Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a fantastic way to enjoy a light and refreshing meal. This recipe combines the savory goodness of chicken salad with the crispness of lettuce, creating a healthy and satisfying dish. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a snack, these wraps are versatile and easy to make.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps. First, they are a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken, saving you time and reducing waste. Second, the combination of ingredients offers a burst of flavors and textures. Lastly, they are low in carbs but high in taste, making them an ideal choice for those looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients:
- 3 slices bacon (diced)
- 3 cups leftover rotisserie chicken
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup 2% Greek yogurt
- 1 stalk celery (diced)
- 1 green onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 12 Romaine lettuce leaves
- 1 Roma tomato (diced)
- 1 avocado (halved, peeled, seeded and diced)
Directions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, diced celery, sliced green onion, chopped basil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve, spoon several tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf, taco-style. Top with bacon, diced tomato, and avocado, if desired.
How to Serve Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are best enjoyed fresh. You can serve them as a light lunch, accompany them with a side of fruit, or even serve them at a picnic. They are also great for parties or gatherings, where guests can assemble their own wraps.
How to Store Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
If you have leftover chicken salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the lettuce separate until you’re ready to serve, to maintain its crunchiness.
Tips to Make Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
- Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste. You can add nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
- If you want a bit of spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken salad mixture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or cooked quinoa.
Variation
You can customize your Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps by using different protein, such as turkey or tuna. Adding various herbs or spices can also change the flavor profile to suit your preference.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt?
A: Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise if you prefer. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and cuts down on fat, but both options will taste great.
Q: Can I prepare the chicken salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the chicken salad a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Q: What type of lettuce works best for wraps?
A: Romaine lettuce is great for wraps because its sturdy leaves can hold the filling well. Butter lettuce is another option for a softer touch.
Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
For the chicken salad
- 3 slices bacon (diced) Cook until brown and crispy.
- 3 cups leftover rotisserie chicken Shredded.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup 2% Greek yogurt
- 1 stalk celery (diced)
- 1 green onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For serving
- 12 Romaine lettuce leaves
- 1 Roma tomato (diced)
- 1 avocado (halved, peeled, seeded and diced)
Instructions
Cooking the Bacon
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
- Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Preparing the Chicken Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, diced celery, sliced green onion, chopped basil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling the Wraps
- To serve, spoon several tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of a lettuce leaf, taco-style.
- Top with bacon, diced tomato, and avocado, if desired.
