If you’re searching for a healthy, flavor-packed meal that still feels indulgent, let me introduce you to Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps. This recipe takes tender chicken, creamy avocado, and zesty add-ins, and nestles them inside crisp lettuce leaves for a lunch or light dinner that’s satisfying without weighing you down. Rich in protein, loaded with fresh veggies, and bursting with color, it’s the ultimate low-carb meal that tastes like a treat, whether you’re hosting a brunch or just need something quick and nourishing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about building layers of flavor and texture—the beauty of these Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps is their simplicity. Each ingredient is essential, coming together for a salad that’s creamy, tangy, and crunchy in all the best ways.
- Chicken breast: Provides a lean, hearty protein base and absorbs all those bright citrus and creamy flavors.
- Ripe avocado: Delivers irresistible creaminess and healthy fats, giving the filling its signature lush texture.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy note while cutting the richness, making the salad light yet satisfying.
- Lime juice: Brings zippy acidity that keeps the avocado green and the flavors vibrant.
- Red onion: Gives a gentle bite and a pop of color, enlivening each bite with subtle sharpness.
- Celery: Provides crunch and freshness, balancing the creamy components beautifully.
- Fresh cilantro: Lends a burst of herbaceous flavor and bright green color for a true taste of summer.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors—season to your taste for perfection.
- Butter lettuce or romaine: Acts as the crisp, refreshing wrapper that holds everything together and keeps things light.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Mash the Avocado Base
Start with a ripe avocado, peeling and mashing it in a medium bowl. Add the Greek yogurt and lime juice, then mix until you have a smooth and creamy foundation. This step is where magic happens—the yogurt and lime keep the avocado bright and luscious, and set up that irresistibly velvety salad.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Veggies
Stir in the shredded (or chopped) chicken breast, finely diced red onion, crisp celery, and freshly chopped cilantro. Each spoonful should look like a confetti of colors—don’t skimp on the herbs or crunchy veggies! Stir thoroughly so every bite gets its share of crunch, freshness, and savory chicken.
Step 3: Season to Taste
Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. This is your moment to adjust flavors—add an extra squeeze of lime, a pinch of crushed red pepper, or even extra cilantro. Give everything a final stir so it’s evenly seasoned throughout.
Step 4: Fill Your Lettuce Wraps
Separate the lettuce leaves carefully, choosing the best ones for wraps. Scoop about 1/4 cup of chicken salad into the center of each leaf, gently cupping the lettuce to contain the filling. Arrange them on a platter if you’re serving guests, or tuck them into a lunchbox—they’re delicious anywhere.
Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately
If you love a cold, refreshing bite, pop the assembled wraps in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving. Otherwise, dive right in—the contrast between creamy salad and crisp lettuce is amazing both ways. Either way, your Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are officially ready!
How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
To make these wraps extra special, top them with thinly sliced radishes, a sprinkle of sunflower seeds, or additional fresh cilantro for a touch of color and crunch. If you’re feeling a little gourmet, add a dusting of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps with crisp cucumber slices, juicy cherry tomatoes, or a simple fruit salad for a full, nourishing meal. For those who want an even heartier spread, consider a side of roasted sweet potatoes or homemade veggie chips for bonus flavor and satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
These wraps look amazing arranged on a large platter, garnished with lime wedges and sprigs of cilantro. For parties, serve the salad in a big bowl, letting guests build their own wraps. You can even tuck the mixture into mini lettuce cups for adorable appetizer bites—perfect finger food for any gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps, store the chicken salad and lettuce leaves separately in airtight containers. This keeps the lettuce crisp and the salad fresh for 2-3 days, so you can enjoy a speedy, healthy lunch on busy days.
Freezing
Sadly, this recipe isn’t great for freezing, because avocados tend to discolor and the creamy texture doesn’t thaw well. For best results, make only what you’ll eat within a few days and savor the freshness that sets these wraps apart!
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps—this is a dish best served cold. If you prefer the chicken warm, quickly heat just the chicken before mixing with the rest of the ingredients, then proceed as usual.
FAQs
Can I make Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or even a little extra mashed avocado. Either way, you’ll still get that creamy dreamy texture.
What’s the best chicken to use for this recipe?
You can use any cooked chicken breast—poached, baked, grilled, or even rotisserie chicken from the deli. For convenience, canned chicken works too, but shredding or chopping the meat will give the best texture.
How do I keep my avocado from browning?
The lime juice in the recipe does wonders to prevent browning, but for extra insurance, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of any leftover salad before sealing the container.
Can I add other ingredients to the Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps?
Of course! Chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, sliced grapes, or diced red bell peppers all make fun additions. Feel free to get creative and make the wraps your own.
Are Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps good for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare the chicken salad base ahead of time and store separately from the lettuce. When ready to eat, simply scoop into fresh lettuce leaves for a quick, crisp meal.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch of Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps soon—they truly are a light, nourishing, and downright delicious way to upgrade your lunch routine. With their fresh crunch, creamy filling, and vibrant flavors, these wraps are sure to become a regular favorite at your table!
PrintAvocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a delicious and healthy low-carb meal option. Packed with protein and good fats, these wraps are perfect for a light lunch or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 8 wraps) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Avocado Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and mashed
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve:
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine, separated into whole leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Avocado Chicken Salad: In a medium bowl, mash the avocado with the Greek yogurt and lime juice until smooth. Add the shredded chicken, red onion, celery, and cilantro. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Wraps: Scoop about 1/4 cup of the chicken salad into the center of each lettuce leaf.
- Serve: Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for a cold wrap.
Notes
- You can substitute canned chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds.
- Serve with sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for a complete light meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 wraps
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg