Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

There’s something incredibly satisfying about enjoying Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps on a warm day. Imagine preparing a light meal that doesn’t just satisfy your hunger, but also bursts with flavor and freshness. I remember the first time I served these delightful wraps at a summer picnic. My friends were blown away by how easy they were to make and how crisp and refreshing they tasted. It became a hit, and since then, I’ve made them countless times for gatherings, barbecues, and even for a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also allows for creative variations depending on your taste. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or packing them for lunch, Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps deliver a crunch that’s irresistible.

Ingredients to Make Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

When it comes to crafting Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps, the ingredients are essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role, creating a harmonious blend that’s both nutritious and delicious. The key players include succulent chicken breasts, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean protein that keeps you satisfied and energized.
• 1 teaspoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, it adds a rich flavor while keeping everything healthy.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken to enhance its natural flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle touch of garlic that elevates the taste without overpowering.
• 1/4 cup celery, diced: Adds a wonderful crunch and a hint of freshness.
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced: A pop of color and a sharp, tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweeter ingredients.
• 1/2 cup grapes, red or green, halved: These juicy fruits introduce a sweet and refreshing element to the mix.
• 1/2 cup apple, diced: A crisp, sweet addition that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, diced: They bring a tangy sweetness that rounds out the dish.
• 1/4 cup almonds, chopped: For added crunch and healthy fats, these nuts elevate the texture.
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt: This creamy element serves as part of the dressing and adds a nice tang.
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: A touch of creaminess that complements the yogurt, making it rich but not overly heavy.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
• 1 head Boston Bib lettuce, or romaine heart leaves, for serving: These fresh leaves act as the perfect vessel for your chicken salad.

How to Cook Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Cooking Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps is as simple as it is satisfying. Follow these easy steps to whip up a delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor. You’ll be amazed at how quickly everything comes together!

1. Start by heating a little olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. As the oil begins to shimmer, you’ll know it’s ready for the next step. You want to achieve a nice sear on the chicken, which adds great flavor.

2. Take the boneless skinless chicken breasts and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Season these pieces generously with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. This seasoning is crucial, as it infuses the chicken with flavor.

3. Once seasoned, add the chicken to the hot pan. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Aim for a nice, even color across all the pieces. You want them to be juicy, not dry!

4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare a large bowl. Toss in the chopped celery, red onion, grapes, apple, dried cranberries, and almonds. Together, these ingredients create a colorful and crunchy base for your chicken salad.

5. In a separate small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Mix these together until smooth; this creamy dressing will bring all the flavors together beautifully.

6. Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the large bowl with the chopped ingredients. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and toss everything together gently. Ensure every piece of chicken and veggie is coated in that delicious sauce.

7. Season the mixture with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go; it’s all about finding that perfect balance!

8. Next, wash the Boston Bib lettuce leaves or romaine hearts, and carefully separate them. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess water, ensuring they don’t wilt when you fill them.

9. Now comes the fun part! Take a generous spoonful of the chicken salad mixture and place it on a lettuce leaf. You can fold it like a wrap or just enjoy it as is. The freshness of the lettuce combined with the savory filling is divine.

10. Serve immediately while everything is fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in a separate container to keep the lettuce crisp!

Tips and Tricks about Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Here are some additional tips to make your experience with Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps even better. These insights will help you perfect the recipe and serve it effortlessly!

• Storage: To keep leftovers fresh, store the chicken salad separately from the lettuce. This prevents the leaves from wilting.
• Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze the entire wrap, you can freeze the chicken salad mixture for later use. Just thaw it in the refrigerator and serve fresh with new lettuce.
• Pairing: These wraps pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a light soup for a complete meal.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or fruits. Walnuts and pears can add a unique twist.
• Serving Size: Adjust the serving size according to your gathering. This recipe is easily scalable!
• Cooking Method: If you prefer a different flavor, try grilling the chicken instead of sautéing for added smokiness.

Great Combinations for Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

When it comes to serving Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps, there are endless possibilities to enhance your dining experience. Here are some great combinations:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of seasonal fresh fruit like watermelon or berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Soup Pairing: A light vegetable soup complements the wraps beautifully, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Chips: Consider serving with baked pita chips or veggie chips for an added crunch on the side.
• Occasion: These wraps are perfect for summer picnics, casual lunches, or even as a refreshing dinner option.
• Meal Prep: They make fantastic meal prep options; just prepare the chicken salad in advance and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
• Drinks: Pair with a light sparkling water or iced tea for a truly refreshing meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a fantastic choice for a light, nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, as it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to summer picnics. You’ll love the fresh ingredients and how easy they are to prepare. So gather your loved ones, make some wraps, and enjoy a healthy feast together!

Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

The ultimate comfort food! These Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are not only easy to prepare but also bursting with fresh flavors and crunch. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer picnic, you'll love how satisfying they are. Make them tonight and enjoy a light, nutritious meal!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup grapes, red or green, halved
• 1/2 cup apple, diced
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, diced
• 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 head Boston Bib lettuce, or romaine heart leaves, for serving

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Add a little olive oil to a saute pan over medium high heat.
2. Chop the chicken and and season with salt, pepper, and a tiny bit of garlic powder. Saute for just a few minutes, until cooked through.
3. In a large bowl toss together the chicken, celery, onion, grapes, apple, cranberries and almonds.
4. In a small bowl combine the Greek yogurt, mayo, and lemon juice and stir well to combine.
5. Add sauce to the large bowl with the chicken mixture and toss to evenly coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, if needed.
6. Wash lettuce and separate into leaves, patting them each dry with a paper towel.
7. Add a large spoonful of the chicken mixture to each lettuce wrap.

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Meet Paige Wilson

I’m our photographer and stylist, so it’s my job to make our food look as sunny and delicious as it tastes. I’m obsessed with finding that perfect light. When I’m not behind the lens, I’m in the kitchen as the official “chief taster.” I work closely with Hailey and Brooke to cook, test, and refine the flavors for every single recipe until it’s just right.