If you’re on the lookout for a fresh, satisfying meal that’s both light and packed with flavor, look no further than this Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe. Combining tender chicken with creamy avocado and crisp veggies, wrapped in crunchy lettuce leaves, it’s a vibrant and healthy dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a party appetizer. Easy to whip up in just minutes, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy classic chicken salad with a nutritious twist that’s bursting with color and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect balance of creaminess, crunch, and tang. From the richness of avocado to the refreshing bite of celery, every component adds depth and freshness you’ll love.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced: Use nicely cooked, moist chicken as the protein base for hearty bites.
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted: Adds creaminess and healthy fats, making the salad irresistibly smooth.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: Brings a mild sharpness that brightens the flavor profile.
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced: Offers a crisp bite for balanced texture in every mouthful.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer taste): Acts as a creamy binder while keeping it light or indulgent, depending on your preference.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Imparts a zesty freshness that keeps flavors lively.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the mix.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 8 large lettuce leaves (butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg): Provide the crisp, colorful wraps that hold the chicken salad.
- Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives) for garnish: Fresh herbs brighten the presentation and add a pop of delicate flavor.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Salad Base
Start by combining your cooked chicken, finely diced red onion, and celery in a large bowl. The chicken gives the salad its hearty protein, while the onion and celery add essential crunch and flavor contrast.
Step 2: Mash the Avocado
In a separate bowl, mash the avocado to a smooth or slightly chunky texture depending on your preference. This creamy goodness will be the star of the wrap, providing moisture and richness without needing heavy dressings.
Step 3: Mix Dressing Ingredients
To the mashed avocado, add Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for an extra creamy version), fresh lemon juice for brightness, and Dijon mustard for a touch of tang. Stir until everything blends beautifully into a luscious, velvety dressing.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Pour the avocado dressing onto the chicken mixture and stir gently until every piece is coated. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in fresh herbs if you’re using them. This step is where all the flavors marry into a delightful harmony.
Step 5: Prepare Lettuce Wraps
Carefully separate and wash your lettuce leaves, patting them dry to keep your wraps crisp. Choose leaves sturdy enough to hold a generous scoop of chicken salad without tearing.
Step 6: Assemble the Wraps
Place a generous spoonful of the avocado chicken salad in the center of each lettuce leaf. The filling should be plenty enough to savor but not so much that it spills over.
Step 7: Fold or Roll the Wraps
Fold the sides of the lettuce around the filling, or roll it up like a neat little burrito. This makes the wraps easy to hold and enjoy, perfect for a casual meal or a fun lunch.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your wraps on a platter, garnish with extra herbs if you like, and serve right away. Freshness is key for this recipe, so dive in and enjoy the crisp, creamy, and bright flavors all at once.
How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives not only elevates the color but also infuses fragrant notes that complement the creamy avocado and chicken perfectly. A light sprinkle of paprika or a few lemon zest curls can also brighten the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these wraps with fresh cucumber slices, cherry tomato salad, or crunchy carrot sticks for a refreshing, healthy accompaniment. For something heartier, a side of quinoa salad or roasted sweet potatoes offers a satisfying contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching appetizer platter, cut the wraps into smaller bite-size portions and secure each with a decorative toothpick. You can also serve the chicken salad in small bowls alongside a basket of lettuce leaves, letting everyone build their own wraps—a fun and interactive way to enjoy the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the avocado from browning too much, squeeze a little extra lemon juice over the salad before sealing it tightly.
Freezing
This Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe is best enjoyed fresh since freezing avocado and lettuce can alter their texture. If you want to freeze leftover chicken without the avocado and lettuce, do so in a separate container, then combine when ready to serve.
Reheating
Because this dish is served cold, reheating is not needed. Simply give the chicken salad a quick stir if stored and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here, saving you time and adding extra flavor. Just shred or dice it before mixing with the other ingredients.
What if I don’t like Greek yogurt?
You can swap Greek yogurt with mayonnaise or even a vegan mayo alternative. Each option changes the texture and richness slightly, so choose what suits your taste best.
Which type of lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce is ideal due to its soft yet sturdy leaves, but romaine and iceberg lettuce also work well if you prefer a crunchier bite.
Can I add other veggies to this salad?
Yes! Feel free to throw in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even corn for more color and flavor complexity. Just keep the balance so the wraps stay manageable.
How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?
Using leftover chicken or canned chicken can reduce costs. Also, pick seasonal veggies and herbs available locally for the freshest and most affordable ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe is one of those delightful dishes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s fresh, flavorful, easy to prepare, and versatile enough to please a crowd or a simple family meal. Give it a try—you’re guaranteed to love the creamy avocado paired with tender chicken and crisp lettuce in every bite!
Print
Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Combining tender cooked chicken breast with creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing, wrapped in crunchy lettuce leaves, they offer a satisfying low-carb option that is both easy to prepare and delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or use mayonnaise for a richer taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives) for garnish
Wrap
- 8 large lettuce leaves (butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, finely diced red onion, and celery, mixing them evenly to create the salad base.
- Mash the Avocado: In a separate small bowl, mash the ripe avocado until smooth or leave slightly chunky for added texture, depending on your preference.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the mashed avocado, plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to the chicken mixture to build flavor and creaminess.
- Mix and Season: Stir all ingredients until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Optionally, fold in fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives for an extra burst of flavor and a colorful touch.
- Prepare Lettuce Leaves: Carefully separate the lettuce leaves and wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry gently with a paper towel to avoid sogginess.
- Assemble Wraps: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf, distributing evenly among the leaves.
- Wrap the Salad: Fold the sides of each lettuce leaf around the filling to create a wrap or roll it up like a burrito for easy handling and neat presentation.
- Serve: Arrange the completed avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps on a serving plate, garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy with a side of your favorite fresh vegetables or a crisp salad!
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with mayonnaise for a creamier salad.
- Use any large, sturdy lettuce leaves such as butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg for the wraps.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brightens the flavor and adds freshness.
- For added crunch, consider mixing in chopped nuts or seeds.
- These wraps are best served fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
