If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, the Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. It combines tender, shredded chicken with creamy avocado and a hint of zesty Dijon, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a nutritious and visually appealing meal that’s perfect any time you want something light yet satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or impressing guests at a casual gathering, these wraps strike the sweetest balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple but essential, each ingredient plays a role in delivering the perfect taste, texture, and color that make this Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe so special. From creamy avocado to crisp celery, these basics come together effortlessly.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Provides tender, protein-rich substance that forms the heart of the salad.
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed: Adds luscious creaminess and healthy fats with a buttery texture.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or mayo for a richer taste): Gives the salad a tangy creaminess—Greek yogurt keeps it light while mayo adds indulgence.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and slight spice to awaken the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the mix with citrusy freshness and prevents avocado browning.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Infuses a punch of sharpness and a beautiful pop of color.
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped: Adds crispness and a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy elements.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle umami boost that melds everything together.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors to perfection.
- 8 large lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce works best): Crisp, sturdy wraps that cradle the salad without overpowering it.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Chicken and Creamy Base
Start by tossing the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, Greek yogurt or mayo, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice together in a large bowl. This mixture is the creamy core of your salad, with the lemon juice keeping the avocado vibrant and adding a zesty lift that cuts through the richness.
Step 2: Add the Crunch and Flavor
Next, stir in the finely chopped red onion and celery – these give the salad its signature crunch and bursts of flavor. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then fold everything together gently to marry the ingredients without turning the avocado mushy.
Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce Leaves
Carefully separate the large lettuce leaves, washing and patting them dry if needed. These leaves serve as a light, refreshing vessel to hold the chicken salad, offering a wonderful contrast in texture and a crisp bite with every wrap.
Step 4: Assemble Your Wraps
Spoon generous portions of the chicken salad mixture into the center of each leaf. Be careful not to overfill, so folding is easy and the wrap holds well without spilling.
Step 5: Wrap and Serve
Fold the sides of each lettuce leaf up and around the filling to create neat, handheld wraps. Serve immediately and enjoy the satisfying crunch combined with the creamy, flavorful chicken salad inside.
How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up both presentation and flavor, garnish your wraps with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley. A sprinkle of paprika or crushed red pepper can add a subtle kick, and a few thin slices of radish or cucumber on top bring extra crunch and freshness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with light, complementary sides. Think carrot sticks with a tangy dip, a crisp cucumber salad, or even an herbed quinoa bowl for a more filling meal. The key is to keep sides bright and fresh, maintaining the wrap’s light and healthy vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, serve the Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe as a DIY platter with bowls of salad filling and a pile of lettuce leaves for guests to assemble on their own. Or, arrange pre-made wraps on a colorful platter and tuck in lemon wedges for that extra zing on the side. They also work great as a low-carb option alongside a soup or chilled summer gazpacho.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover chicken salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the avocado from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface or add a little extra lemon juice before sealing.
Freezing
Freezing avocado-based salads is tricky because avocados can become watery or change texture when thawed. This particular Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, although you can freeze shredded cooked chicken separately if you want to prep components ahead of time.
Reheating
Since the salad is served cold and creamy, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you do want warm chicken, reheat the shredded chicken before mixing with the other ingredients, then chill the salad before serving wrapped in lettuce.
FAQs
Can I use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Mayonnaise will make your Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe richer and creamier. Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative that adds a nice tang, so you can choose based on your preference.
What type of lettuce is best for wraps?
Romaine and butter lettuce leaves are ideal because they are sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing and have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the salad.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The salad stays fresh for about two days when stored properly in an airtight container. Beyond that, the avocado may start to brown and the texture could change.
Can I add other veggies or fruits to this salad?
Yes! Diced apples or grapes add sweetness, chopped bell peppers bring color and crunch, and even some toasted nuts provide delightful texture contrasts. Just be sure to balance flavors so the avocado and chicken remain the stars.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! You can prep the chicken and chop the veggies in advance, then mash the avocado and assemble the salad the day you plan to eat it. Keep the lettuce leaves separate until serving to keep them crisp.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about the fresh flavors and creamy textures in this Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe. It’s quick to make, healthful, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for busy days or when you want a light meal that feels special. Give it a try and watch how this simple recipe becomes a favorite in your weekly rotation!
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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 refreshing, healthy, and quick-to-make meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Combining creamy avocado with tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and a hint of tangy Dijon mustard, all wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, this recipe offers a nutritious low-carb alternative to traditional sandwiches.
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
Lettuce Wraps
- 8 large lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce works best)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, creating a creamy and flavorful base.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Stir in the finely chopped red onion, chopped celery, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to evenly distribute the seasonings and maintain some texture from the vegetables.
- Prepare the lettuce leaves: Carefully separate the lettuce leaves, ensuring they remain whole and flat. Rinse and pat dry if necessary to avoid sogginess.
- Assemble the wraps: Spoon an even amount of the chicken salad mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf, making sure not to overfill to prevent tearing.
- Wrap and serve: Fold the sides of each lettuce leaf over the filling and wrap them up snugly to create a neat wrap. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.
Notes
- For a richer taste, use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt.
- You can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
- To make this recipe low-sodium, reduce the added salt and use low-sodium chicken if possible.
- These wraps are best eaten fresh to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Optional: add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
