Simple Taco Meat Recipe

There are days when all you crave is something fresh, bright, and yet totally satisfying—and these Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps always deliver! Creamy, herby, and just a little bit nutty, this recipe brings a modern twist to a classic lunchtime favorite. It’s a light, flavor-packed dish I turn to over and over again, both for its taste and how easy it is to whip up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps is just how unfussy the ingredients are—every item is intentional, and each one has a special part to play in flavor or texture. These are the building blocks of a wrap that’s both crisp and creamy, savory and slightly sweet, with a little crunch in every bite.

• Bibb Lettuce: These tender, bowl-shaped leaves are the ultimate edible wrap—pliable, crunchy, and slightly sweet.
• Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving hero, but you can use any cooked and shredded chicken you love.
• Ripe Avocado: The creamy backbone of the salad—choose one that’s soft but still bright green inside for the best texture.
• Garlic (minced): A fresh pop of flavor; use one clove to keep things balanced.
• Mayonnaise: Just enough to add tang and silkiness without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings depth and a subtle kick to the creamy sauce.
• Agave Nectar: Adds a gentle sweetness that highlights the avocado and fresh herbs.
• Fresh Tarragon & Dill: These herby additions brighten the salad with their distinctive, garden-fresh flavor. Dried works too, if that’s what you have.
• Lemon Juice: For brightness and a little zing, plus it helps the avocado stay vibrantly green.
• Salt & Pepper: To draw everything together and season each bite perfectly.
• Chopped Walnuts: For a satisfying crunch and warm, nutty undertones in every mouthful.

Variations

The beauty of Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps is how effortlessly you can make them your own—swap a herb, add crunch, or cater to dietary needs with a simple tweak. Don’t be afraid to play around and craft your perfect bite!

• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo or extra avocado to keep things ultra-creamy and dairy-free.
• Add Some Heat: Toss in finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Change Up The Nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans, sliced almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a fun twist in texture.
• Herb Switch: Use basil or cilantro if you don’t have tarragon and dill on hand—each brings its own fresh spin.

How to Make Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by shredding your cooked chicken, if you haven’t already—rotisserie makes this super quick, but any leftover chicken will do. Place the shredded meat in a large mixing bowl, breaking up any larger pieces so you have a fluffy base ready for your creamy avocado sauce.

Step 2: Blend the Creamy Avocado Sauce

Add the avocado, minced garlic, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, agave nectar, fresh herbs (tarragon and dill), lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a food processor or blender. Blitz everything together, adding ½ to 1 tablespoon water as needed—your goal is a thick, luxuriously smooth sauce that will coat every bite of chicken.

Step 3: Mix Chicken and Sauce

Pour the avocado dressing all over your shredded chicken and stir gently until every bit of chicken is generously coated. This is where the flavors start to meld and the salad truly comes together.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Walnuts

Toss in the chopped walnuts, folding them into the salad for a delightful crunch. If you like your wraps super nutty, feel free to sprinkle in a few extra pieces for good measure!

Step 5: Chill for Maximum Flavor

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This resting time lets all the flavors blend and bloom, making the final bite even better than when you started.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

When you’re ready to eat, gently separate the Bibb lettuce leaves and spoon a heaping ¼ cup of salad into each one. Fold or wrap as you like, serve them up, and watch the Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps disappear!

How to Serve Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

Top your wraps with a sprinkle of extra chopped dill or tarragon for a burst of fresh color. I also love a light shower of cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving—it makes the flavors pop and looks so inviting.

Side Dishes

This cool, creamy salad pairs especially well with crisp vegetable sticks (think carrots or bell peppers), a simple side of fruit, or your favorite potato or sweet potato chips for a bit of extra crunch. It also plays beautifully alongside a refreshing cucumber salad if you want to make it even more of a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or want to impress, spoon the Avocado Chicken Salad into mini lettuce boats for appetizer-sized bites, or create a DIY lettuce wrap platter where everyone can build their own. This salad also works tucked into pita halves or rolled up in whole-wheat tortillas for kids’ lunchboxes or grab-and-go snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the lettuce wraps fresh, store the leaves separately and fill them right before serving so they stay firm and crisp.

Freezing

Due to the fresh avocado and herbs, this recipe doesn’t freeze well; the texture will change and the sauce can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh, or within a couple of days for maximum flavor and creaminess.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat (and it’s not recommended!)—these Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are at their best served straight from the fridge, cool and delicious. If you’d like, let the chicken salad sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before filling your lettuce leaves.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There really is nothing like the crisp bite and creamy goodness of Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps—once you try them, they may just become your go-to, too. Whether you’re looking to lighten up lunch or treat yourself to a fresh, homemade dinner, give this recipe a whirl and let the flavors speak for themselves. Happy wrapping!

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