Chili Lime Chickpea Cauliflower Wrap

Vibrant, satisfying, and full of bold flavors, the Chili Lime Chickpea Cauliflower Wrap is a delicious plant-based meal that delivers on both nutrition and taste. With layers of flavor-packed roasted vegetables, tangy quick-pickled onions, and a creamy chipotle yogurt sauce, this wrap is anything but ordinary. It’s the kind of meal that proves healthy eating can still be exciting, filling, and truly crave-worthy.

This wrap balances hearty roasted cauliflower and protein-rich chickpeas with the brightness of lime, the sweetness of maple, and the smoky kick of chipotle. Wrapped in a soft pita with crisp lettuce, it’s both nourishing and refreshing. The preparation is straightforward, with easy components that come together in a short amount of time, and each element can be made ahead for quick weekday lunches or weeknight dinners. Whether you’re plant-based full time or just trying to incorporate more veggies into your meals, this wrap offers a satisfying alternative to standard lunch fare. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable and ideal for meal prep, making it a favorite for busy, health-conscious eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Packed with Flavor: A bold mix of smoky, tangy, spicy, and herby elements in every bite.
  2. Completely Plant-Based: Nutritious and satisfying without any animal products.
  3. Easy to Make Ahead: Great for prepping ingredients in advance for quick meals.
  4. Customizable Wraps: Swap in your favorite veggies or sauces for different variations.
  5. Wholesome and Filling: Loaded with fiber, plant protein, and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Quick Pickled Onions

  • Red onion
  • Garlic
  • Lime zest and juice
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Maple syrup (optional)
  • Cilantro
  • Kosher salt

Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas

  • Cauliflower
  • Chickpeas
  • Garlic powder
  • Ground coriander
  • Onion powder
  • Dried thyme
  • Avocado oil

Chipotle Yogurt Sauce

  • Chipotle peppers in adobo
  • Unsweetened plant-based yogurt
  • Vegan mayo (or more yogurt)
  • Lime zest and juice
  • Maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
  • Garlic
  • Cilantro
  • Water (if needed)

For Assembly

  • Pitas
  • Lettuce

Variations

  • Make it Spicier: Add extra chipotle or a dash of cayenne to the yogurt sauce.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps instead of pita.
  • Add Grains: Include quinoa, brown rice, or bulgur for extra bulk.
  • Extra Veggies: Add shredded carrots, sliced avocado, or bell peppers.
  • Non-Vegan Sauce: Use Greek yogurt or regular mayo if not strictly plant-based.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Quick Pickle the Onions

In a bowl, combine sliced red onion, grated garlic, lime juice and zest, red wine vinegar, maple syrup (if using), chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let sit while preparing the rest.

Step 2: Roast Cauliflower and Chickpeas

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cauliflower and chickpeas with garlic powder, coriander, onion powder, thyme, and avocado oil. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Step 3: Make the Chipotle Yogurt Sauce

Blend or whisk together chipotle peppers, yogurt, vegan mayo, lime juice and zest, maple syrup, grated garlic, and minced cilantro. Add a splash of water to thin if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Wraps

Warm pitas slightly for flexibility. Layer with lettuce, roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, pickled onions, and drizzle with chipotle yogurt sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Fold and enjoy immediately, or wrap tightly in parchment if taking to go.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Roast the chickpeas until crispy for added texture.
  • Let the pickled onions sit for at least 15 minutes to develop flavor.
  • Adjust chipotle level based on your spice preference.
  • Warm pitas before filling to avoid cracking.
  • Store sauce and fillings separately for best texture in leftovers.

How to Serve

  • As a wrap with pita or flatbread.
  • Bowl-style over greens or grains for a lighter option.
  • With a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a corn salad.
  • Paired with iced tea, lime water, or a light sparkling drink.
  • As a lunchbox option for school or work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store components separately in airtight containers. Roasted vegetables keep well for 3–4 days, sauce for up to 5 days, and pickled onions for about a week.

Freezing

Not recommended due to texture changes in cauliflower and sauce.

Reheating

Reheat cauliflower and chickpeas in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Warm pitas just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pita or serve as a bowl without bread.

2. How spicy is this recipe?

Moderately spicy, but you can reduce or increase chipotle to taste.

3. What kind of yogurt works best?

Unsweetened plant-based yogurt (like coconut or soy) is ideal for flavor and consistency.

4. Can I make the pickled onions ahead?

Absolutely. They’re even better after a day in the fridge.

5. Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, prepare components ahead and assemble fresh each time.

6. What’s a good substitute for chickpeas?

White beans, lentils, or tofu cubes work well.

7. Can I use fresh herbs other than cilantro?

Yes, parsley or mint can offer a different flavor profile.

8. Is there a nut-free version?

This recipe is naturally nut-free, just check your yogurt and mayo labels.

9. How do I keep the pitas from getting soggy?

Store sauce and fillings separately and assemble just before eating.

10. Can I add cheese?

Yes, crumbled feta or vegan cheese adds another layer of flavor.

Conclusion

The Chili Lime Chickpea Cauliflower Wrap is a fresh, vibrant take on the classic wrap — combining hearty roasted vegetables, a spicy and creamy sauce, and zesty pickled onions for an unforgettable plant-based meal. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add more color and nutrition to their plate without sacrificing flavor. Whether you make it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it’s a wrap you’ll want to come back to again and again.

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Chili Lime Chickpea Cauliflower Wrap


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 3 wraps 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These Chili Lime Chickpea Cauliflower Wraps are a vibrant, plant-based meal that’s packed with bold flavors and textures. Roasted cauliflower and chickpeas are paired with a zesty chipotle yogurt sauce, quick-pickled onions, and fresh cilantro, all wrapped in soft pita or lettuce for a satisfying, healthy dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Quick Pickled Onions

  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 clove garlic, grated

  • Zest and juice of 1/2 a lime

  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

  • 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)

  • 1/4 cup cilantro, minced

  • Kosher salt (to taste)

Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas

  • 1 small head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1, 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp dry thyme

  • Avocado oil (for roasting)

Chipotle Yogurt Sauce

  • 12 chipotle peppers from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based yogurt

  • 2 tbsp vegan mayo (or more yogurt for a dairy-free option)

  • Juice and zest of 1/2 a lime

  • 2 tsp maple syrup (or any sweetener you prefer)

  • 1 clove garlic, grated

  • 1/4 cup cilantro, minced

  • Water (only if needed to thin the sauce)

For Assembly

  • 34 pitas or large lettuce leaves (for a low-carb option)


Instructions

  • Quick Pickled Onions:
    In a small bowl, combine the thinly sliced red onion, grated garlic, lime juice and zest, red wine vinegar, maple syrup (if using), and cilantro. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and stir well. Set aside to pickle while you prepare the other ingredients.

  • Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas:
    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
    On a baking sheet, combine the cauliflower pieces and chickpeas. Drizzle with avocado oil and toss with garlic powder, ground coriander, onion powder, and dry thyme. Spread everything out evenly.
    Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden and tender.

  • Chipotle Yogurt Sauce:
    In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers (adjust based on heat preference), plant-based yogurt, vegan mayo, lime juice and zest, maple syrup, garlic, and cilantro. Blend until smooth. Add water if needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

  • Assembly:
    Warm the pitas in the oven or on a skillet.
    To assemble the wraps, layer the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, quick-pickled onions, and chipotle yogurt sauce in each pita or lettuce leaf. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • For an extra kick, add some chili flakes to the yogurt sauce or roasted veggies.

  • This recipe is great for meal prepping; the roasted cauliflower and chickpeas can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • If using lettuce wraps, ensure the leaves are large enough to hold the filling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting, Blending
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

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