Create a vibrant Mediterranean wrap by spreading hummus on whole wheat tortillas and layering fresh cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, red onion, spinach, and kalamata olives. Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides, and slice in half for easy serving. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner.
Last summer, the Mediterranean wrap became my salvation during a heatwave when cooking felt impossible. Standing in my kitchen with windows flung open, I discovered that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most satisfying meals. The cool cucumber against the creamy hummus, the brightness of fresh vegetables – it was like capturing sunshine between two pieces of flatbread.
I first made these wraps for a picnic with friends at the botanical gardens. We spread blankets under an olive tree, uncorked a bottle of chilled wine, and unwrapped these colorful spirals that somehow tasted even better in the open air. My friend Maria, whose grandmother was from Greece, took one bite and squeezed my hand in silent approval.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat tortillas: The nuttiness of whole grain adds depth, but I discovered lavash bread works beautifully too if you want something even thinner.
- Hummus: Store-bought is perfectly fine, but when I have time, homemade hummus with extra lemon and garlic elevates these wraps to something special.
- Fresh vegetables: The combination of cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, red onion, and spinach provides a rainbow of nutrients, but also creates layers of contrasting textures.
- Kalamata olives: These bring a distinctive briny punch that anchors all the fresh flavors together.
- Feta cheese: Look for cheese packed in brine rather than pre-crumbled for the best flavor and texture.
- Fresh parsley and dried oregano: These herbs are the aromatic soul of Mediterranean cooking.
Instructions
- Prep your workspace:
- Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface with all ingredients within reach, assembly-line style. This little bit of organization makes the process so much more enjoyable.
- Create the foundation:
- Spread hummus evenly across each wrap, leaving about half an inch around the edges. Think of it as the glue that will hold everything together.
- Layer with intention:
- Begin with spinach leaves, then arrange cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, onion, and olives. I like to place ingredients so each bite contains a little of everything.
- Add the finishing touches:
- Sprinkle with feta and parsley, then drizzle with olive oil. The oil isnt just flavor – it helps bind everything together with the hummus.
- Season thoughtfully:
- Add oregano, salt and pepper with a light hand. Remember the olives and feta already bring saltiness to the party.
- Roll with confidence:
- Tuck in the sides and roll firmly but gently, keeping ingredients in place. If your wrap seems overstuffed, remove a few ingredients rather than forcing it.
- Secure and serve:
- For picnics or lunches, wrap tightly in parchment paper and slice diagonally. The parchment helps hold everything together while eating.
One evening, my neighbor knocked on my door during a power outage, looking frazzled about dinner plans. I invited her in and we assembled these wraps by candlelight, laughing as we fumbled with ingredients in the dim light. The next day she texted to say her kids had requested them for dinner again – sometimes kitchen mishaps lead to the best discoveries.
Make-Ahead Options
I learned through trial and error that these wraps can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead if you layer strategically. Put the hummus down first, then the less juicy vegetables like bell peppers and spinach to create a barrier between the hummus and wetter ingredients like tomatoes. For longer storage, keep all components separate and assemble just before eating.
Flavor Variations
My kitchen experiments have yielded some wonderful variations on this basic template. Swapping the hummus for tzatziki creates a lighter, more refreshing wrap, while adding a handful of marinated artichoke hearts brings a tangy depth that complements the olives beautifully. For a spicier version, I sometimes mix harissa paste into the hummus or add thinly sliced pepperoncini.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps transform from casual lunch to dinner-worthy meal depending on how you present and accompany them. A simple side of crisp cucumber spears tossed with lemon juice and sea salt makes a refreshing complement, while a small bowl of warm soup turns this into a satisfying dinner.
- Cut wraps into pinwheels and secure with toothpicks for an elegant appetizer presentation.
- Serve alongside a simple Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean feast.
- Pack with a small container of extra hummus for dipping if the wrap needs a moisture boost by lunchtime.
These Mediterranean wraps have taught me that sometimes the most meaningful cooking isnt cooking at all, but rather the thoughtful assembly of quality ingredients. They remind me that nourishment can be both simple and spectacular.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare these wraps ahead of time?
-
Yes, you can assemble the wraps a few hours in advance. Wrap them tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate. To prevent sogginess, apply hummus closer to the tortilla edges and avoid over-moistening vegetables. Eat within a few hours for best texture.
- → How do I prevent the wrap from falling apart when rolling?
-
Keep your filling balanced and not overstuffed. Spread hummus evenly to help bind ingredients, and leave a small border around the tortilla edges. Roll tightly from one end, folding in the sides as you go to create a secure seal. Practice makes perfect.
- → What vegetables work best as substitutes?
-
Try sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, zucchini ribbons, or thinly sliced radishes. You can also add fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for variation. Choose vegetables that are sliced thin enough to roll without splitting the tortilla.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
-
Absolutely. Prepare individual component portions separately—slice and store vegetables in containers, keep hummus in a jar, and store tortillas sealed. When ready to eat, assemble fresh to prevent sogginess. This method keeps everything crisp and fresh for up to 3 days.
- → How can I make this more protein-rich?
-
Add grilled chicken strips, chickpeas, white beans, or crispy tofu. You can also use protein-enriched hummus or Greek yogurt as a base. A handful of nuts like walnuts or almonds adds both protein and texture for a heartier meal.
- → What's the best way to slice these for serving?
-
Use a sharp serrated knife and cut diagonally at a 45-degree angle. Cut gently with a sawing motion rather than pressing down, which prevents the wrap from squishing. For cleaner cuts, slice just before serving when ingredients are cool and set.