These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a fresh and tasty meal! Creamy avocado mixes with tender chicken and crunchy veggies, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.
They’re super easy to make and perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Plus, I love how colorful they look on the plate—it’s like eating a rainbow! 🌈 Enjoy every bite without any guilt!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick meal. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or cooked quinoa for a hearty alternative.
Ripe Avocado: Ensure it’s ripe for easy mashing. If avocados are hard to find, mashed banana can offer creaminess but will change the flavor slightly.
Plain Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt adds protein and tang. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using vegan yogurt or mashed silken tofu instead.
Red Onion: Red onions offer a nice crunch and sharp taste. If you prefer milder flavors, go for sweet onions or green onions.
Lettuce: Romaine holds up well for wraps but butter lettuce is a softer choice if you want something a bit more tender.
How Do You Make the Chicken Salad Flavorful?
The key to great flavor in your chicken salad is balancing all your ingredients. The lime juice not only brightens the dish but also prevents the avocado from browning. Here’s how to build flavor:
- Mix your base ingredients (chicken, avocado, yogurt) first, then add in veggies like red onion and celery for crunch.
- Season slowly! Start with salt and pepper, mix, then taste. Adjust as needed.
- Don’t skip the lime juice! It really enhances and brings all the flavors together.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, leaves separated
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. If you decide to chill the chicken salad for a refreshing flavor boost, you might want to let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 10-40 minutes depending on your preference!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Salad Mixture:
In a medium mixing bowl, start by combining the shredded cooked chicken, the mashed avocado, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, diced red onion, and diced celery. This is where all the yummy flavors come together!
2. Add Seasonings:
Next, squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture. Then, season it with salt and pepper according to your taste. If you like a bit of extra flavor, add the garlic powder. Give everything a good stir until it’s all well mixed.
3. Assemble Your Lettuce Wraps:
Now, take a lettuce leaf and heap a generous spoonful of your chicken salad mixture right in the center. Don’t be shy—load it up! You can also sprinkle some fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a nice touch, if you like.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Repeat the filling process with the remaining lettuce leaves and chicken salad mixture until everything is used up. Serve your delicious avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps immediately for the best crunch, or refrigerate the salad for a bit if you prefer them chilled. Enjoy your fresh and tasty wraps!
Can I Use Canned Chicken Instead of Shredded Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is a great time-saver. Just drain and rinse it before adding it to your bowl, then shred it with a fork for a similar texture to freshly cooked chicken. This can cut down prep time significantly!
Can I Substitute the Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise?
Yes, you can! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you might consider using cottage cheese blended until smooth. For a dairy-free alternative, try using mashed silken tofu or a plant-based mayonnaise. Just remember to adjust the seasoning as needed!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the lettuce leaves fresh, it’s best to fill them just before serving. You can also store the chicken salad mixture separately and assemble the wraps as needed!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Diced bell peppers, corn, or shredded carrots can add both flavor and crunch to your avocado chicken salad. Just make sure to keep the total volume similar for balanced flavors.
