Creamy, protein-packed, and bursting with flavor—these lettuce wraps are a fresh take on chicken salad.
Some days, I just want a lunch that’s light, fresh, and full of flavor—without the heaviness of bread or mayo. That’s when I turn to avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps. These wraps check all the boxes: they’re creamy from ripe avocado, loaded with lean chicken, and perfectly crisp thanks to fresh lettuce cups. Best of all, they come together in about 20 minutes.
The first time I made avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps, I was looking for a way to use up some leftover rotisserie chicken. I mashed up a perfectly ripe avocado, added a squeeze of lime, tossed in some herbs and veggies, and wrapped it all up in crunchy lettuce leaves. The result? A refreshing, low carb, high protein meal that’s now in my regular rotation.
Since then, avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps have become one of my favorite quick meals. Whether I’m craving something light after a workout or need an easy dish for a hot day, these wraps deliver every time. I also love how versatile they are—you can customize them with your favorite herbs, add a little heat with chili flakes, or boost protein by tossing in extras like eggs or hemp seeds.
Another reason I keep coming back to this dish? It’s naturally gluten free and low carb, making it a great option for anyone watching their carbs or following a keto lifestyle. Plus, the combination of creamy avocado and crisp lettuce gives it a satisfying texture that’s hard to beat.
So if you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that ticks all the right boxes, give these avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps a try. They’re proof that healthy eating can be anything but boring.
Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine
- 1-2 limes juiced
- ¼ red onion finely diced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp Greek yogurt 1 clove garlic (minced), chili flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook your chicken (if not using leftovers): Grill, poach, or roast as desired. Cool and shred.
- Mash avocados in a large bowl. Add lime juice, salt, pepper, and optional Greek yogurt and garlic. Mix well.
- Fold in shredded chicken, red onion, and cilantro. Mix gently to combine.
- Prepare lettuce cups: Wash and dry leaves.
- Assemble wraps: Spoon chicken avocado mixture into lettuce cups. Garnish with extra herbs, chili flakes, or lime wedges if desired.
- Serve immediately or store components separately for meal prep.
Notes
Secret Tips for Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
- Choose perfectly ripe avocados: For the best creamy avocado chicken salad, use avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. This gives your filling the ideal texture without turning watery.
- Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken: Tender, juicy chicken breast works best in these avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps. Rotisserie chicken makes this an easy meal prep hack for busy days.
- Dry lettuce leaves thoroughly: To keep your chicken lettuce wraps crisp and prevent sogginess, wash and pat your lettuce leaves completely dry before assembling.
- Season generously: Don’t shy away from lime juice, salt, and pepper. Bright acidity enhances the flavors of the avocado chicken lettuce cups and balances the richness of the avocado.
- Pack ingredients separately for meal prep: If making meal prep chicken lettuce wraps, store the chicken salad and lettuce leaves in separate containers. Assemble just before eating for maximum crunch and freshness.
- Mix in other veggies for texture: Add diced cucumber, bell peppers, radishes, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color in your healthy chicken salad lettuce wraps.
- Customize with herbs and heat: Swap cilantro for parsley, basil, or mint. For spice lovers, stir in diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to turn your low carb chicken lettuce wraps into a bold, flavorful dish.
- Add protein boosters: Want even more protein? Add diced hard-boiled eggs or a sprinkle of hemp seeds to your high protein chicken lettuce wraps.
- Keep avocado green longer: To prevent your avocado from browning in keto chicken salad lettuce wraps, press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the chicken salad or add a bit of extra lime juice.
- Try different lettuces: Butter lettuce offers tender, pliable leaves while romaine gives extra crunch. Both work beautifully in these avocado lettuce wraps—try both to see which you prefer!
Recipe Overview
Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Lunch / Dinner / Snack
Cuisine: American / Low Carb
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken)
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
Calories: ~320
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 2g
Avocado is a powerhouse of heart-healthy fats, fiber, and potassium—see Avocado’s potential benefits by Healthline. Chicken breast provides lean protein, as detailed on VeryWell Fit. And leafy greens like romaine or butter lettuce contribute fiber, vitamins A and K—learn more at Science Direct.
Budget Breakdown
Chicken Breast (2 large): ~$5.00
Avocados (2 ripe): ~$3.00
Lettuce (1 head, butter or romaine): ~$2.50
Lime (1-2): ~$1.00
Red Onion: ~$0.75
Cilantro: ~$1.00
Optional add-ins (Greek yogurt, garlic): ~$1.00
Total Cost: ~$14.25
Cost Per Serving: ~$3.56
Behind the Recipe
I’ve always been a fan of chicken salad, but I wanted a version that felt lighter, fresher, and more nourishing. Enter avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps. The inspiration came after a summer hike when I craved something cool and satisfying. I had cooked chicken on hand and ripe avocados calling my name—the idea for these wraps came together in minutes.
Instead of the traditional mayo-based dressing, creamy avocado binds the chicken salad, adding healthy fats and a rich texture. Lime juice brightens the flavor, while fresh herbs and crisp veggies keep things lively. Wrapping it all in lettuce instead of bread makes this dish naturally low carb and gluten free—ideal for a wide range of dietary preferences.
I love serving these avocado chicken lettuce cups for casual lunches, post-workout meals, or even as an appetizer at gatherings. They’re endlessly customizable and pack well for meal prep. If you’re looking for an easy way to enjoy chicken lettuce wraps that feel both indulgent and wholesome, this is the recipe for you.
One of the things that makes avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps so appealing is how they fit into so many lifestyles. Whether you’re following a keto diet, trying to reduce your carb intake, or simply looking for a lighter way to enjoy chicken salad, these wraps have you covered. And because they use simple, whole-food ingredients, you know exactly what you’re putting into your body.
I’ve also found that these wraps are a hit with family and friends. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time, and everyone can customize their own—adding extra veggies, herbs, or toppings to suit their tastes. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy a healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
What Makes It Irresistible
- Creamy avocado takes the place of mayo
- High protein, low carb, gluten free
- Quick to make—20 minutes or less
- Perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins
Best Served When
- Post-workout lunch with lean protein and healthy fats
- Low carb dinners or meal prep
- Healthy snack boards or light party fare
- On-the-go lunches that don’t weigh you down
- Warm weather meals when you want something cool and fresh
Pantry Rundown
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 head butter lettuce or romaine
- 1-2 limes, juiced
- ¼ red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 clove garlic (minced), chili flakes for heat
Ingredient Highlights:
- Avocado: Loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber—see The Nutrition Source.
- Chicken Breast: A lean, high-quality source of protein.
- Leafy Greens: Contribute fiber, vitamins A and K, and antioxidants.
How It’s Done
- Cook your chicken (if not using leftovers): Grill, poach, or roast as desired. Cool and shred.
- Mash avocados in a large bowl. Add lime juice, salt, pepper, and optional Greek yogurt and garlic. Mix well.
- Fold in shredded chicken, red onion, and cilantro. Mix gently to combine.
- Prepare lettuce cups: Wash and dry leaves.
- Assemble wraps: Spoon chicken avocado mixture into lettuce cups. Garnish with extra herbs, chili flakes, or lime wedges if desired.
- Serve immediately or store components separately for meal prep.
Derek’s Pro Tips
- Use just-ripe avocados—they should yield slightly to pressure but not be mushy.
- Poach chicken breasts in broth for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Season generously—don’t skimp on lime juice, salt, or herbs.
- Pack separately for meal prep—keep lettuce and salad separate until ready to eat.
- Add crunch with diced cucumber, celery, or radishes.
Make It Yours
- Spice it up: Add jalapeño or chili flakes for heat.
- Switch herbs: Use parsley, mint, or basil instead of cilantro.
- Boost protein: Add hard-boiled eggs or a sprinkle of hemp seeds.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or tahini.
- Serve on toast: For an open-faced sandwich variation.
Keep It Cozy
- Storage: Store chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Not necessary—serve cold.
- Meal prep: Keep lettuce leaves and chicken salad separate until ready to serve.
Morning Pairings 🍽️
Pair these lettuce wraps with:
- Slow Cooker Chipotle Brisket Sliders
- Grilled Peach and Burrata Arugula Salad
- Grilled Zucchini with Ricotta & Walnuts
Comfort Food Questions Answered
Mash avocado with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix with shredded chicken, onion, and herbs. Spoon into lettuce leaves and serve. These avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps come together in about 20 minutes and are perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
Yes! They’re high in protein, rich in healthy fats, low carb, and naturally gluten free—perfect for a low carb chicken lettuce wrap meal. Avocados provide heart-healthy fats and fiber, while chicken adds lean protein.
Butter lettuce and romaine work well. They’re sturdy enough to hold the filling and add a satisfying crunch. These greens also contribute important nutrients—check out USDA for more on the health benefits of leafy greens.
Absolutely. In these avocado chicken lettuce wraps, avocado replaces mayo for a creamy, wholesome dressing. It’s a great way to lighten up the dish while adding extra nutrition.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To minimize browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface. This makes the wraps a great option for meal prep chicken lettuce wraps.
Yes! These keto chicken salad lettuce wraps are low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, making them ideal for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle.
Yes—store the salad and lettuce separately for best results. Assemble wraps just before eating. This ensures that the lettuce stays crisp and the filling remains fresh.
Pat lettuce dry thoroughly and assemble wraps right before serving to maintain crispness. This helps keep your avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps light and refreshing.
Definitely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken makes this an even quicker easy chicken salad without mayo. It’s a great shortcut for busy weeknights or last-minute lunches.
Yes! They’re packed with lean protein and healthy fats and are naturally portion-controlled—ideal for light, satisfying meals. If you’re looking for avocado chicken lettuce wraps for weight loss, this recipe is a fantastic choice.
Of course! Diced cucumber, shredded carrots, bell peppers, or radishes all work well in avocado chicken lettuce cups. Adding extra veggies boosts both nutrition and crunch.
Cilantro is classic, but parsley, basil, or mint also pair beautifully with the creamy avocado and lean chicken in these healthy chicken salad lettuce wraps.
Each serving provides about 28 grams of protein, making these high protein chicken lettuce wraps a great option for muscle recovery and keeping you full.
Final Stir
These avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps are everything I want in a quick, healthy meal: bright, flavorful, and satisfying without feeling heavy. They come together fast, adapt easily to what I have on hand, and always hit the spot.
Whether you’re trying to eat low carb, boost your protein intake, or simply enjoy a fresh, delicious lunch, this recipe delivers. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve for casual gatherings, meal prep, or even a light dinner when the weather is warm.
Give these avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps a try—I have a feeling they’ll become a regular in your kitchen too.
“Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated—just fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a little creativity.“—Chef Derek
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✨ Creamy, high protein, and low carb—these easy avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps are perfect for meal prep, lunches, and light dinners!
