Whether you're looking for a Whole30 lunch option, paleo wrap, keto wrap, or just a delicious healthy lunch recipe, these chicken salad lettuce wraps fit the bill!
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One of my favorite things we do here at Prep Dish is the 21 day challenge. We hold the challenge a couple of times a year and it's a time for people to really reset and get into a meal prep habit. Seriously, once you have the habit in place, things get SO much easier! Chicken salad lettuce wraps are a popular recipe from one of our previous Prep Dish challenges so I wanted to share them with you.
They're fresh and super satisfying with plenty of protein and healthy fats. They also have a bit of bacon in there, just enough to give them that unbeatable flavor and crunch factor that sets these apart from just another healthy lunch.
This chicken salad lettuce wrap recipe is also super versatile so feel free to throw in any other veggies you have on hand. If you have kids, try serving this buffet style and let them fill their own wraps. One good way to do this is to make a simple rule like at least one protein and one veggie goes in everybody's wrap. That gives them plenty of choice, while still ensuring they have a healthy lunch.
I hope you love this one as much as I do!
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Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 1 Avocado
- 1/2 Red onion
- 1 Head of romaine lettuce
- 2 Pieces of bacon
- 1 # Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup Avocado mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- S&P to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Line a sheet pan w/ parchment paper. Place 1# chicken breasts on pan and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp garlic powder and S&P to taste. Bake for ~25-30 min or until cooked to 165 F. Cool & set aside.
- Place 2 slices of bacon on parchment paper-lined sheet pan & bake for ~20 minutes or until crispy. Cool and crumble.
- Finely chop 1/2 red onion.
- Shred baked chicken with a fork. Add 1/2 chopped red onions, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, crumbled bacon and S&P to taste.
- Wash and separate leaves from 1 head romaine lettuce.
- Slice avocado.
- Assemble your chicken salad lettuce wraps by topping each piece of romaine lettuce with ~1/4 cup chicken salad and about 1/6 avocado slices.
- Roll up and enjoy! This makes about 6 wraps, or 3 servings.
Notes
Nutrition
Are chicken salad lettuce wraps healthy?
These chicken lettuce wraps are packed with nutrition! Thinking about the health benefits of the ingredients you're using can be super motivating when it comes to choosing healthy meals. Keep these impressive nutritional benefits in mind when you're enjoying these wraps!
- Chicken: In addition to being packed with protein, chicken is a good source of iron, zinc, selenium and B vitamins.
- Avocado: Loaded with nutrients like potassium, folate and healthy fats, avocados are good for your heart, your eye health and even your mood. Moreover, they also benefit your brain, bone density and blood sugar levels.
- Red Onion: Onions in general are super healthy as they're full of antioxidants, B Vitamins and potassium. Red onions in particular contain anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid believed to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Romaine Lettuce: Due to its Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, calcium and potassium, romaine lettuce makes a super healthy wrap for your chicken salad.
How can I meal prep chicken salad lettuce wraps?
These healthy chicken wraps are designed for meal prep and make the perfect prep-ahead lunch!
The chicken salad keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days so you can complete steps 1-5 ahead of time. You can also wash and separate your romaine lettuce in advance, just store the leaves between damp paper towels to keep them fresh.
Slicing your avocado right before you eat it will be best but if you need to store half of the avocado for lunch a different day, just brush it with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.
What are other ways to use chicken salad?
While I love the freshness of homemade chicken salad served in lettuce wraps, there are actually many ways to use chicken salad:
- On a sandwich
- Wrapped in a tortilla or wrap
- In pita pockets
- Atop a salad
- As a component of a packed lunch
- As a snack! I love offering a small portion of leftovers as a snack because they tend to be much healthier than typical snack foods.
Are these lettuce wraps a good Whole30 lunch option?
Yes! These chicken salad lettuce wraps are a great Whole30 lunch option. Just make sure to use Whole30-approved bacon (sugar & additive free) like the one from US Wellness Meats (<<affiliate link). Also, make sure to use avocado mayo!
If you're looking for more Whole30-compliant recipes, we offer a full 5 week Whole30 / reset meal plan here!
Want to find more delicious dairy-free recipes like this one? Make sure to watch my 10 Dairy Free Alternatives video on YouTube!
Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps FAQ
How long does chicken salad last?
Following the USDA guidance, chicken salad lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.
What goes well with chicken salad?
If you do serve your chicken salad in lettuce wraps, I love adding a side of fresh fruit such as sliced watermelon or my minted fruit salad. If you serve chicken salad in tortilla wraps or sandwiches instead, try serving with a simple green salad.
What can I add to chicken salad to give it more flavor?
You have so many options here! The bacon gives tons of flavor to this recipe but you can also add dried fruit such as cranberries or chopped apricots. Or, opt for fresh fruit like chopped apples or grapes. You can also add toasted nuts such as pecans.
I'm a huge fan of cooking with fresh herbs and love adding herbs to chicken salad as well. Basil, parsley, cilantro, or chives would all be delicious.
Finally, get creative with the spices! Curry powder can be a delicious addition to chicken salad.
What lettuce is best for wraps?
I love using romaine lettuce for wraps but butter lettuce or bibb lettuce are also good choices.
Can I make chicken salad without mayo?
Yes! I personally like avocado mayo in this recipe. If mayo isn't your thing though, sub Greek yogurt, it's delicious here as well!
What are some other healthy lunch recipes?
Shrimp Cobb Salad
This salad is hearty enough to serve for dinner with shrimp, bacon, avocado and blue cheese. It also makes a lovely healthy lunch recipe!
Pecan Crusted Chicken Collard Wraps
These are so lovely to serve as part of a lunch spread for company. Don't wait for a special occasion though, you should totally make them for yourself! The pecan-crusted chicken is incredibly crispy and flavorful and all of the bright veggies provide the perfect balance.
Tuna Salad with Grapes
Sunflower seeds give this tuna salad a subtle crunch while the grapes add the perfect sweetness. I love serving over a bed of arugula with quinoa for extra heartiness and texture.
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