Name: Chunky Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 T. real mayonnaise; 2 T. Greek yogurt; 2 t. Dijon mustard; 1 T. red wine vinegar; 1 t. garlic powder; 2 t. dried oregano; salt and pepper, to taste; 12 oz. rotisserie chicken breast, chuck into equal size cubes; 3 stalks celery, chopped; 3/4 c. pecans, roughly chopped; 15 red grapes, washed and cut in half; 3 T. fresh parsley, washed, stems removed and finely chopped; 2 green onions, finely sliced, green part only; 4-6 large Romaine lettuce leaves; salt and pepper to taste; chopped fresh parsley; Sliced green onions

Craving a light yet satisfying meal? Look no further than these Chunky Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps! This refreshing dish combines the rich flavors of rotisserie chicken with the crunch of celery and pecans, all brought together by a creamy, tangy dressing.

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Perfect for warm summer days or as a quick lunch option, these lettuce wraps offer a delightful twist on the classic chicken salad. The combination of juicy grapes and savory chicken creates a balance of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Using rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Refreshing: The crisp lettuce leaves provide a light alternative to bread.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the chicken salad in advance for easy meals throughout the week.

Ingredients

Mayonnaise: A tablespoon of real mayonnaise adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. Choose a high-quality mayo for the best flavor.
Greek yogurt: Two tablespoons of Greek yogurt provide a tangy taste and creamy texture while keeping the dressing lighter than using all mayonnaise.
Dijon mustard: Two teaspoons of Dijon mustard add a sharp, sophisticated flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
Red wine vinegar: A tablespoon of red wine vinegar brings a bright acidity to balance the creamy elements of the dressing.
Garlic powder: One teaspoon of garlic powder infuses the dressing with a savory depth of flavor.
Dried oregano: Two teaspoons of dried oregano add an earthy, Mediterranean touch to the dish.
Rotisserie chicken breast: Twelve ounces of chunked rotisserie chicken breast form the hearty base of this salad, offering convenience and flavor.
Celery: Three chopped stalks of celery provide a refreshing crunch and subtle peppery flavor.
Pecans: Three-quarters of a cup of roughly chopped pecans add a delightful nuttiness and textural contrast.
Red grapes: Fifteen halved red grapes bring a burst of sweetness and juiciness to each bite.
Fresh parsley: Three tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley contribute a fresh, herbaceous note.
Green onions: Two finely sliced green onions (green part only) offer a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
Romaine lettuce leaves: Four to six large Romaine lettuce leaves serve as the crisp, low-carb wraps for the chicken salad.

Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!

Substitutions and Additions

Greek yogurt: For a dairy-free option, substitute with dairy-free yogurt or additional mayonnaise.
Pecans: Swap with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor profile.
Red grapes: Try diced apples or dried cranberries for a different fruity twist.
Rotisserie chicken: Use canned chicken or leftover grilled chicken breast if rotisserie isn’t available.
Addition – Avocado: Add diced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Addition – Bacon: Crumbled bacon can add a smoky, savory element to the salad.

Instructions

Prepare the dressing by combining mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, and oregano in a small bowl.
Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
In a larger bowl, mix chicken breast, celery, pecans, grapes, parsley, and green onion.
Add the prepared dressing to the chicken mixture and gently combine.
Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes or overnight to meld flavors.
Serve the chicken salad in Romaine lettuce leaves, garnishing with additional parsley or green onions if desired.

Recipe Tips

For the best flavor, allow the chicken salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Chop the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces for a consistent texture in every bite.
Pat the lettuce leaves dry after washing to prevent the chicken salad from becoming watery.
If preparing in advance, add the pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as chilling can mute flavors.

Serving Suggestions

These Chunky Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are delicious on their own, but you can elevate your meal with these pairings:

Serve with a side of fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing meal.
Pair with a cup of chilled gazpacho soup for a complete summer lunch.
Offer a variety of lettuce types, such as Boston Bibb and butter lettuce, for guests to choose their preferred wrap.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad.

Storage & Reheating

To store: The chicken salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce leaves should be stored separately to maintain their crispness.

To freeze: This recipe is not suitable for freezing as the mayonnaise and yogurt may separate upon thawing, and the vegetables will lose their crunch.

Reheating: This dish is best served cold. If the chicken salad has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off and allow the flavors to come through.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad up to a day in advance. The flavors will actually improve as they meld together in the refrigerator.

How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

Use light mayonnaise and non-fat Greek yogurt. You can also reduce the amount of pecans or substitute them with a lower-calorie option like sliced water chestnuts for crunch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. However, if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, always check the individual ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Canned chicken can be a convenient alternative. Just be sure to drain it well and flake it before using.

How long can I keep the assembled lettuce wraps?

For the best texture and freshness, assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving. If you need to prepare them in advance, keep the chicken salad and lettuce leaves separate until ready to serve.

Yield: 4 portions