The Best Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition, these Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are just what you need! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prepping, these wraps are light yet filling, with a great balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. By using Greek yogurt for the dressing, you’re getting a creamy, tangy base without all the excess calories that come from traditional mayo-based salads. These wraps are so versatile, they can be adjusted to fit any dietary need, from keto to gluten-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken salad lettuce wraps are ideal for anyone looking for a low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on taste. The best part? You can whip them up in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for quick family meals or an easy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re following a keto meal plan or simply want something healthy that doesn’t feel like a diet meal, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

What makes this recipe even better is how customizable it is. You can adjust the flavors and add-ins to suit your preferences. From adding fruit for sweetness to switching up the herbs or toppings, these wraps are an endless canvas for creativity. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping meals for the week, these wraps will satisfy without weighing you down.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This recipe stands out because it offers everything you love about a chicken salad but in a healthier, lighter form. Instead of using mayo, which is often full of unhealthy fats and calories, Greek yogurt gives the chicken salad a creamy texture while still being high-protein and low-calorie. The freshness of the romaine lettuce or butter lettuce leaves as wraps provides the perfect crunch, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken salad filling.

Plus, these wraps are super versatile! Whether you make them for meal prep or serve them at a family dinner, they’re easy to assemble and store. If you’re following a keto meal plan, simply skip the grapes or use only a small amount, and you’ll have a great keto-friendly option that’s low in carbs.

Ingredients

Save

• Cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
• Greek yogurt or light mayo
• Celery, finely chopped
• Red onion, finely chopped
• Grapes or apples, chopped (optional for sweetness)
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Romaine or butter lettuce leaves
• Optional toppings: chopped nuts, fresh herbs

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well-combined. This creamy base is what gives the chicken salad its signature tangy flavor, with a lovely balance of spices and freshness.
2. Add the chicken and veggies: Next, add the cooked chicken (shredded or chopped), chopped celery, and red onion to the bowl. If you’re using grapes or apples for sweetness, now’s the time to toss those in as well. Mix everything together until the chicken and veggies are well-coated in the creamy dressing.
3. Taste and adjust: Taste your chicken salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary. The beauty of this recipe is in the flexibility—add more mustard for tang or lemon for brightness.
4. Assemble the wraps: Scoop the chicken salad mixture into the individual lettuce leaves. You’ll want the leaves to be clean and dry so they hold the filling without tearing. This is where the magic happens—crispy, fresh lettuce wrapped around creamy chicken salad, ready to enjoy!
5. Add toppings: If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds on top for a crunchy bite. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill also make great garnishes, adding an extra layer of flavor to every bite.
6. Serve immediately: These wraps are best served fresh. The crispness of the lettuce is what makes them so satisfying, and that won’t last if they’re left to sit too long. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh, rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is your best friend. It’s already cooked and can save you time during meal prep. Simply shred it up and you’re good to go.
• Wash and dry your lettuce: For the best wrap, ensure that your lettuce leaves are washed thoroughly and patted dry. Wet lettuce can tear easily and make the wraps soggy.
• Customize the dressing: If you prefer a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of light mayo to the Greek yogurt mixture. For a bit of sweetness, a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup works wonders.
• Crunch it up: If you love texture, don’t skip the crunch! Chopped nuts like pecans or almonds add a delightful bite that elevates this wrap from simple to sensational.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or an avocado-based dressing. Both will give you that creamy texture without the dairy.
• Extra creaminess: Add half an avocado, diced, for extra creaminess in the chicken salad. This is a great option if you’re looking to add more healthy fats to your meal.
• Add fruit for sweetness: The recipe calls for grapes or apples, but feel free to mix it up! Try adding chopped pears or even dried cranberries for a pop of tartness.
• Nuts and seeds: For added crunch and texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds over the finished wraps. This will take the dish from good to great.

Serving Suggestions

Save

These Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are versatile enough to be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complement your wraps:

• Fresh fruit: A side of mixed berries or a fruit salad pairs wonderfully with the savory chicken salad, offering a sweet contrast.
• Veggie sticks: Crunchy carrots, celery, or cucumber sticks make for a light and refreshing side that won’t overshadow the wraps.
• Soup: If you’re craving something warm, serve these wraps with a light vegetable soup or a bowl of homemade tomato soup. The combo of hot soup and cold wraps is always a hit.
• Light salad: Pair with a simple side salad of greens, avocado, and a lemon vinaigrette to keep the meal fresh and light.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

• Drinks: For a refreshing drink to pair with these wraps, try an iced herbal tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a light, unsweetened iced green tea.
• Sides: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or zucchini, for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Storage: Store the leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to store the filling separately from the lettuce leaves and assemble the wraps just before serving.
• Reheating: Since this dish is served cold, there’s no need to reheat the chicken salad. Just keep the chicken salad filling refrigerated and assemble your wraps fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken salad ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When it’s time to eat, just scoop the salad into fresh lettuce leaves and serve.
• Freezer-Friendly: This recipe isn’t suitable for freezing, as the lettuce leaves will wilt. However, you can freeze the chicken salad filling in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wilted lettuce: The most common mistake when making lettuce wraps is using soggy lettuce. Make sure the lettuce leaves are washed and dried thoroughly before assembling the wraps.
• Over-salting the dressing: Greek yogurt is naturally tangy, so you don’t need much salt. Taste-test the dressing before adding more, and adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.
• Not making it fresh: These wraps are best when assembled fresh. If the lettuce sits for too long, it can become limp, so try to eat them within an hour of assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use rotisserie chicken?
  Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe and can save you time in the kitchen.
• What lettuce is best for wraps?
  Romaine and butter lettuce are both great choices because they hold up well and have a nice crunch.
• Can I make this dairy-free?
  Absolutely! Just use dairy-free yogurt or an avocado-based dressing.
• Are these wraps keto-friendly?
  Yes, as long as you skip or limit the fruit, they’re very low in carbs and perfect for a keto meal plan.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes! You can prep the chicken salad up to 4 days ahead and assemble the wraps when ready to serve.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Large bowl for mixing the salad
• Knife and cutting board for chopping the veggies and fruit
• Measuring spoons for accurate dressing measurements
• Clean, dry lettuce leaves for the wraps

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!