper this week, so buy whatever sounds particularly good to you. Same goes with the hummus. I am partial to roasted red pepper hummus, but any kind will work well. They are all pretty tasty.

 Step 1: Prep your veggies. 

Look at all those colors for your lunch! Food can taste good and look good too.
To prep your veggies: Peel and then thinly slice your carrot. Slice the bell pepper. With the cucumber, I cut it in half lengthwise first, then scooped out the seeds in the center with a spoon. It keeps the wraps from getting soggy overnight. Store the veggies in an airtight container.

I usually do this on Sunday and use my veggies throughout the week. To make four of these a day, since Brett and I eat two for lunch eat, I used three carrots, two red bell peppers, and two cucumbers, which only costs a few dollars.

 Step 2: Spread that hummus!

On a whole wheat tortilla, spread 2 Tablespoons of hummus. I do not usually measure things, so a big dollop of hummus is about the same thing.

Step 3: Add your sliced veggies, olives, and leafy greens.

Place the veggies off center. I usually put mine a little to the right. This will making rolling the tortilla easier in the end, because it will wrap naturally while the hummus will make the tortilla stick together. See no expert skills required! The hardest work is prepping the veggies. After that, it is quick and simple.

Place three or four olives alongside your veggies. If you absolutely hate olives (which some do) you can substitute feta cheese for the olives.  It will still taste great and add some healthy fat and dairy to the wrap.

**Honestly, you could use feta and olives, but my goal is to keep lunches lighter, since I do not need the calories, but do whatever fits your situation and body. Be creative with your food.

  

Add some leafy greens on top, whether it is a few pieces of romaine or a handful of lettuce mix or spinach.

Step 4: Roll the wrap.  

Mine ripped a little today, but it will not matter after the next step. Just starting rolling the tortilla with the side that has the veggies. Roll tightly without (hopefully) ripping your tortilla.

Step 5: Slice and serve.

Slice your wrap at an angle for a visually appealing Mediterranean Hummus Wraps and serve! Don't those look delicious! I promise they are. Start treating yourself at lunch without breaking the bank or occupying your time. After all, you deserve it.

I hope you enjoy these wraps just as much as we do! Have a wonderful day!

As always, feel free to comment or ask questions.