If you’re searching for a vibrant, satisfying lunch that’s as fresh as it is flavorful, these BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps absolutely deserve a spot in your regular rotation. Imagine all the irresistible flavors of the classic BLT—smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp greens—combined with tender chicken in a creamy, tangy dressing and nestled inside cool, hand-held lettuce leaves. Packed with protein yet light and refreshing, BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a delicious, gluten-free, and low-carb way to upgrade lunchtime with very little fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps couldn’t be easier, but each one truly plays an essential role. Simple components come together to create layers of taste, texture, and color in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Cooked chicken breast: Use chopped or shredded chicken for a hearty, protein-rich foundation. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully for convenience!
- Bacon: Crisp, crumbled bacon delivers savory, smoky depth—don’t skip it, because it’s what makes every bite feel like a BLT.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy, bright pop adds sweetness and brings the “T” to your BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your dressing; you can lighten it up with a Greek yogurt swap, but mayo keeps things deliciously classic.
- Dijon mustard: Adds zesty punch and just the right amount of sharpness to the dressing.
- Lemon juice: Lifts everything with a fresh, citrusy zing—don’t leave it out!
- Green onions: For a subtle bite and gentle onion flavor that complements rather than overpowers.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together and make them sing.
- Butter lettuce leaves: Mellow, tender, and sturdy enough for wrapping—other crunchy lettuces work too, but butter lettuce is especially lovely for this dish.
- Optional: avocado slices: Creamy avocado on top is always a great idea for extra richness and healthy fats.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Step 1: Combine the Chicken, Bacon, and Tomatoes
Start by adding your chopped or shredded cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes to a large mixing bowl. The trio forms the base of these BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps, combining savory, smoky, and sweet flavors in every bite. If your chicken is still warm, let it come to room temperature to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, chopped green onions, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. This tangy, zippy dressing is what ties the whole filling together, clinging to every chunk of chicken, bacon, and tomato. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking—it’s the flavor backbone of the wraps.
Step 3: Mix and Meld
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece is well-coated in that luscious sauce. To let the flavors marry and intensify, pop the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This little rest period makes all the difference for flavor and texture.
Step 4: Fill Your Lettuce Leaves
Lay your washed and dried butter lettuce leaves out on a platter or large cutting board. Spoon generous portions of the chilled chicken salad into the center of each leaf. If you adore a wedge of avocado, now’s the time to add a few slices on top.
Step 5: Wrap and Enjoy
Fold up the sides of the lettuce around the chicken salad filling and dig in immediately! Each bite delivers crunch, creaminess, and that signature BLT flavor you know and love—all without bread. BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are best enjoyed fresh for the ideal texture and taste.
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Garnishes
Dress up your BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps with extra sliced green onions, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a few microgreens for a restaurant-worthy finish. If you really want to elevate the freshness, a light squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving brightens every mouthful.
Side Dishes
These wraps are fantastic on their own, but they play well with others too. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with crisp veggie sticks, a simple cucumber salad, or a cup of chilled gazpacho. If you’re craving more crunch, a handful of baked sweet potato chips makes a tasty, colorful side.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps from casual lunch to entertaining with a bit of flair: Serve them arranged on a platter lined with lettuce cups for a party-ready look, or offer an array of add-ins—like shredded carrots, radishes, or diced bell peppers—so everyone can personalize their wraps. They’re also incredible layered into glass jars for picnic-ready BLT chicken salad parfaits!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buckling under a busy week? No problem. Make the chicken salad filling in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the lettuce leaves and any avocado separate until ready to serve to maintain maximum crunch and color.
Freezing
Although freezing works wonders for some recipes, BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps aren’t ideal candidates. The creamy dressing and fresh lettuce change texture once thawed, so stick to making only what you’ll enjoy within a few days for the best possible taste and texture.
Reheating
No reheating required here! These wraps are meant to be enjoyed cold, making them ultra convenient for meal prep and on-the-go lunches. If you crave a warm option, you can gently warm just the chicken before mixing with the rest of the ingredients, but let it cool before assembling into lettuce wraps.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a genius shortcut and makes this recipe even quicker. Just chop or shred the meat and you’re good to go—no extra cooking required.
Which lettuce is best for BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps?
Butter lettuce is our favorite for its soft texture and flexible leaves, but romaine hearts or iceberg leaves are solid choices for those who prefer extra crunch. The key is to choose sturdy leaves that can hold your delicious chicken salad without tearing.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes—just use your favorite dairy-free mayonnaise to make both the dressing and the base of the salad dairy-free. Everything else in BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps is naturally dairy-free!
How can I make the chicken salad lighter?
If you want to cut some calories or fat, swap half (or all) of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. You’ll still get great creaminess, but with a lighter touch.
Can I prep BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps for lunchboxes?
You bet! Just keep the chicken salad and lettuce leaves separate in your lunchbox and assemble when you’re ready to eat. This keeps the lettuce crisp and the whole wrap tasting fresh.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps, you’ll see how effortless and crave-worthy healthy eating can be. Whether it’s for a quick family lunch or your next meal prep session, this recipe is a winning combination of comfort, flavor, and freshness. Give it a go and enjoy every vibrant, satisfying bite!
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BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook (assembly only)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a fresh twist on the classic BLT sandwich with these BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps. Packed with protein and flavor, these low-carb wraps are perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- Butter lettuce leaves (about 8 large leaves)
- Optional: avocado slices for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble Wraps: To serve, spoon the chicken salad mixture into individual butter lettuce leaves. Top with avocado slices if desired. Fold the lettuce around the filling and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- You can also use romaine or iceberg lettuce if butter lettuce isn’t available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 lettuce wraps
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
