Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps combine creamy, mashed avocado with tender shredded chicken and crisp vegetables, all nestled in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing, protein-packed meal that requires zero cooking time. This satisfying dish delivers the perfect balance of healthy fats, lean protein, and fresh vegetables while keeping carbs minimal, making it ideal for anyone seeking a quick nutritious option that doesn't sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something nutritious that wouldn't require evening cooking time. The combination of pre-cooked chicken and ripe avocado created such a delicious base that it immediately became a regular in my meal rotation. What I love most is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels special enough for guests while being practical enough for everyday lunches.

Essential Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast: Creates the protein foundation of this dish. Rotisserie chicken offers the perfect balance of convenience and flavor, with meat that's tender and pre-seasoned
• Ripe avocado: Provides the creamy binding element that replaces most of the mayo in traditional chicken salad. Choose fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the perfect consistency
• Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and protein while keeping the mixture creamy with less fat than traditional mayo. Full-fat varieties create the richest texture
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens all the flavors and prevents the avocado from browning. Always use fresh rather than bottled for vibrant citrus notes
• Dijon mustard: Contributes subtle sharpness and depth that elevates the entire mixture. Smooth varieties incorporate more evenly than whole grain
• Crisp vegetables: Red onion and celery provide essential crunch and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy elements
• Lettuce leaves: Create the perfect low-carb wrapper. Choose varieties with sturdy, cup-shaped leaves that hold fillings well

After making this recipe countless times, I've found that the quality of your chicken makes an enormous difference in the final result. While any leftover chicken works, rotisserie chicken provides the most flavorful and moist base, especially if you use a combination of white and dark meat for the perfect balance of lean protein and richness.

Simple Preparation

Perfect Chicken Base:

Begin with chilled, cooked chicken—this recipe shines as a way to repurpose leftovers or make use of a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks or clean hands, creating texture that will hold the creamy binding ingredients. For the most flavorful result, include both white and dark meat if available. The chicken should be cool before mixing to maintain the integrity of the avocado and yogurt.

Creamy Avocado Mixture:

In a medium bowl, mash a ripe avocado until mostly smooth but still retaining some texture. Add Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, stirring to create a uniform, creamy binding mixture. The lemon juice not only adds brightness but helps preserve the avocado's color. For extra creaminess, ensure your avocado is perfectly ripe—it should yield to gentle pressure but not feel mushy.

Veggie Integration:

Fold in finely diced red onion and celery, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture. The vegetables should be cut small enough to incorporate well but large enough to provide textural contrast with each bite. The red onion offers sharp flavor and beautiful color, while celery provides the signature fresh crunch that makes chicken salad so satisfying. Season with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.

Wrap Assembly:

Select large, intact lettuce leaves, washing and thoroughly drying them to ensure they remain crisp. Butter lettuce and romaine hearts work particularly well, offering the perfect combination of structure and tenderness. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each leaf, being careful not to overfill. Fold the sides of the lettuce leaf inward, then roll from bottom to top, creating a neat package that's easy to hold and eat.

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My grandmother always insisted that chicken salad should be a canvas for seasonal vegetables, adapting throughout the year to what's freshest. During summer, I often add diced cucumber for extra refreshment, while in fall, I might include a small amount of diced apple for sweetness and texture. This flexibility is what makes this recipe a year-round staple in my kitchen.

I've discovered through experience that lightly toasting the shredded chicken in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before cooling and mixing creates an entirely new dimension of flavor. This quick step adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the avocado beautifully, and it's worth the minimal extra effort when time allows.

After countless iterations, I've found that the ratio of avocado to Greek yogurt makes all the difference in the final texture. Equal parts creates the perfect creaminess while allowing both flavors to shine. When using particularly large avocados, adjust by adding an extra tablespoon of yogurt to maintain the ideal consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these vibrant wraps with simple, complementary sides that enhance their freshness without overwhelming. Cherry tomatoes tossed with a little olive oil and sea salt make a perfect accompainment, their acidity balancing the richness of the avocado. For a complete meal, add a handful of sweet potato chips or a light broth-based soup. When entertaining, arrange wraps on a platter surrounded by additional vegetable crudités and a simple yogurt-herb dip for an impressive yet effortless spread.

Creative Variations

Transform this versatile base recipe to suit any palate or occasion. Create a Mediterranean version by adding chopped kalamata olives, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese. For Southwestern flair, incorporate a tablespoon of chopped cilantro, lime juice instead of lemon, and a sprinkle of cumin. Make a curry-inspired variation with a teaspoon of mild curry powder and a handful of golden raisins. For extra indulgence, top each wrap with crumbled bacon or a thin slice of avocado just before serving.

Storage Success

For make-ahead convenience, prepare the chicken salad mixture and store it separately from the lettuce leaves. Keep the mixture in an airtight container with a thin layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto its surface to prevent oxidation of the avocado. The mixture stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, though the avocado may darken slightly after the first day. Wash and dry lettuce leaves in advance, wrapping them in paper towels and storing in a zip-top bag for optimal crispness. Assemble wraps just before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.

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The beauty of these avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps lies in their brilliant simplicity—transforming everyday ingredients into a meal that feels simultaneously nourishing and indulgent. They represent a perfect balance of convenience and whole-food nutrition, proving that healthy eating doesn't require sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, served at a gathering, or prepared as part of weekly meal prep, these wraps consistently deliver satisfaction without weighing you down, making them a versatile staple for any health-conscious kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken tastes best. Drain canned chicken well.

→ How do I prevent soggy wraps?

Store salad separately and assemble just before eating.

→ What lettuce works best?

Romaine or butter lettuce leaves hold up well and are easy to wrap.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Use extra avocado or dairy-free yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.

→ How long does the salad keep?

3 days in the fridge - press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning.