If you’re searching for a vibrant, no-fuss meal that’s just as perfect for meal prep as it is for an easy lunch, let me introduce you to Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps. This dish takes tender cooked chicken, creamy avocado, and crisp veggies, and delivers them in a crisp lettuce leaf that’s satisfyingly crunchy and surprisingly filling. With every bite, you get a refreshing, zesty, and protein-packed salad that feels light yet decadently flavorful. Whether you’re trying to eat lighter, looking for a gluten-free lunch, or simply want a fresh, punchy twist on chicken salad, Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps will become a staple in your kitchen (and your weekly routine)!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps brings something special, whether that’s creamy richness, crunchy texture, or a burst of fresh, herby flavor. Don’t worry, the list is short and sweet, but each element is essential for a colorful, well-balanced bite!
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): The protein powerhouse of your wrap; use leftover or rotisserie chicken for quick assembly.
- Ripe avocado (1, mashed): Adds rich creaminess and gorgeous green color—make sure it’s just soft enough to mash easily.
- Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Lends extra creaminess and a subtle tang; choose your favorite or try half and half.
- Fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens all the flavors and keeps the avocado beautifully green.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): A pop of color and gentle zing that makes every bite interesting.
- Celery (1/4 cup, diced): Crunch central! This adds freshness and snap to the salad.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings herby, citrusy lift—feel free to use parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances and brings out all the flavors; taste as you go.
- Butter lettuce or romaine hearts (1 head, leaves separated and washed): Your lovely edible “wrap” that’s crisp, cool, and sturdy enough to hold the filling.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Mash the Avocado Mixture
Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine your ripe avocado with the Greek yogurt (or mayo) and fresh lime juice. Use a fork to mash everything together until it’s deliciously creamy and smooth, with just a few small avocado chunks for texture. This is the luscious base that’s going to set these wraps apart from every chicken salad you’ve ever had.
Step 2: Add Crunchy Veggies and Chicken
Next, add the shredded or chopped chicken, diced red onion, diced celery, and chopped cilantro right into the bowl. Give it all a good stir so that every last piece gets coated in that dreamy avocado mixture. The salad should look vibrant and colorful, with flecks of cilantro and bits of red onion peeking through.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
Now’s the time to sprinkle in salt and pepper. Start with a generous pinch, give it a taste, and adjust as you like. The goal is a perfectly balanced, bright, and savory chicken salad that you’d happily eat by the spoonful.
Step 4: Fill Your Lettuce Wraps
Separate and wash your lettuce leaves, then pat them dry—dry leaves hold the filling best. Take a heaping spoonful of the avocado chicken salad and pile it right in the center of each leaf. Arrange them on a platter, and your Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are ready to serve!
How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
Elevate your Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps with a sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or even some toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for bonus crunch and nuttiness. A little extra lime squeezed over the top adds irresistible zing.
Side Dishes
Pair your lettuce wraps with a fresh fruit salad, a crisp cucumber-tomato medley, or a handful of seasoned sweet potato chips for delightful crunch. If you’re aiming for a heartier meal, a chilled quinoa salad or roasted veggie platter rounds everything out.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps shine by arranging them on a big platter with the toppings on the side for a build-your-own-wraps party. For grab-and-go lunches, wrap them individually in parchment. Or try slicing a few grape tomatoes and radishes for a colorful salad-like presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps (lucky you), store the salad mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent sogginess, and assemble wraps just before eating for the best experience.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this isn’t a freezer-friendly dish—the avocado and yogurt base can become watery and lose its pleasant texture after thawing. For best results, enjoy your Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps fresh or within a day or two.
Reheating
No reheating necessary! These wraps are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making them an ideal meal for hot days, easy lunches, or picnics on the go.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect here—it’s flavorful, moist, and a huge time saver. Just shred or chop it up and mix right in.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
You can swap in mayonnaise, sour cream, or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative if you need a non-dairy option. Each choice brings a slightly different flavor, so use your favorite.
How can I keep the avocado from browning?
The lime juice in this recipe helps prevent browning, but for the freshest look, assemble the wraps just before serving. Storing in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface helps too.
Can I make Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps vegan?
It’s easy to make a vegan version—swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and use a vegan yogurt or mayo. You’ll still get a creamy, flavorful salad that pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce.
Which type Main Course
Butter lettuce is tender and perfectly shaped for wraps, while romaine hearts are extra sturdy and crunchy. Both are great—choose based on what’s available or your texture preference!
Final Thoughts
Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are the answer when you want something healthy, easy, and genuinely satisfying. These wraps are proof that fast food can be homemade, fresh, and packed with flavor. I hope you’ll give them a try and mix them into your regular lunch lineup—they always brighten up my day, and I bet they’ll do the same for you!
PrintAvocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a fresh and satisfying meal option. Creamy avocado combines with tender chicken and crisp vegetables for a flavorful and healthy dish. Perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner.
Ingredients
For the Avocado Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 ripe avocado (mashed)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup celery (diced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine hearts (leaves separated and washed)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, prepare the Avocado Chicken Salad: Mash the avocado with Greek yogurt and lime juice until smooth.
- Add chicken, red onion, celery, and cilantro. Mix until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: Scoop the avocado chicken salad into individual lettuce leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds.
- You can substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
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