Shredded Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Avocado Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-cooked pulled pork served in crisp lettuce cups topped with a zesty avocado and tomato salsa for a fresh Whole30-approved meal. This Mexican-inspired Whole30 recipe (gluten free), ready in about 495 minutes, pairs pork shoulder, sea salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 2 lbs pork shoulder with 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Place in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours until pork is tender and shreds easily.
  2. Step 2: While pork cooks, prepare avocado salsa by combining 1 diced medium avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, juice of 1 lime, and 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion in a bowl. Toss gently and season with a pinch of salt.
  3. Step 3: When pork is done, shred with two forks in the slow cooker, mixing with the cooking juices.
  4. Step 4: To serve, spoon pulled pork into 12 large washed romaine lettuce leaves and top each with a generous scoop of avocado salsa.
  5. Step 5: Enjoy these fresh, handheld lettuce wraps as a Whole30-compliant meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Shredded Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Shredded Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Avocado Salsa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Shredded Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Avocado Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Shredded Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Shredded Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Avocado Salsa whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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