Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps!

Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are fresh, healthy, and absolutely delicious. They’re the perfect combination of creamy avocado, tender chicken, and crunchy veggies all wrapped up in crisp lettuce. These wraps are light yet filling, making them ideal for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Plus, they’re low-carb and gluten-free, making them a great option for a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 2 medium-sized chicken breasts)

• 1 ripe avocado, mashed

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier texture)

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)

• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

• 1 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Lettuce Wraps:

• 8-10 large lettuce leaves (Butter lettuce, Romaine, or Iceberg work best)

Optional Add-ins:

• Sliced cucumber (for extra crunch)

• Chopped tomatoes (for a fresh bite)

• Shredded carrots (for color and crunch)

• Cheese (if you want to make it a bit more indulgent – shredded cheddar or feta would be great)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   If you don’t already have cooked chicken, you can quickly cook it by pan-searing or poaching. For poaching, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the chicken breasts, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken using two forks once it’s cool enough to handle.

2. Prepare the Avocado Chicken Salad:
   In a medium bowl, mash the avocado until smooth. Then, add the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, lime juice, chopped celery, red onion, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the chicken is well coated in the creamy avocado mixture.

3. Prepare the Lettuce:
   Carefully separate the lettuce leaves, trying not to tear them. Wash and dry each leaf thoroughly. Choose the larger leaves for wrapping, as they’ll hold the chicken salad better.

4. Assemble the Wraps:
   Spoon a generous amount of the avocado chicken salad onto the center of each lettuce leaf. You can add extra toppings like cucumber slices, tomatoes, or shredded carrots if desired.

5. Wrap and Serve:
   Carefully fold the sides of the lettuce leaf over the chicken salad and then roll it up like a burrito. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later (just keep the wraps unassembled so the lettuce stays fresh).

Q&A:

Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and use it in place of the homemade cooked chicken. It adds even more flavor, and the salad will come together in no time.

Q: What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
A: If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with regular yogurt, sour cream, or even mayonnaise. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using an avocado-based dressing or vegan mayo.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the chicken salad in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to assemble the wraps right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Q: What kind of lettuce should I use?
A: Butter lettuce, Romaine, or Iceberg are great options because their leaves are large, sturdy, and easy to wrap. Butter lettuce offers a softer, more delicate crunch, while Romaine and Iceberg are a bit more crisp and firm.

Q: Can I make this salad into a bowl instead of wraps?
A: Definitely! You can serve the avocado chicken salad over a bed of greens or mixed greens in a bowl, and it’ll be just as delicious. You can even top it with extra veggies like sliced bell peppers or avocado slices.

Tips for Success:

• Extra Creamy: If you want a creamier salad, feel free to add more Greek yogurt, or a dollop of sour cream or mayonnaise. If you prefer a lighter version, use less mayo or Greek yogurt and more avocado.

• Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken salad. Jalapeños or red pepper flakes also work well if you like it spicy.

• Meal Prep: This chicken salad is great for meal prep. Just store the salad mixture in an airtight container in the fridge and keep the lettuce leaves separate until ready to assemble.

• Add Protein: For extra protein, you can throw in some hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or even bacon bits.

These Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, low-carb, and healthy meal that’s quick to make and even better to eat. They’re perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner, and they pack a ton of flavor and nutrition into a simple wrap. Enjoy!