Looking for something light yet filling, simple yet packed with flavor? These Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps check every box. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or need a fresh dinner idea, this recipe is creamy, crunchy, and customizable. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a protein-packed, low-carb meal that’s as easy to assemble as it is to devour. Let’s dive into why you’re going to make this on repeat.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Fresh Twist on a Classic Chicken Salad
It all started one summer afternoon when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and a crisper drawer full of celery and grapes. I needed something quick—something that didn’t require turning on the oven. That’s when these chicken salad lettuce wraps came to life. My kids were hesitant at first (lettuce in place of bread?), but one bite of the creamy chicken, juicy grapes, and almond crunch won them over. Now, it’s on our lunch rotation every week.
There’s just something satisfying about scooping chicken salad into crisp romaine leaves. It’s handheld, mess-free, and endlessly refreshing—especially when the weather’s warm and appetites are lighter. And the best part? You don’t need to sacrifice flavor for simplicity.
What Makes Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps So Special
Let’s talk texture. These wraps combine creamy mayo-dressed chicken with crunchy celery and sliced almonds, juicy grapes, and crisp romaine leaves. Every bite delivers a perfect mix of flavors—savory, sweet, nutty, and tangy.
They’re also a smart choice for healthy eating. With lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and low carbs, chicken salad lettuce wraps are a balanced meal without the heaviness of bread or wraps. They store well, travel well, and serve beautifully for lunch boxes, brunch trays, or casual dinners.
If you enjoy flavor-packed ideas like the Chicken Salad with Grapes & Pecans or the refreshing Peach Basil Chicken Salad, these lettuce wraps are the perfect way to keep lunch exciting and guilt-free.
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Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps – Crisp, Creamy & Quick to Make
These Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are light, crisp, and loaded with creamy chicken salad, grapes, celery, and almonds. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps 1x
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup grapes, halved
3 celery stalks (with leaves), diced
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Romaine lettuce leaves
Instructions
1. Add the chicken to a large bowl.
2. Mix in grapes, celery, and almonds.
3. Add mayonnaise and stir until well combined.
4. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste.
5. Scoop chicken salad into romaine leaves to form wraps.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Notes
Use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Toast almonds before adding for extra flavor.
Store filling separately from lettuce for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients That Build Bold Flavor
Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor
What makes chicken salad lettuce wraps such a winner? It’s all in the ingredients. This recipe takes pantry staples and turns them into a lunch you’ll actually crave. Start with shredded cooked chicken—rotisserie or poached both work. Mayonnaise adds creaminess and binds everything together. Then you’ll add halved red grapes for a juicy burst of sweetness, finely diced celery for crunch, and sliced almonds for richness and texture.
A touch of salt and pepper is all you need to bring balance. And instead of bread, you’ll scoop the salad into crisp romaine lettuce leaves for a satisfying crunch that keeps things light and low-carb.
If you love minimal ingredient meals, you’ll also enjoy the 5 Ingredient Chicken Salad—it’s a simplified version of this dish with the same bold flavor punch.
Smart Substitutions and Add-Ons
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Want to lighten it up? Swap in Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayo. Don’t have grapes? Diced apples or dried cranberries work well too. For nuts, pecans or chopped walnuts are great alternatives to almonds.
As for lettuce, romaine gives you boat-like structure, but butter lettuce is soft and great for bite-size wraps. To elevate the flavor, try mixing in a little Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Need more inspiration? Try the Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad for a fruitier twist, or the Air Fryer Chicken Salad for a quick-prep variation that delivers crunch and flavor.
How to Make Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps (Step-by-Step)
Easy Prep in Under 15 Minutes
Making chicken salad lettuce wraps couldn’t be easier, and the results are always satisfying. Start by adding your cooked, shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl. You can use any kind—leftover grilled, roasted, or store-bought rotisserie all work beautifully. Next, add your halved grapes, diced celery (don’t skip the leaves—they pack flavor!), and sliced almonds.
Scoop in the mayonnaise and mix everything until it’s evenly coated. Sprinkle in the salt and freshly ground pepper, and give it one last gentle stir.
To assemble, simply scoop the chicken salad into crisp romaine lettuce leaves. Each leaf acts as a crunchy, edible cup that holds everything in. And just like that, you have lunch or dinner ready to go—no stove, no oven, no fuss.
Love recipes that come together fast? You’ll also want to try the Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Wrap Copycat for another speedy, protein-rich option.
Tips for the Perfect Wrap Every Time
Here are a few pro tips to make sure your chicken salad lettuce wraps come out restaurant-quality:
- Dry your lettuce completely. Any leftover water will make your wraps soggy.
- Chop celery small so it blends seamlessly with the salad and doesn’t overpower each bite.
- Toast your almonds in a dry pan for a few minutes to intensify their flavor.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving for a more cohesive and refreshing bite.
If you’re prepping ahead, store the chicken salad separately from the lettuce to keep the leaves crisp. For meal prep days, pair it with the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad to give yourself variety throughout the week.
Variations, Serving Ideas & Pairings
Variations for Any Diet or Craving
The beauty of chicken salad lettuce wraps is how easy they are to adapt. Want something spicier? Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or even a spoonful of buffalo sauce for kick. Looking for a sweeter twist? Mix in chopped apples or dried cranberries.
For a dairy-free version, sub the mayo with an egg-free or avocado-based spread. Craving crunch? Swap almonds with pecans or walnuts—or skip the nuts if needed for allergies. And if you’re going low-fat, Greek yogurt makes an excellent creamy substitute without sacrificing flavor.
For a fruity, herbaceous upgrade, try something like the Peach Basil Chicken Salad or experiment with the flavors found in the Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad, both of which blend beautifully with a lettuce wrap format.
What to Serve with Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
These wraps are satisfying on their own, but they also pair well with plenty of light sides. A fresh fruit salad, cucumber spears, or a handful of mixed nuts all complement the meal without overpowering it.
If you’re packing lunch or prepping for a gathering, consider adding small portions of Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad to offer variety on a platter. Another great combo? Serve wraps with a side of 5 Ingredient Chicken Salad for a family-style mix-and-match meal.
To drink, lemon water, iced green tea, or sparkling water with lime keep things bright and refreshing. However you serve them, these wraps shine as a centerpiece of any light and nourishing meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes on a chicken lettuce wrap?
Classic chicken lettuce wraps include shredded cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, halved grapes, and crunchy almonds. You can also add herbs, spices, or a touch of mustard for flavor. Serve it in crisp lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce.
Are chicken lettuce wraps healthy to eat?
Yes, chicken salad lettuce wraps are a healthy option. They’re high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with nutrients from celery, grapes, and lettuce. You can make them even lighter by substituting Greek yogurt for mayo or adjusting portion sizes.
Which lettuce is used in chicken salad?
Romaine lettuce is most commonly used because it’s sturdy and boat-shaped, making it perfect for holding the salad. Butter lettuce and iceberg also work well for smaller or more delicate wraps.
How many calories are in chicken salad lettuce wraps?
Calorie counts vary by ingredients, but one wrap made with mayonnaise-based chicken salad and romaine usually ranges from 180 to 250 calories. You can reduce this by using less mayo or swapping in low-fat Greek yogurt.
Conclusion
Whether you’re packing a lunch, prepping for guests, or just craving a light but flavorful meal, chicken salad lettuce wraps are a fresh, versatile, and healthy go-to. They’re quick to assemble, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you love this kind of quick, wholesome cooking, be sure to explore the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad or Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Wrap Copycat for more light and flavorful options.
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