Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
If you’re craving a fresh, healthy, and downright delicious meal that’s ready in minutes, this Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. It’s the perfect blend of creamy avocado, tender shredded chicken, and crunchy fresh vegetables all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. This recipe not only tastes wonderful but also brings vibrant colors and textures to your plate, making it a delightful lunch or light dinner that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients work harmoniously to create a creamy, tangy, and crispy flavor profile. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the smoothness of the avocado, the zing of lemon juice, or the crunch of fresh celery that brightens every bite.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: The hearty base of this salad, providing protein and a tender texture.
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed: Adds a creamy richness that makes this dish irresistibly lush and healthy.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or mayo for a richer taste): Offers tang and moisture, with yogurt making it lighter and mayo lending a richer flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle kick and depth to the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish with a fresh citrus note and helps keep the avocado from browning.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Adds a sharp, aromatic crunch that balances the creamy avocado.
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped: Provides a crisp, refreshing bite that enhances the salad’s texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring everything together perfectly.
- 8 large lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce works best): The crisp, fresh vessel that holds all the deliciousness without added carbs.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Chicken and Avocado
Start by combining your shredded cooked chicken with the mashed ripe avocado in a large bowl. This combo creates the creamy base of your salad and ensures every bite is packed with flavor and richness.
Step 2: Add the Creamy and Tangy Elements
Next, stir in the Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients give the salad a lovely tang while keeping it moist and luscious.
Step 3: Incorporate the Crunchy Veggies and Seasoning
Fold in the finely chopped red onion and celery for that satisfying crunch, then sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Tastings here help you adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step 4: Prepare the Lettuce Leaves
Gently separate and lay out your lettuce leaves flat. Choosing romaine or butter lettuce adds the perfect crunch and sturdiness for holding the filling without tearing.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken salad mixture into the center of each leaf. Then, fold the sides carefully and wrap them up to keep all the fillings snug.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
These wraps are best served fresh to enjoy the crispness of the lettuce and the vibrant flavors of the salad. Dive in right away for the best texture and taste experience.
How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra pop of color and flavor with garnishes like chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, or even some toasted nuts for crunch. A dash of hot sauce can amp up the excitement for those who like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light sides like a simple cucumber salad, fresh fruit slices, or even some crunchy vegetable sticks. These options keep the meal refreshing and balanced while complementing the creamy wraps.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving the chicken salad inside hollowed-out cherry tomatoes or bell pepper halves. Or arrange the wraps on a platter with assorted dips such as hummus or a zesty vinaigrette for a fantastic party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate until ready to serve to maintain their crispness and freshness.
Freezing
Because of the fresh avocado and yogurt, this Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe does not freeze well. The texture and flavor of the avocado change after freezing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Instead, just give it a quick stir before serving if it’s been chilled for a while.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned chicken works well in a pinch and can save prep time. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best type of lettuce to use for the wraps?
Romaine and butter lettuce are ideal because they’re sturdy yet tender, making them perfect to hold the filling without breaking. Iceberg lettuce can work too but is less flavorful.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative or additional mayo. This keeps the texture creamy without any dairy.
How ripe should the avocado be?
Use a perfectly ripe avocado that yields slightly when pressed but isn’t mushy. This ensures creaminess without a bitter taste or overly soft texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
It’s perfect for quick meal prep as long as you store the salad and lettuce leaves separately. Assemble the wraps right before eating to keep everything fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about this Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone who loves fast, fresh, and flavorful meals. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and a wonderful way to enjoy wholesome ingredients without feeling like you’re sacrificing taste. I’m confident once you try these wraps, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation—enjoy every vibrant, creamy, crunchy bite!
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Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for a light lunch or snack. Combining shredded chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp vegetables, wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, they deliver a satisfying crunch and a burst of refreshing flavors—all ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or mayo for a richer taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Wraps
- 8 large lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce works best)
Instructions
- Mix the base ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and evenly blended.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Fold in the finely chopped red onion, celery, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine all the flavors without mashing the avocado too much.
- Prepare the lettuce leaves: Carefully separate the lettuce leaves and lay them flat on a clean surface, ensuring they are intact and ready to hold the filling.
- Fill the wraps: Spoon an equal amount of the chicken salad mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf, making sure not to overfill to avoid tearing.
- Wrap and fold: Fold the sides of each lettuce leaf over the filling and roll or wrap it up securely to create a neat, handheld wrap.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the wraps right away for the best texture and freshness, as the lettuce may wilt if prepared too far in advance.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute Greek yogurt with mayonnaise.
- Use romaine or butter lettuce for sturdy leaves that hold the filling well.
- Can be stored separately, but assemble just before serving to keep lettuce crisp.
- Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch if desired.
- Perfect for a low-carb or gluten-free diet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
