Introduction
Sometimes, the simplest meals are the ones that make us feel the best. This Avocado Chicken Salad Wrap Delight is one of those dishes that just has it all—creamy, crunchy, fresh, and satisfying, all wrapped up in a perfectly soft tortilla. It’s the kind of meal that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner, and it works perfectly for meal prep if you’re trying to stay on top of healthy eating throughout the week.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed something that was both quick and nutritious but didn’t want to sacrifice flavor. I had leftover chicken from a roast I made the night before, and I thought, “Why not turn this into a fresh, vibrant chicken salad?” Adding creamy avocado to the mix was a game changer. The richness of the avocado, combined with the crunchy vegetables and tender chicken, just works so beautifully together.
This recipe has become a staple in my household. It’s super customizable too—sometimes I throw in a handful of greens, or maybe a few slices of crispy bacon for an extra touch of indulgence. But no matter how you make it, these wraps are always a hit. It’s also perfect for hot days when you don’t feel like turning on the stove. Grab your ingredients, whip it all together, and you’ve got yourself a light but hearty meal in just 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me break down exactly why this Avocado Chicken Salad Wrap Delight is an absolute must-try:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious but don’t have the time for complicated cooking.
- Packed with Flavor: The creamy avocado, combined with tangy Greek yogurt and zesty lemon, creates a dressing that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The crunch from the celery and red onion brings a nice texture contrast, while the seasoned chicken makes each bite flavorful and filling.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This chicken salad is packed with protein and healthy fats from the chicken and avocado, making it an ideal option for a balanced meal. The yogurt adds creaminess without the heaviness of mayo, keeping it light but still satisfying.
- Customizable: This recipe is a great base for personalizing to your tastes. You can add any veggies you like, toss in some nuts for crunch, or even swap the chicken for turkey or a vegetarian protein like chickpeas.
The combination of creamy avocado, seasoned chicken, and crunchy vegetables all wrapped in a soft tortilla makes this wrap the ultimate meal. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for lunch, a quick dinner, or even a picnic in the park.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 20 minutes (10 minutes prep, 10 minutes assembly)
- Servings: This recipe makes about 4 wraps, perfect for feeding a small family or for meal prepping for a couple of days.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create the creamy, flavorful filling for your wraps:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced): I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can cook your own chicken breasts if you prefer.
- 1 ripe avocado: This adds the perfect creamy texture and a healthy dose of healthy fats.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat or full-fat): For creaminess without the heavy mayo. It’s lighter and adds a subtle tang.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: For a bit of zest and sharpness that balances the richness of the avocado.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the salad a bright, refreshing finish.
- 1/4 cup celery (chopped): For a crunchy bite that adds texture to the salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped): Adds a bit of sweetness and crunch.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): To bring all the flavors together.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft and perfect for wrapping up all that delicious goodness.
For extra flavor or texture, you can also add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or even a dash of smoked paprika for some warmth. You can also experiment with adding extra veggies, like cucumber, bell pepper, or leafy greens like spinach.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to assemble your Avocado Chicken Salad Wrap Delight:
- Prepare Your Chicken: If you’re using leftover chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking it fresh, grill or roast your chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or chop them into pieces. This recipe works best with about 2 cups of cooked chicken.
- Mash the Avocado: Slice the ripe avocado in half and remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash it with a fork until it’s creamy but still slightly chunky—this adds a nice texture to the chicken salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This will serve as the creamy dressing for your chicken salad.
- Combine Chicken and Veggies: Add the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, chopped celery, and red onion into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Don’t overmix—you want to keep the avocado a little chunky for texture.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay your tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon the chicken salad mixture onto the center of each tortilla, leaving space on the sides for folding. You can add extra veggies or greens at this stage if you like.
- Wrap It Up: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then carefully roll it up from the bottom, tucking in the filling as you go. Make sure the wrap is tight but not overly packed.
- Serve: Slice the wrap in half at a diagonal and serve immediately. If you’re meal prepping, wrap each one in parchment paper or foil and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Cooking Tips:
- If you want a bit of extra flavor, you can toast the tortillas on a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side to give them a slight crispness.
- For a quicker option, swap the homemade dressing for store-bought dressing, but I highly recommend making the homemade version—it’s so much more flavorful!
How to Serve
These wraps are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- Side Salad: Serve your wrap with a simple side salad—try arugula with a light lemon vinaigrette, or a cucumber and tomato salad with olive oil and fresh herbs.
- Chips or Fries: Serve with some crispy sweet potato fries or tortilla chips for a fun and crunchy side.
- Add Cheese: For an extra indulgent option, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before wrapping the tortilla. A little cheddar or Monterey Jack works great.
- Drinks: Pair with a cold, refreshing iced tea or a sparkling water with lime for a light, crisp drink to balance out the richness of the wrap.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to ensure your Avocado Chicken Salad Wrap Delight turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Ripe Avocados: When making this recipe, it’s crucial to use a ripe avocado. If the avocado is too firm, it won’t mash well and will be harder to incorporate into the salad.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the chicken, avocado, and dressing, don’t overmix it. You want to keep the avocado chunks intact to add texture to the salad.
- Customize Your Wrap: Don’t be afraid to play with the ingredients. Add your favorite veggies, nuts (like slivered almonds for crunch), or even dried fruit (raisins or cranberries) for a twist.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prep. Simply make the chicken salad mixture and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the wraps with fresh tortillas.
- Wraps Too Loose?: If you’re having trouble keeping the wraps tight, try wrapping them in parchment paper or foil to help them stay together until you’re ready to eat.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch it up a bit? Here are some variations you can try with this recipe:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can mash the chickpeas or dice the tofu to mimic the texture of the chicken, and it still works beautifully with the creamy avocado dressing.
- Spicy Version: If you like a little heat, add a few slices of jalapeños to the chicken salad, or mix in a teaspoon of sriracha into the dressing. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick.
- Bacon Lover’s Wrap: For an indulgent twist, add a few crispy bacon strips to the wrap. The smoky, salty bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado and tangy dressing.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb version, you can swap the tortillas for large lettuce leaves, like romaine or butter lettuce, for a fresh and crisp wrap.
FAQ: Avocado Chicken Salad Wrap Delight
1. Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
Yes, using leftover chicken is one of the best ways to make this recipe quick and easy. Rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and you’re good to go!
2. Can I make this wrap gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the regular flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas. There are many great options available at most grocery stores, so you can enjoy this wrap without the gluten.
3. How can I store the chicken salad mixture for meal prep?
You can store the chicken salad mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to wrap the tortillas separately and assemble the wraps when you’re ready to eat. This helps keep the wraps from getting soggy.
4. Can I use mayo instead of Greek yogurt?
While Greek yogurt gives this recipe a lighter, tangy flavor, you can use mayonnaise if you prefer. If you want a more balanced flavor, you could also try a mix of both mayo and Greek yogurt. This will give you the creamy texture of mayo with the tanginess of yogurt.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or even roasted vegetables. Simply mash the chickpeas and mix them with the avocado and dressing, or crumble the tofu for a similar texture.
PrintAvocado Chicken Salad Wrap Delight
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create the creamy, flavorful filling for your wraps:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced): I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can cook your own chicken breasts if you prefer.
- 1 ripe avocado: This adds the perfect creamy texture and a healthy dose of healthy fats.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat or full-fat): For creaminess without the heavy mayo. It’s lighter and adds a subtle tang.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: For a bit of zest and sharpness that balances the richness of the avocado.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the salad a bright, refreshing finish.
- 1/4 cup celery (chopped): For a crunchy bite that adds texture to the salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped): Adds a bit of sweetness and crunch.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): To bring all the flavors together.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft and perfect for wrapping up all that delicious goodness.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to assemble your Avocado Chicken Salad Wrap Delight:
- Prepare Your Chicken: If you’re using leftover chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking it fresh, grill or roast your chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or chop them into pieces. This recipe works best with about 2 cups of cooked chicken.
- Mash the Avocado: Slice the ripe avocado in half and remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash it with a fork until it’s creamy but still slightly chunky—this adds a nice texture to the chicken salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This will serve as the creamy dressing for your chicken salad.
- Combine Chicken and Veggies: Add the shredded chicken, mashed avocado, chopped celery, and red onion into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Don’t overmix—you want to keep the avocado a little chunky for texture.
- Assemble the Wraps: Lay your tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon the chicken salad mixture onto the center of each tortilla, leaving space on the sides for folding. You can add extra veggies or greens at this stage if you like.
- Wrap It Up: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then carefully roll it up from the bottom, tucking in the filling as you go. Make sure the wrap is tight but not overly packed.
- Serve: Slice the wrap in half at a diagonal and serve immediately. If you’re meal prepping, wrap each one in parchment paper or foil and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
Conclusion
This Avocado Chicken Salad Wrap Delight is one of those recipes that always hits the mark. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a healthy meal prep option, these wraps are a perfect choice. The creamy avocado, tangy Greek yogurt, and flavorful chicken come together in a way that’s both satisfying and refreshing. And with endless possibilities for customization, you can make it your own every time.
So go ahead—whip up these wraps the next time you need something simple but delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!