Looking for a fresh, healthy meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly flavorful? These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps combine creamy avocado with tender chicken in crisp lettuce cups for the perfect light lunch or dinner. This recipe transforms traditional chicken salad by swapping mayonnaise for heart-healthy avocado, creating a nutritious dish that’s packed with protein and good fats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe delivers everything you want in a healthy meal without sacrificing taste. The creamy avocado creates a naturally rich base, while Greek yogurt adds extra protein and tang. These wraps are naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly, making them perfect for various dietary needs. The combination of textures—from the smooth avocado mixture to the crisp celery and fresh lettuce—creates a satisfying eating experience that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, they’re ready in just 15 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Avocado Base In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe avocado until smooth but still slightly chunky. Add the Greek yogurt and lime juice, stirring until well combined. The lime juice not only adds bright flavor but also helps prevent the avocado from browning.
Step 2: Add the chicken fold to the cooked chicken breast, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the avocado mixture. If using leftover chicken, make sure it’s completely cooled before adding to prevent the avocado from becoming too soft.
Step 3: Incorporate Fresh Vegetables Add the finely diced red onion, celery, and fresh cilantro to the bowl. These ingredients provide essential crunch and fresh flavors that complement the creamy avocado perfectly.
Step 4: Season and Mix Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, starting with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, then adjusting as needed. Gently fold all ingredients together until well combined.
Step 5: Prepare the Lettuce Cups Carefully separate the lettuce leaves, selecting the largest, most cup-shaped leaves for serving. Rinse them gently under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve Spoon the avocado chicken salad into each lettuce cup, using about 2-3 tablespoons per wrap. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Helpful Tips
Choose the right avocado ripeness—it should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. If your avocado is too firm, let it ripen at room temperature for 1-2 days. For the chicken, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time, but grilled or poached chicken breast also works wonderfully. When preparing the vegetables, ensure they’re finely diced so they distribute evenly and don’t overwhelm the lettuce wraps.
For the crispest lettuce cups, choose butter lettuce or romaine hearts rather than the outer leaves. Store the prepared lettuce leaves in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels to maintain freshness. If making ahead, prepare all components separately and assemble just before serving to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories: Approximately 180 per serving (based on 6 servings)
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, keto-friendly, and packed with protein. Each serving provides approximately 20 grams of protein and healthy monounsaturated fats from the avocado. The Greek yogurt adds probiotics and additional protein while keeping the calorie count reasonable.
Notes
For best results, use this Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe within 24 hours of preparation, as avocado tends to brown over time despite the lime juice. If you need to store the mixture longer, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure.
You can customize this recipe by adding diced tomatoes, cucumber, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeño. The recipe is also delicious served in whole wheat tortillas or pita pockets if you prefer a more substantial wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can prepare the avocado chicken salad up to 4 hours ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before serving.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this recipe? Poached, grilled, or baked chicken breast works perfectly. For convenience, rotisserie chicken from the store saves time and adds extra flavor.
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt? Yes, you can use sour cream or additional mashed avocado, though Greek yogurt provides the best balance of creaminess and protein.
How do I keep the avocado from browning? The lime juice helps prevent browning, but consuming the salad within a few hours of preparation ensures the best color and flavor.
Are there other greens I can use instead of lettuce? Absolutely! Try cabbage leaves, endive spears, or even collard green leaves for variety.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover avocado chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad to minimize air exposure and prevent browning. The prepared lettuce leaves should be stored separately, wrapped in damp paper towels and placed in a sealed container or plastic bag in the refrigerator.
If you notice slight browning on the avocado mixture, simply stir gently before serving—the flavor will still be delicious. For meal prep, consider storing the chicken salad and lettuce separately, then assembling individual portions when ready to eat.
Conclusion
This Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. The combination of creamy avocado, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive appetizer for guests, these lettuce wraps deliver on all fronts.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or when you need something fresh and energizing. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, these avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps are sure to become a regular part of your healthy meal rotation. Try this recipe today and discover how satisfying clean eating can be!