These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a fresh and tasty meal! They mix creamy avocado with juicy chicken and crunchy veggies, all wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. So good!
I love how easy these wraps are to make. Just mash the avocado, mix in the chicken, and serve in lettuce. Perfect for a light lunch, and no utensils needed—bonus points! 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a big time-saver here, and it adds great flavor. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken. If you’re going vegetarian, substitute with chickpeas for a protein boost.
Avocado: A ripe avocado gives a creamy texture to the salad. If avocados are hard to find, try using smashed silken tofu for creaminess, though the flavor will differ.
Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt is healthier and adds tanginess. Use mayonnaise for a richer taste. If you want a dairy-free option, cream or cashew-based mayonnaise works well!
Red Onion: Red onion brings a nice crunch and a bit of bite. If you prefer something milder, consider using green onions or sweet onions instead.
Celery: Chopped celery adds a fresh, crunchy element. You can swap it for cucumber or bell pepper if you want a different twist.
Cilantro: It adds a burst of flavor, but if you’re not a fan, parsley or even a squeeze of lime can be great alternatives.
How Do I Get the Perfect Toss for the Chicken Salad?
The key to a well-mixed chicken salad is to combine ingredients gently but thoroughly. Start with the chicken and avocado to create a creamy base, then fold in the other ingredients. Here’s how:
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the mashed avocado until smooth.
- Then add the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise) and lemon juice. Mix until everything is well blended.
- Carefully fold in the red onion, celery, and cilantro, being gentle to keep some texture in the salad.
This method ensures that every bite is flavorful and has a nice crunch! Enjoy your salad in crisp lettuce wraps for an easy, refreshing meal.
Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (you can use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 8-10 large romaine or butter lettuce leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious and healthy dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to whip up for lunch or as a light dinner, and the lettuce wraps make for a fun, low-carb option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Chicken Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), and lemon juice. Use a fork or spoon to mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy.
2. Adding Veggies and Seasoning:
Add in the finely chopped red onion, celery, and cilantro (if you like it). Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are mixed evenly. It should look colorful and appetizing!
3. Flavoring the Mixture:
Now it’s time to add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a little, mix, and taste. You can always add more if you want more flavor!
4. Preparing the Lettuce Wraps:
Gently rinse the lettuce leaves under cold water, then dry them carefully with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. These leaves will be your wraps, so make sure they’re intact and ready to hold the chicken salad.
5. Assembling the Wraps:
To put it all together, scoop a generous amount of the chicken salad mixture onto each lettuce leaf. Don’t be shy—make it a big scoop for a satisfying bite!
6. Serving the Wraps:
Enjoy your lettuce wraps right away as a light meal or an appetizer. If you have leftovers, store the chicken salad in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it again. Happy eating!
Can I Use Canned Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Canned chicken can be a great time-saver. Just drain it well and shred it before mixing it into the avocado salad. You may want to adjust the seasoning slightly since canned chicken can be saltier than fresh or rotisserie chicken.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt with Something Else?
Yes! If you don’t have Greek yogurt or prefer a different flavor, you can use regular mayonnaise, sour cream, or even a vegan yogurt alternative for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that this might change the creaminess and flavor profile a bit.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The lettuce leaves may wilt, so it’s best to keep them separate until you’re ready to serve. Just scoop the salad onto the lettuce leaves when you’re ready to enjoy!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to This Salad?
You can get creative! Add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or green onions for extra crunch and flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely so they mix well and don’t overpower the other ingredients!
