If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors, a satisfying crunch, and that perfect balance of savory and tangy, then you absolutely have to try this BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe. This dish takes the classic BLT sandwich up a notch by combining juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and crisp lettuce leaves to create a light yet hearty meal option that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a healthy dinner, these wraps deliver every time with their wonderful textures and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is your first step to making these BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe shine. Each ingredient is simple and readily available, yet every one plays a crucial role, from adding creamy tang to providing a crisp bite and vibrant color. These essentials come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced): This is the hearty base giving the wraps substantial protein and tenderness.
- 6 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled): Adds smoky, savory crunch that’s essential for that classic BLT flavor.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Brings juicy sweetness and vibrant color to your salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped): Provides a sharp, zesty bite that balances the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt): The creamy binder that ties everything together — Greek yogurt lightens it up beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Offers a fresh burst of acidity to brighten the salad.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s flavor.
- 1 head butter or romaine lettuce (leaves separated and rinsed): Crisp, sturdy leaves form the perfect low-carb wrap to hold all the delicious fillings.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by tossing together your cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion in a large bowl. This combination is where your dish’s signature flavors begin to meld, building a base that’s fresh, smoky, and colorful.
Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is the magic that brings all the contrasting textures together, creating a creamy coating that’s tangy and luscious without overpowering.
Step 3: Mix Salad and Dress
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently but thoroughly. Make sure each bite is coated with that perfect balance of creaminess and zing, ensuring even flavor throughout.
Step 4: Prepare Your Lettuce Wraps
Carefully spoon a generous amount of the BLT chicken salad into each lettuce leaf. The leafy cups not only make for a fun and handheld meal but also add a refreshing crunch that complements the filling beautifully.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
These wraps are delicious served immediately for that crisp freshness. However, if you want to enhance flavors and chill out before serving, refrigerate the salad mixture for 30 minutes before assembling, which intensifies the taste and adds a chilled delight to each bite.
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of green and subtle herbal brightness. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a few thin avocado slices can also add extra richness and visual appeal, making your meal look as fabulous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair your wraps with crisp cucumber slices, a tangy coleslaw, or some crunchy carrot sticks to keep the meal light and refreshing. If you want something heartier, a bowl of homemade soup or a side of roasted sweet potatoes can round out the meal perfectly without overwhelming those vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present your BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe as finger foods at your next gathering by placing small portions in mini lettuce cups on a platter with cocktail picks. You can also build a DIY station with extra toppings like diced celery, shredded cheese, or hot sauce for guests to customize their wraps. The colorful presentation will make your dish steal the show every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover chicken salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to avoid sogginess, and assemble the wraps fresh when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Freezing
Since the salad contains mayonnaise or yogurt and fresh vegetables, freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and flavor. Instead, freeze any leftover cooked chicken and bacon separately if you want to save components for future meals.
Reheating
This BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe is best served cold or at room temperature to maintain that fresh texture and flavor. If reheating chicken, do so gently on the stove or microwave, but do not reheat the assembled wraps to avoid limp lettuce and mishandled dressing.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that adds creaminess with less fat and adds a slight tang that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
What type of lettuce works best for the wraps?
Butter lettuce and romaine are excellent choices because their leaves are sturdy enough to hold the filling while still being tender and easy to fold.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and chicken, and add extra veggies like diced avocado, roasted chickpeas, or tofu. For a vegan version, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh and use vegan mayo or cashew cream for the dressing.
How can I add more crunch to this salad?
For extra crunch, try adding diced celery, shredded iceberg lettuce, or toasted nuts like pecans or almonds to your salad mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes! This BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein, making it perfect for keto or low-carb eating plans.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite go-to for easy meals that feel fresh, indulgent, and satisfying all at once. The vibrant ingredients, simple preparation, and that unbeatable combination of smoky bacon and tender chicken wrapped in crisp lettuce make this dish a real winner. So grab those ingredients, gather a few friends, and enjoy the bright, tasty goodness of these wraps today!
Print
BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if bacon and chicken are pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 lettuce wraps)
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are a fresh, flavorful, and low-carb option perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. Combining tender cooked chicken, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing, all wrapped in crisp butter or romaine lettuce leaves, this recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic BLT salad with easy preparation and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 6 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Wraps
- 1 head butter or romaine lettuce (leaves separated and rinsed)
Instructions
- Combine chicken and vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion until well combined.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Mix salad with dressing: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, then stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Assemble lettuce wraps: Spoon the dressed chicken salad mixture into individual lettuce leaves, forming wraps. Serve these immediately for the freshest taste or chill the salad mixture beforehand for extra crispness.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add diced celery or shredded lettuce into the chicken salad mixture.
- These wraps make a fantastic low-carb lunch or a light summer dinner option.
- Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise can lower the fat content and add a tangy flavor.
- Ensure lettuce leaves are thoroughly rinsed and well dried for best wrap handling.
