During the dog days of summer, it’s really nice (even a necessity) to avoid heating up the kitchen any further with the oven or stove top. We’re on a week-long streak of 100 degree days in my corner of the country, so you can bet your Bermuda shorts and bikinis that I’m all about “no-cook” meals. I’ve come up with an easy-breezy dinner or lunch solution to serve up family and friends on the most scorching of summer days – 4 No-Cook Vegetarian Jicama Wraps.

I’m a super fan of this big root vegetable that hails from Mexico – the white flesh is crispy and crunchy with a hint of sweet. While it looks pretty unattractive on the outside, the beauty of Jicama (HEE-kah-ma) is that it’s inexpensive, doesn’t oxidize and turn brown when cut, and makes the perfect base ingredient for vegetarian nachos, dessert pizzas and exotic tacos. People following Paleo and low-carb diets use thinly sliced jicama as an alternative to bread, tortillas and wraps – genius! In order to do this, you’ll need to cut the large root very thinly crosswise into “rounds” – the thinner the round, the more flexible it will be. If your knife skills aren’t great or you don’t own a mandolin, some grocery stores sell jicama “tortillas” in the fresh fruit and vegetable section – ask the produce manager. My No-Cook Vegetarian Jicama Wrap recipe isn’t really a “recipe” per-se, instead it’s about piquing your interest and challenging your creativity! Use what you have in the pantry and produce bin! I’ve included four fresh and flavorful ideas to get you started – each includes a pairing with a different OPA by Litehouse™ Dressing. These rich and creamy dressings are a staple in my fridge year-round as they are made fresh without yucky preservatives, have fewer calories than traditional dressings – and even pack a bit of protein. Perfect for a lazy patio dinner yet pretty enough for a party, I hope you enjoy and inspired by my ideas for No-Cook Vegetarian Jicama Wraps! Sliced Black Mission Figs + Arugula + Artisan Reserve Blue Cheese + Balsamic Syrup + OPA by Litehouse™ Blue Cheese Dressing Black Beans+ Mango Pico de Gallo + Cilantro + OPA by Litehouse™ Jalapeno Ranch Dressing Matchstick Carrots+ Thawed Frozen Peas + Radish Slice +Fresh Dill + OPA by Litehouse™ Feta Dill Dressing Microwave-cooked Quinoa + Tomato Slices + Flat Parsley + OPA by Litehouse™ Ranch Dressing What are your ideas for a Jicama Wrap? Please share in the comments!