Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
If you’re searching for a vibrant, nourishing lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture, Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps will become your new obsession. Creamy avocado binds together lean chicken with pops of zesty lime, crisp red onion, and fresh cilantro, all bundled neatly inside cool, crunchy lettuce leaves for the perfect hand-held bite. These wraps are so satisfying and refreshing, you’ll want them in regular rotation for everything from speedy lunches to light, fuss-free dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps is how they transform a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. Every component brings something delightful to the table, blending fresh flavors and lively textures in each bite.
- Cooked shredded or diced chicken breast (2 cups): This lean protein is the sturdy backbone, soaking up all the creamy, tangy flavors.
- Large ripe avocado (1, peeled and mashed): Avocado delivers luscious creaminess and a boost of healthy fats, turning the salad into a silky filling.
- Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (¼ cup): Greek yogurt lightens things up while keeping everything ultra-creamy, but classic mayo works great for a richer finish.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of lime brightens the whole dish and keeps the avocado vibrant and fresh.
- Finely diced red onion (¼ cup): Red onion offers crispness and a gentle bite, balancing the creamy filling.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (¼ cup): Cilantro gives a burst of herbaceous flavor that lifts the salad and adds gorgeous color.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): A pinch of garlic powder adds subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for fine-tuning the mixture to your taste buds’ delight.
- Large butter lettuce or romaine leaves (8): These sturdy, tender leaves make the perfect edible “wrap” with a gentle crunch.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Mash the Avocado and Mix the Creamy Base
Grab a medium mixing bowl and start by adding your peeled, ripe avocado. Mash it thoroughly with a fork until it’s smooth and lump-free. Stir in the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and the freshly squeezed lime juice until the mixture is beautifully creamy and uniform. This is your luscious, flavor-packed base.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Veggies
Add the cooked, shredded (or diced) chicken breast, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro right into that creamy avocado mixture. Sprinkle in the garlic powder. Use a big spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together so every bite gets a little bit of everything.
Step 3: Season and Taste
Give your mixture a taste, then season it generously with salt and pepper. Want a little heat? Now’s the time to toss in minced jalapeño or swap in other favorite seasonings. Mix again so those finishing flavors meld into every forkful.
Step 4: Fill Your Lettuce Wraps
Lay out your butter or romaine lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon about ¼ cup of chicken salad onto the center of each leaf. Fold the leaves around the filling for neat, hand-held wraps. For an extra-refreshing experience, pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps on a big plate, pile them high, and dig in immediately for maximum flavor and crunch. They’re fantastic as soon as they’re made or just a bit chilled.
How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
Take your wraps to the next level with colorful and flavorful garnishes. Scatter extra cilantro leaves, thinly sliced radishes, or a sprinkle of chili flakes over the top for a pop of color and added zing. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lime will brighten up each bite.
Side Dishes
Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps make a wonderful main dish, but you can easily round out the meal with a crispy veggie slaw, juicy watermelon cubes, or a bowl of tortilla chips and salsa for some welcome crunch. For a heartier option, serve alongside roasted sweet potato wedges or a simple corn and black bean salad.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want something a bit unexpected, try layering the chicken salad over a platter of mini lettuce cups for a pretty, pass-around appetizer. You could also serve the mixture inside halved bell peppers for extra color, or as a vibrant topping in a salad bowl with mixed greens and crunchy seeds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are best stored if you keep the chicken salad mixture separate from the lettuce leaves. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado keeps it creamy, but pressing plastic wrap directly onto the salad’s surface will help prevent browning and keep flavors fresh.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps. The avocado loses its creamy texture and turns watery once thawed, which doesn’t do any favors for the mix. For best results, make a fresh batch when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Reheating
These wraps are designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your chicken was cooked earlier and chilled, just let the mixture sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take off the chill before assembling your wraps.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster and adds lots of savory flavor. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred or dice it before adding it to your Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps.
What type Main Course
Butter lettuce and romaine are top choices because they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling and have a mild taste that lets the salad shine. Romaine offers a crisp bite, while butter lettuce is tender and pliable—either works beautifully!
How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?
The lime juice in this recipe goes a long way to keeping the avocado green and fresh. If you’re prepping ahead, store the salad tightly covered in the refrigerator, ideally with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, just swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite dairy-free alternative or use extra avocado for even more creamy texture. Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are easy to adapt to your dietary needs.
Are these wraps suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Just store the chicken salad and lettuce leaves separately, then assemble right before eating for the best texture. They make grab-and-go lunches that feel fresh all week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the mix of creamy avocado and tender chicken tucked into crisp lettuce—these Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps bring big flavor with every bite. Whether you’re meal-prepping, inviting friends for lunch, or simply craving something bright and wholesome, give these wraps a try. I promise they’ll earn a spot among your go-to healthy favorites!
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Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a light and flavorful meal with these Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps. Perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner option, these wraps are packed with creamy avocado, tender chicken, and a zesty lime twist. Make this easy, no-cook recipe for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken breast
- 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and mashed
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Lettuce Wraps:
- 8 large butter lettuce or romaine leaves
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, mash the avocado and mix in the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and lime juice until smooth.
- Stir in the chicken, red onion, cilantro, and garlic powder.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix until well combined.
- Scoop about ¼ cup of the chicken salad mixture into each lettuce leaf.
- Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes for a cooler wrap.
Notes
- Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or chopped celery for extra crunch.
- This salad can also be served in a wrap, sandwich, or on top of greens as a salad bowl.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 lettuce wraps
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
