These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are fresh and tasty! Made with tender chicken, creamy avocado, and crunchy lettuce, they’re perfect for a light meal or snack.
Who knew healthy could be this good? I love wrapping the chicken salad in crisp lettuce and munching away. Plus, no mess means more time to enjoy!
They’re super easy to put together, too. Just mix everything, scoop into lettuce leaves, and you’re ready to munch. Delicious and fun—perfect for any day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken gives the salad a hearty base. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you prefer a lighter option, shredded turkey works well too, or you can use canned chicken if you’re in a hurry.
Avocado: A ripe avocado is key for creaminess and flavor. If avocados are out of season, you can substitute with mashed cooked sweet potato for a similar texture, though the taste will be different.
Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise: I love using Greek yogurt for added protein and tang, but regular mayonnaise is great too if that’s your preference. You can even use hummus for a dairy-free option!
Red Onion: Red onion adds a nice crunch and zest. If it’s too strong for your taste, try using green onions or shallots instead for a milder flavor.
Cilantro: This adds freshness to the salad, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it or replace with parsley for similar brightness.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture in My Chicken Salad?
Getting the right texture is important for a chicken salad that feels great in every bite. Ensure your chicken is shredded well; this helps in mixing it evenly with the creamy avocado and yogurt. Here’s how to perfect it:
- Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before mixing, as it helps combine smoothly.
- Use a fork to mash the avocado thoroughly so there are no large chunks, leading to a smoother mixture.
- When adding ingredients like celery and onion, chop them finely to avoid overpowering the other flavors and add a lovely crunch.
How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 head of romaine or butter lettuce, leaves separated for wraps
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a light meal or appetizer that you can enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Salad Mixture:
In a large bowl, add your shredded chicken, mashed avocado, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, finely chopped red onion, diced celery, and the chopped cilantro if you’re using it. Mix everything together with a spoon until it’s well combined and the chicken is nicely coated. This will create a creamy and flavorful filling.
2. Season the Salad:
Pour in the lime juice and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the mixture. Stir it again until everything is evenly seasoned. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed! This will enhance all the wonderful flavors.
3. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps:
Now, take a lettuce leaf and place it on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of your avocado chicken salad into the center of the leaf. Don’t be shy—fill it up! Then, gently fold the leaf around the filling to make a wrap. Repeat this step with the remaining lettuce leaves and filling until everything is used up.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
These wraps are best enjoyed fresh! Serve them immediately as a tasty and healthy meal or appetizer. Perfect for days when you want something light yet satisfying!
Enjoy your Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps!
Can I Use Canned Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is a great time-saver. Just drain and rinse it before shredding. Adjust the seasoning, as canned chicken can be a bit salty, so taste before adding more salt.
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt or mayonnaise. For a dairy-free option, try using vegan mayonnaise or mashed silken tofu for a similar creaminess.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftover avocado chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the avocado from browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing it in the container.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken salad a few hours in advance, but it’s best to wait until just before serving to assemble the lettuce wraps. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. Consider storing the salad and lettuce leaves separately until ready to eat.
