BLTA Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: By replacing bread with lettuce leaves, these wraps are lower in carbohydrates while still delivering a hearty and flavorful meal.

• Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation, you can have a delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes.

• Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a party appetizer.

• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Plain fat-free Greek yogurt

• Mayonnaise

• Fresh lemon juice

• Green onions

• Fresh parsley

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Cooked and chilled chicken breast

• Cooked beef

• Grape tomatoes

• Diced celery

• Medium avocado

• Romaine lettuce leaves

Directions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, sliced green onions, and minced parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

2. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add diced chicken breast, chopped beef, halved grape tomatoes, and diced celery. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.

3. Add Avocado: Gently fold in diced avocado, taking care not to mash the pieces.

4. Serve: Spoon the chicken salad onto individual romaine lettuce leaves and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

• Preparation Time: About 20 minutes.

• Total Time: Approximately 20 minutes.

Variations

• Lighten It Up: Use light mayonnaise or reduce the amount of avocado and beef to lower the fat content.

• Make It a Sandwich: For a heartier option, serve the chicken salad between slices of your favorite bread or in a croissant.

• Add Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for added texture.

• Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: This dish is best enjoyed cold. If you've stored the components separately, ensure the beef is reheated and crisped up before adding it to the salad.

FAQs

What does BLTA stand for?

BLTA stands for Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Avocado.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the avocado and assemble the lettuce wraps just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

What type of lettuce is best for these wraps?

Romaine lettuce leaves are recommended due to their sturdy structure and crisp texture, which hold the filling well.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While chicken is traditional in this recipe, you can substitute it with turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative in place of Greek yogurt and ensure that all other ingredients are dairy-free.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all individual ingredients are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to the chicken salad?

Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or cucumbers for additional flavor and crunch.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

To prevent avocado from browning, add it just before serving. The lemon juice in the dressing also helps slow down the oxidation process.

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

While fresh, cooked chicken breast is recommended for optimal flavor and texture, canned chicken can be used in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well before using.

How can I add more protein to this dish?

To increase the protein content, consider adding more chicken or incorporating other protein-rich ingredients like hard-boiled eggs or quinoa.

Conclusion

BLTA Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps offer a delightful combination of classic flavors in a light and healthy format. Easy to prepare and versatile, they make for a perfect meal that's both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a simple dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.