Fresh & Light Blt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

A Short Story About the Recipe

When the weather warms up, I find myself craving something light yet satisfying, and that’s exactly how these Fresh & Light BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps were born. I was looking for a way to enjoy all the flavors of a BLT without the heaviness of bread, so I turned to crisp lettuce leaves as the perfect vessel. The first time I made this recipe, I used leftover cooked chicken from the night before, tossed it with crunchy vegetables, a creamy dressing, and a bit of crispy turkey bacon for that classic BLT feel. It was love at first bite, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen during busy weekdays. These wraps are fresh, flavorful, and so easy to put together – I can make them for lunch or a light dinner in under 20 minutes.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this recipe because it delivers big flavors in a light, guilt-free way. The combination of tender chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and smoky turkey bacon creates the perfect bite every time. It’s a quick, no-fuss meal that doesn’t require turning on the oven, making it perfect for warmer days.

Versatile

These lettuce wraps are versatile enough to fit any mealtime. You can serve them as a quick lunch, an appetizer for gatherings, or even a light dinner paired with soup or roasted vegetables. You can also swap out the protein – shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or even canned chicken all work perfectly.

Affordable

This recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, like cooked chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and a few pantry staples for the dressing. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose leftover chicken and stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients for the Recipe

To make these Fresh & Light BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps, you will need:

• Cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)

• Crisp lettuce leaves (butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg work well)

• Cherry tomatoes (diced)

• Cooked turkey bacon (crumbled)

• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)

• Dijon mustard

• Fresh lemon juice

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• Optional mix-ins: diced avocado, shredded carrots, or chopped cucumbers for extra crunch

How to Prepare This Recipe

Making these Fresh & Light BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps is quick and easy, which makes them perfect for busy days. The key is to prepare the chicken salad first and then assemble everything just before serving. You can even prep the components ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge until ready to use.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Start with pre-cooked chicken. If you have leftover roasted or grilled chicken, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh chicken breasts, season them lightly with salt and pepper, cook them in a skillet or poach them until fully cooked, and allow them to cool before chopping.

Step 2: Cook the turkey bacon
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey bacon slices and cook until crisp, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. When cooled, crumble the turkey bacon into small pieces.

Step 3: Mix the dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with Dijon mustard and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Stir until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy base will coat the chicken and hold all the flavors together.

Step 4: Combine the salad mixture
Add the shredded chicken, diced cherry tomatoes, and crumbled turkey bacon to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well-coated. For extra crunch, you can fold in shredded carrots, chopped cucumbers, or diced avocado if desired.

Step 5: Prepare the lettuce leaves
Carefully separate the lettuce leaves and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry thoroughly using a paper towel. Dry leaves are important so the chicken salad stays crisp and fresh.

Step 6: Assemble the wraps
Lay out the lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon a generous portion of the chicken salad mixture into the center of each leaf. Fold or roll the lettuce around the filling to create a hand-held wrap.

Step 7: Serve immediately
Arrange the lettuce wraps on a plate and serve right away for the best texture and flavor. If serving at a gathering, keep the chicken salad mixture chilled and assemble wraps just before guests arrive to prevent soggy lettuce.

Quick and Easy

This recipe can be made in about 20 minutes, especially if you use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken. The dressing requires no special equipment, and the entire dish comes together in one bowl, keeping cleanup simple and quick.

Customizable

One of the best things about these lettuce wraps is how customizable they are. If you like a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dressing. For extra creaminess, mix in diced avocado. You can also switch up the greens – romaine gives a sturdy crunch, while butter lettuce offers a softer bite.

Popular with Many People

This dish is always a hit with friends and family because it feels fresh, healthy, and full of flavor. The classic BLT combination is loved by both kids and adults, and the lettuce wraps make them fun to eat. They’re naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and can easily be made dairy-free by using a dairy-free mayo, which means they work for many dietary preferences.

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FAQs

Can I make these lettuce wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep the lettuce leaves separate until just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.

What type of lettuce works best for wraps?
Butter lettuce is my favorite because it is soft, flexible, and easy to wrap. Romaine or iceberg lettuce also work well if you prefer a crunchier bite. Choose large, sturdy leaves that can hold the filling without tearing.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is a quick and affordable option. Just be sure to drain it well before mixing it with the dressing. This is a great shortcut when you need a meal in minutes.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply replace the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan mayo. The result will still be creamy and delicious.

What sides go well with lettuce wraps?
These wraps pair nicely with fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, or a light soup. They also make a great appetizer before a heartier main course.