Samantha Some nights you just crave a meal that’s equal parts fresh, filling, and feel-good—without turning on the oven. That’s where these avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps come in. They’re a staple in my kitchen during warm-weather months and busy weeks when I want something light yet satisfying on the table fast.
This recipe combines creamy avocado with lean shredded chicken, bright herbs, and crisp lettuce leaves to create a low-carb, Paleo, and Whole30-friendly meal. If you’re a fan of chicken avocado salad, healthy chicken salad wraps, or low carb chicken salad lettuce wraps, you’re going to love this one. And yes, it all comes together in under 20 minutes—making it one of my favorite go-to weeknight meals.
I especially love that this dish is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a perfect option for guests with dietary restrictions. It’s packed with healthy fats from avocado, high-quality lean protein from shredded chicken, and tons of fresh flavor from herbs and lime juice. Plus, using crisp lettuce leaves instead of tortillas or wraps keeps the meal light and low in carbs—an easy win if you’re following a Whole30 reset or looking for a keto chicken avocado lettuce wraps option.
Whether you’re prepping for the week, looking for a light dinner idea, or just craving something refreshing and delicious, these avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps check all the boxes. Let’s dive in!
Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps (Paleo and Whole30-Friendly)
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie or poached
- 2 ripe avocados
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter lettuce romaine, or iceberg leaves for wrapping
- Optional: sliced cucumber radishes, or cherry tomatoes for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the avocados. Scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl and mash lightly with a fork—you want some texture left.
- Step 2: Add the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
- Step 3: Stir in the shredded chicken, chopped red onion, and fresh herbs. Toss everything together until coated with the creamy avocado dressing.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like a touch more acidity, add another squeeze of lime.
- Step 5: Lay out the lettuce leaves and spoon the avocado chicken salad mixture into each one. Top with optional sliced veggies for added color and crunch.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, or store the filling in an airtight container and assemble wraps just before eating.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
- Pick the Perfect Avocados: For the creamiest avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps, use perfectly ripe avocados—soft to the touch but not mushy. Overripe avocados can make the salad too watery. If your avocados are slightly underripe, let them sit in a paper bag with a banana for a day to speed up ripening.
- Use a Variety of Lettuces: While butter lettuce is a favorite for healthy chicken salad wraps, romaine or iceberg also work well if you want extra crunch. Mixing a few lettuce varieties makes your wraps more interesting in texture and appearance.
- Shred Chicken Finely: The key to easy filling for low carb chicken salad lettuce wraps is using finely shredded chicken. I love using rotisserie chicken because it’s flavorful and convenient. You can also quickly poach chicken breasts and shred them with two forks for a lighter flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Avocado: For the best creamy avocado chicken salad, mash the avocado until it’s creamy but still a little chunky. Overmixing will turn the salad into more of a puree, and you’ll lose that beautiful texture contrast in your wraps.
- Brighten with Citrus: Lime juice not only prevents the avocado from browning, but it also adds brightness that elevates the whole dish. For extra zip, add a splash of lemon juice too.
- Customize Your Chicken Avocado Salad Wrap Recipe: These wraps are so versatile! You can add crunchy veggies like cucumbers, shredded carrots, or radishes. Toss in fresh herbs like mint or dill for a refreshing twist. If you’re looking for keto chicken avocado lettuce wraps, add extra olive oil or sliced avocado for more healthy fats.
- Meal Prep Like a Pro: For easy chicken avocado salad lettuce wraps on busy weekdays, prep the filling ahead of time and store it with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning. Keep your lettuce leaves dry and crisp in a separate container lined with a paper towel. Assemble wraps right before serving for the best texture.
- Serve as a DIY Bar: Hosting a party or casual dinner? Set up a DIY lettuce wrap bar with your avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps filling, assorted lettuce leaves, sliced veggies, herbs, nuts, and hot sauces. Guests will love customizing their own wraps!
Recipe Overview
Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Lunch / Dinner / Main
Cuisine: American / Clean Eating
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: None
Cook Time: None (uses pre-cooked chicken)
Total Time: ~15 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
Calories: ~310
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fat: 19g
Sugar: 3g
Gluten-Free: Yes
Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber (Healthline). Paired with lean shredded chicken breast, this dish offers a high-protein, low-carb meal that supports blood sugar balance and sustained energy.
Budget Breakdown
Rotisserie chicken or shredded cooked chicken (2 cups): ~$5.00
Avocados (2 medium): ~$3.00
Lettuce (1 head butter lettuce or romaine): ~$2.50
Herbs, lime, garlic, olive oil: ~$2.00
Total Cost: ~$12.50
Cost Per Serving: ~$3.13
Get more smart tips on eating well on a budget at Healthline.
Behind the Recipe
My obsession with avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps started a few years ago when I was following a Whole30 reset. I missed creamy textures but didn’t want to rely on store-bought mayo. That’s when I started using ripe avocado as the base for my chicken salad—and let me tell you, it was a game changer.
What I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Over the years, it’s become a year-round favorite in my house. In the summer, I’ll often fold in fresh herbs and diced cucumber for added crunch. In the fall and winter, I’ll switch it up with sliced radishes or even finely chopped apples for a touch of sweetness. It’s a fantastic healthy chicken salad wrap that works with what you have on hand.
This recipe has also become my go-to when hosting friends with dietary restrictions. It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and fits beautifully into Paleo and Whole30 meal plans. Guests always rave about how flavorful and satisfying the wraps are—without any heavy sauces or complicated prep. It’s one of those simple, feel-good dishes that truly never gets old.
Why You’ll Love This
- No cooking required—perfect for hot days
- Paleo and Whole30-compliant
- Naturally low-carb and gluten-free
- High in protein and healthy fats
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Easily customizable to suit your tastes
Perfect For
- Quick Low-Carb Lunches
- Paleo or Whole30 Meal Prep
- Healthy Summer Dinners
- Gluten-Free Gatherings
- Make-Ahead Light Meals
(Tag opportunities: Low Carb Lunch, Healthy Side Dishes, Easy Lunch Ideas, Paleo-Friendly, Gluten-Free Sides)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg leaves for wrapping
- Optional: sliced cucumber, radishes, or cherry tomatoes for topping
Ingredient Highlights
Avocado: The creamy star of this dish, packed with potassium, fiber, and heart-healthy fats (WebMD).
Shredded Chicken: I often use rotisserie chicken for convenience, but poached or grilled chicken works beautifully too. Chicken breast is an excellent lean protein source, supporting muscle health and satiety (Nutritionix).
Lettuce Leaves: Choose crisp, sturdy leaves like butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg to hold the filling. They add crunch and keep the wraps light and refreshing.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the avocados. Scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl and mash lightly with a fork—you want some texture left.
Step 2: Add the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
Step 3: Stir in the shredded chicken, chopped red onion, and fresh herbs. Toss everything together until coated with the creamy avocado dressing.
Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like a touch more acidity, add another squeeze of lime.
Step 5: Lay out the lettuce leaves and spoon the avocado chicken salad mixture into each one. Top with optional sliced veggies for added color and crunch.
Step 6: Serve immediately, or store the filling in an airtight container and assemble wraps just before eating.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use ripe avocados that mash easily but aren’t overripe.
- If prepping ahead, store the salad with an extra squeeze of lime to prevent browning.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin.
- Keep lettuce leaves separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.
- Double the batch for easy grab-and-go lunches all week.
Easy Variations
- Herb Swap: Use basil, mint, or dill instead of cilantro or parsley.
- Add Crunch: Toss in chopped celery, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
- Creamy Boost: Mix in a spoonful of Whole30-compliant mayo or Greek yogurt.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
- Fruit Twist: Fold in diced mango or apple for a sweet-savory combo.
Storage & Reheat Tips
This avocado chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize browning.
Store the lettuce leaves separately and assemble wraps just before serving for optimal texture.
Make It a Meal
Pair your avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps with:
- Funeral Potatoes with Sour Cream – for a fun brunch plate
- Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers – for a light, protein-packed dinner spread
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes – for a hearty side to balance your wraps
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is naturally low carb! Using lettuce leaves instead of tortillas keeps it Paleo, Whole30, and perfect for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle.
Butter lettuce and romaine are my top picks—they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling and have a pleasant crunch.
I don’t recommend freezing it, as the avocado tends to brown and the texture changes. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within 1-2 days.
Stored properly in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface, it should stay fresh for up to 2 days.
That’s exactly what this recipe delivers! Using avocado in place of mayo creates a creamy texture without any dairy or processed oils.
Yes! This recipe contains no grains, dairy, added sugars, or processed ingredients—perfect for both Paleo and Whole30 eating.
Add extra shredded chicken or toss in some cooked bacon or hard-boiled eggs for a protein boost.
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken avocado salad in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble wraps right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
You can try adding diced cucumber, shredded carrots, or roasted red peppers for extra texture. Sprinkle in chopped nuts or seeds for added crunch.
Set up a DIY lettuce wrap bar! Serve the avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps filling in a large bowl with lettuce leaves and assorted toppings so everyone can build their own.
Prepare the chicken avocado salad filling ahead of time and store it separately from the lettuce leaves. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and keeps everything fresh.
Yes! Grilled chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor and works perfectly in this easy chicken avocado salad lettuce wraps recipe.
Final Thoughts
When I need a fast, nourishing meal that won’t weigh me down, avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps are always at the top of my list. They’re simple, versatile, and packed with the kind of flavors and textures that keep you coming back for more.
What I truly love about this recipe is that it fits so seamlessly into a variety of eating plans—whether you’re following a Paleo or Whole30 reset, eating low carb, or just trying to add more fresh veggies to your day. And it’s the kind of meal that satisfies without leaving you sluggish.
If you’ve never tried using avocado as the creamy base for your chicken salad, you’re in for a treat. The combo of creamy avocado, lean chicken, crunchy lettuce, and bright herbs is pure magic. Give it a try, customize it to your liking, and I’m confident this will become one of your new favorite easy chicken salad lettuce wraps too!
📌 Pin & Share the Love
Love these Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps? Pin it to your Low Carb Lunch or Paleo-Friendly Recipes board and tag us @readyprepmeals!
📌 Pin This Recipe: Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Creamy avocado meets lean shredded chicken and crisp lettuce leaves in these fresh, low-carb, Paleo, and Whole30-friendly wraps—ready in just 15 minutes!
