Embark on a culinary journey with our Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps, where tender shredded chicken meets creamy avocado and crisp lettuce leaves for a burst of freshness and flavor. These wraps are not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients, making them a perfect choice for a light lunch, healthy snack, or quick dinner option. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how easy it is to create these delightful wraps that are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons onions, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, seeded, peeled, and diced
- 16 romaine or bib lettuce leaves
Instructions:
- Combine the Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped onions, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference.
- Add Avocado: Gently fold in the diced avocado, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the chicken salad mixture.
- Assemble the Wraps: Spoon the avocado chicken salad into the center of each lettuce leaf. Wrap the lettuce leaves around the filling, creating neat bundles.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 287 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy these Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps immediately after assembly for the best flavor and texture.
- Prevent Sogginess: If preparing in advance, store the chicken salad mixture separately from the lettuce leaves to prevent the leaves from becoming soggy.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken salad filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the wraps just before serving.
- Lettuce Prep: Wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly before using them as wraps to remove any excess moisture and ensure crispness.
- Portable Option: Pack the chicken salad and lettuce leaves separately in a lunch container for a convenient on-the-go meal. Assemble the wraps just before eating.
- Refreshing Twist: For an extra burst of freshness, squeeze a little extra lemon juice over the avocado chicken salad just before serving.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley on top of the chicken salad for a pop of color and flavor.
- Temperature Consideration: If serving outdoors or in warm weather, keep the chicken salad chilled until ready to assemble to prevent it from spoiling.
- Accompaniments: Pair these wraps with additional sides such as sliced tomatoes, cucumber sticks, or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Leftover Wraps: If you have leftover assembled wraps, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the lettuce leaves may wilt slightly, so they are best enjoyed fresh.
Variations:
- Avocado Egg Salad Wraps: Substitute the chicken with hard-boiled eggs for a vegetarian-friendly option. Follow the same recipe, replacing the chicken with diced hard-boiled eggs.
- Spicy Chicken Salad Wraps: Add a kick of heat by mixing in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken salad mixture.
- Curry Chicken Salad Wraps: Stir in a teaspoon of curry powder or curry paste to the chicken salad mixture for a flavorful twist.
- Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Wraps: Incorporate dried cranberries and chopped walnuts into the chicken salad mixture for a sweet and nutty flavor profile.
- Mediterranean Chicken Salad Wraps: Add chopped Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the chicken salad mixture, and serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad Wraps: Mix in soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions to the chicken salad mixture, and serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Buffalo Chicken Salad Wraps: Toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce before mixing it with the other salad ingredients for a spicy twist.
- Avocado Tuna Salad Wraps: Replace the chicken with canned tuna in water and follow the same recipe for a seafood alternative.
- Caprese Chicken Salad Wraps: Add diced fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese balls, and basil leaves to the chicken salad mixture, and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Tex-Mex Chicken Salad Wraps: Mix in black beans, corn kernels, diced bell peppers, and chopped cilantro to the chicken salad mixture, and serve with a dollop of salsa and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Salad Wraps: Replace the chicken with roasted buffalo cauliflower florets tossed in buffalo sauce. Add diced celery and blue cheese crumbles to the salad mixture for a vegetarian twist on buffalo chicken.
- Pesto Chicken Salad Wraps: Mix shredded chicken with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and pine nuts for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired filling. Serve on lettuce leaves and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Greek Chicken Salad Wraps: Combine shredded chicken with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and wrap in lettuce leaves for a taste of the Mediterranean.
- Thai Peanut Chicken Salad Wraps: Toss shredded chicken with a Thai-inspired peanut dressing made from peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and sriracha. Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, and chopped