Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe

Get ready to meet your new go-to lunch: Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps. These light, fresh, and flavor-packed wraps combine juicy chicken, zesty pesto, sweet green peas, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, then tuck all that goodness into crisp lettuce leaves. Bursting with color and taste, this dish is a breeze to assemble and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re after a showstopping picnic dish, a healthy packed lunch, or a quick family dinner, Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are guaranteed to leave a smile on everyone’s face.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create the magic of Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps. Each one brings its own unique splash of flavor, texture, or vibrancy, so don’t skip a thing! Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Green baby peas: These little pops of sweetness add freshness and beautiful color to every wrap.
• Cooked chicken: Use diced or shredded for toothsome protein that absorbs the pesto flavor perfectly. Rotisserie chicken is a speedy shortcut!
• Homemade pesto sauce: The star of the show, bringing herby brightness and an irresistible punch of flavor—homemade truly makes a difference.
• Plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened coconut yogurt: Creamy, tangy, and helps pull all the filling together while keeping it light.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped and ready to add bold, concentrated tomato flavor with just the right chew.
• Sea salt and ground pepper: Season to taste and coax out every flavor in the salad.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, but oh-so-good if you want a little heat to dance on your tongue.
• Lettuce leaves (your choice): Butter, Boston bib, Romaine, red or green leaf, collard, iceberg, or even cabbage—pick the leaf that sounds best to you; they’re the crunchy, refreshing wrap that holds it all.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prep the Peas

If you’re using frozen baby peas, just place them in a colander and run them under hot water for about a minute—this thaws them while keeping their sweet crispness. Let them drain completely so you aren’t adding extra water to the salad.

Step 2: Ready the Chicken

While the peas are draining, grab your cooked chicken and chop or shred it into bite-sized bits. This is the base that soaks up every bit of that herby pesto flavor, so make sure the pieces are even for the best texture in your Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

In a large bowl, combine your prepared chicken, thawed peas, homemade pesto, yogurt, and those jewel-like sun-dried tomatoes. Stir gently to coat everything evenly—you want each bite to have a little bit of everything.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Time to make it just right! Sprinkle in sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper. If you love a touch of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Give it a gentle toss and taste to adjust any seasonings.

Step 5: Build the Wraps

Lay out your lettuce leaves—doubling them up creates a perfect sturdy “boat” for your filling. Spoon your glorious pesto chicken salad into each leaf. Finish with another sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling bold, and voilà—your Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are ready to devour!

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil, a few pine nuts for crunch, or extra sun-dried tomatoes. A squeeze of fresh lemon will brighten everything up—even a little grated Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent never hurts!

Side Dishes

These wraps love a fresh fruit salad or a bowl of crisp veggie chips on the side. If you’re after something more filling, a simple quinoa or pearl couscous salad complements the herby flavors of the Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the wraps on a platter, nestling them close for a pretty, abundant look. For parties, cut them in half and arrange in a spiral. Or serve the chicken salad buffet-style, letting everyone build their own wrap! With Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps, presentation is as fun as making them.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the lettuce leaves separately to keep them crisp and fresh, then assemble your Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps just before eating.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked chicken on its own, freezing the full salad mix isn’t ideal—yogurt and pesto may separate, and peas lose their pleasant texture. For best flavor and texture, enjoy freshly made or refrigerated for quick next-day lunches.

Reheating

This is a dish best served cold or at room temperature—no reheating required. Just give the salad a quick stir if it’s been in the fridge, load up your lettuce leaves, and you’re ready to go.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto gives the brightest, freshest flavor, a good-quality store-bought version works well when you’re short on time. Just check the ingredient list for real basil, pine nuts, and olive oil for best results.

What’s the best lettuce for Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps?

Butter lettuce and Boston bib are soft and cup-shaped, making them perfect for wraps, but Romaine’s crunch or even sturdy collard greens or cabbage delivers their own twist. Use what you love—just be sure to double-up thin leaves for support.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply use unsweetened coconut yogurt and be sure your pesto doesn’t include Parmesan, or substitute with a dairy-free pesto. The result is every bit as creamy and flavorful as the classic version!

Can I make the salad filling ahead of time?

Definitely! Mix up the chicken salad up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. For the freshest bite, keep lettuce leaves separate and assemble your wraps right before serving.

How can I make this vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for chickpeas, cannellini beans, or roasted cauliflower for an easy, delicious vegetarian take on Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps. The rest of the flavors stay perfectly on point.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to jazz up your lunch routine or want to wow friends at your next gathering, give Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps a try! They’re satisfying, super refreshing, and make healthy eating irresistibly fun. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with these vibrant little bundles—happy wrapping!

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