These Easy Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are fresh and tasty! Creamy avocado teams up with tender chicken, making each bite satisfying and healthy. Plus, lettuce adds a nice crunch!
Who doesn’t love a meal that feels light but is still filling? I love wrapping it all up in crisp lettuce—it’s like a fun salad you can hold in your hand! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for this recipe. It’s already cooked and makes life easier! If you don’t have that, any cooked chicken works, like grilled or boiled chicken. Just shred or chop it up.
Avocado: Use ripe avocados for the best creaminess. If you’re not a fan of avocado or can’t find any, you can substitute with smashed canned chickpeas for a different creamy texture.
Red Onion: This adds a nice bite, but you can swap it for green onions or shallots for a milder flavor. If onions aren’t your thing, just leave them out altogether!
Mayonnaise: I often use Greek yogurt instead for a lighter touch. You can keep this recipe dairy-free by using vegan mayo or simply skip it if you prefer a fresher taste!
Lettuce: Romaine and butter lettuce are my favorites, but feel free to use any leafy green you enjoy! Iceberg provides extra crunch too.
How Do I Keep My Avocado From Turning Brown?
Avocado can brown quickly, so using lime or lemon juice helps a lot! Here’s how to prepare your ingredients without losing that beautiful green color:
- Use lime or lemon juice as soon as you cut the avocado. The acid helps slow down oxidation.
- Prepare the chicken salad right before serving. If you have to make it ahead, store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the salad to minimize air exposure.
- Consider adding the avocado at the last moment if preparing in advance. Just mix it in right before serving to keep it fresh.
Easy Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped (optional for crunch)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice (to keep avocado fresh and add brightness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Romaine lettuce leaves or butter lettuce leaves, washed and separated for wraps
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and delightful option for lunch or dinner. Perfect for busy days when you still want something fresh and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Veggies:
In a medium mixing bowl, toss together the cooked chicken and diced avocado. Then, add the finely chopped red onion and celery if you’d like a bit of extra crunch. Mixing these ingredients early allows their flavors to blend!
2. Add Creaminess and Flavor:
Next, add the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) along with the lime or lemon juice. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, if you’re using it, and season with salt and pepper according to your taste. This combination will make your salad creamy and zesty!
3. Mix It All Together:
Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is combined, but be careful not to mash the avocado too much—it’s nice to have some chunks for texture. It should look creamy but still have that lovely avocado shape!
4. Assemble the Wraps:
Now it’s time to scoop! Spoon a generous amount of the chicken avocado salad onto each lettuce leaf, making sure not to overfill them.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your wraps immediately! Simply fold the lettuce over the salad and take a big bite. If you want to dress them up a bit, garnish with some extra diced avocado or sprinkle on fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
This recipe is fresh, healthy, and perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner! Enjoy your delicious, crunchy wraps!
FAQ for Easy Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Can I Use Canned Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is a convenient alternative. Just drain and rinse it before using, then shred it with a fork for a quick and easy option.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To keep this recipe dairy-free, simply use avocado for creaminess without any mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. You could also substitute with a dairy-free alternative, like vegan mayo!
What Other Veggies Can I Add?
Feel free to mix in other veggies you enjoy! Diced bell peppers, cucumber, or even shredded carrots can add an extra crunch and flavor to your salad!
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the salad separate from the lettuce until you’re ready to eat, so the lettuce stays crisp!
