Looking for a meal that’s light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying? These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are your perfect solution! They take creamy, flavorful chicken salad and infuse it with the rich, buttery goodness of fresh avocado, all nestled into crisp, cool lettuce cups. It’s a fantastic no-cook recipe that’s ideal for a quick lunch, a healthy dinner, or an elegant appetizer, especially on a warm day.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Avocado Chicken Salad is a true favorite in my kitchen, especially when I want something delicious and easy without turning on the stove. What I adore most is the perfect balance of creaminess and freshness. The combination of tender shredded chicken, rich avocado, and tangy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise creates an incredibly luscious texture, while the hint of lemon juice and crisp lettuce keeps it light and vibrant. It’s endlessly customizable, packed with protein, and a fantastic way to enjoy a satisfying meal that leaves you feeling good. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to use up leftover chicken!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these light and flavorful Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 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, diced
- Romaine hearts or bib lettuce, about 16 leaves (for serving)
Swaps and Notes
- Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. You can also use boiled, baked, or grilled chicken breasts or thighs, shredded.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess and a boost of protein. You can adjust the ratio of yogurt to mayonnaise based on your preference for tanginess and richness.
- Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand. For a lighter salad, you can opt for light mayonnaise.
- Onions: Finely chopped red onion or shallots can be used for a milder flavor. Green onions (scallions) would also work well for a fresher bite.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for brightness and to help prevent the avocado from browning.
- Avocado: Choose a ripe avocado that yields gently to pressure. Dice it just before mixing to minimize browning.
- Lettuce Cups: Romaine hearts provide a good crunch and shape. Bibb lettuce (Boston or Butter lettuce) offers a softer, more pliable cup. Large endive leaves can also be used for a smaller, elegant bite.
- Optional Additions: Finely diced celery for crunch, chopped fresh dill or cilantro, a pinch of garlic powder, or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Instructions
Let’s get this fresh and flavorful Avocado Chicken Salad assembled and ready for wrapping!
- Combine Chicken Salad Base: In a medium mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, finely chopped onion, and lemon juice. Mix everything together well with a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are evenly combined and the chicken is thoroughly coated.
- Season and Add Avocado: Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir. Now, gently fold in the diced avocado. Be gentle when mixing the avocado to keep some of its shape and prevent it from becoming overly mashed.
- Prepare Lettuce Cups: Separate the leaves of the romaine hearts or bibb lettuce. Wash them thoroughly under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. You want them cold and crisp for the best wrap experience.
- Serve: Spoon the freshly prepared Avocado Chicken Salad into the cold, crisp lettuce cups. Serve immediately and enjoy your light, refreshing, and delicious meal!
Tips for Success
- Ripe Avocado, Added Last: Use a perfectly ripe avocado. Dice it just before adding to the chicken mixture and gently fold it in to keep its texture and prevent browning.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the chicken salad can make the chicken stringy and the avocado mushy. Mix just until combined.
- Chill Ingredients: Using cold chicken and chilled lettuce creates a much more refreshing wrap, especially in warm weather.
- Adjust Creaminess: Adjust the ratio of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise to your preference for creaminess and tang.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: This is key for brightness and preventing the avocado from oxidizing too quickly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a fantastic standalone meal, but they also pair well with:
- Side Salad: A small, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries or melon for a sweet contrast.
- Soup: A light vegetable soup makes a nice accompaniment.
- Crackers or Chips: If you prefer, serve any leftover chicken salad with whole-grain crackers or pita chips.
- For a different take on chicken salad that’s equally light and flavorful, you might enjoy our A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave and There’s No Mayo in Sight.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh due to the avocado, but here’s how to manage leftovers:
- Chicken Salad (without avocado): The chicken, yogurt, mayo, onion, and lemon juice mixture can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- With Avocado: Once the avocado is mixed in, the salad is best consumed within a few hours to prevent the avocado from browning. If storing, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad to minimize air exposure. It may still brown slightly.
- Lettuce: Keep lettuce leaves stored separately and assemble wraps just before serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the light, fresh, and chicken-filled goodness of these wraps, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic chicken-centric recipes:
- For another fantastic crowd-pleasing chicken meal, check out This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re a fan of easy and versatile chicken dishes, our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a lifesaver!
- And for another go-to cozy chicken dinner that’s always a hit, don’t miss These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
- Finally, for a fun and cheesy chicken appetizer, our Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive are always a winner!
Final Thoughts
These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a vibrant and incredibly satisfying meal that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and effortless. They’re perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch or a light dinner, especially when you’re craving something fresh and flavorful.
Give this recipe a try and let the creamy avocado and tender chicken brighten your day! What’s your favorite way to enjoy chicken salad? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy wrapping!
Leave a Reply