Go Back
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped - 1 head of romaine or butter lettuce - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon honey - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Finely chopped celery - Diced apple This recipe starts with a simple yet tasty mix of chicken, cranberries, and walnuts. I love using cooked chicken breast as it keeps the dish lean and packed with protein. You can shred it easily, and it blends well with the sweet and tart cranberries. Dried cranberries add a burst of flavor. Their sweetness contrasts nicely with the walnuts' crunch. I chop the walnuts to make them easier to eat in the salad. For the dressing, I choose plain Greek yogurt for creaminess. It adds protein and keeps the dish light. Mayonnaise adds richness, while Dijon mustard gives a bit of zing. Honey balances the flavors, and spices like salt, pepper, and garlic powder round out the taste. For extra crunch, I often add finely chopped celery or diced apple. These are not required but can enhance the salad's texture. Finally, you will need a head of romaine or butter lettuce. These leaves serve as the perfect wrap for the chicken salad, making each bite refreshing. {{ingredient_image_2}} - In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1/3 cup chopped walnuts. - In a separate bowl, mix 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. - Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken mixture. Stir gently to coat all ingredients well. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add chopped celery or diced apple for extra crunch. - Lay out the leaves of romaine or butter lettuce on a serving platter. - Spoon the chicken salad mixture onto the center of each leaf. - Carefully fold each lettuce leaf around the filling to create a wrap. Serve these wraps right away. - Garnish the wraps with extra walnuts and dried cranberries for a nice touch. - Serve with lemon wedges to add a little zing. - Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. This saves time and adds flavor. - Let the salad chill for an hour. This helps the flavors blend well. - Adjust sweetness and seasoning to your taste. Everyone has different preferences. - This dish is perfect as a light lunch or appetizer. It is both tasty and healthy. - Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or crunchy vegetable sticks. This adds more color to your meal. - Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives. They add a burst of flavor and color. - Drizzle balsamic glaze on top for a gourmet touch. This elevates the dish beautifully. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly cooked chicken and high-quality dried cranberries and walnuts. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize the salad by adding chopped celery, diced apples, or even grapes for a unique twist. Chill Before Serving: Letting the chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving enhances the flavors and improves texture. Perfect Lettuce Selection: Romaine or butter lettuce works best for wraps, but you can also try endive for a crunchy alternative. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for turkey or tofu. Both options offer great taste. If you're in a hurry, use canned chicken. It saves time and still tastes good. Want a twist? Add curry powder for a unique flavor. You can also mix in diced grapes. They add a sweet touch that pairs well with the salad. Romaine is great, but you can use spinach or collard greens. They give a different crunch and flavor. You might also add bell peppers for extra crunch. These options keep your wraps exciting and fresh! Keep any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in your fridge. It stays fresh for 2-3 days. After that, it may lose some of its great taste and texture. Always check for any odd smells or changes before eating. I do not recommend freezing this chicken salad. When it thaws, the texture changes, making it less enjoyable to eat. For the best taste and texture, make the chicken salad fresh every time. These wraps are best served cold. If you want to reheat, gently take the filling out and store it separately. Assemble the wraps again just before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. Yes, it is ideal to prepare a few hours in advance for best taste. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. You can store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Use low-fat Greek yogurt and reduce or omit mayonnaise. This change cuts down on calories while keeping it creamy. You can also add more veggies to bulk it up without extra calories. Absolutely! Experiment with pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds. Each nut brings a different flavor and crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. This dish is high in protein, healthy fats, and packed with vitamins from greens and fruits. The chicken provides protein, while the walnuts add healthy fats. Cranberries bring antioxidants, making this salad both tasty and nutritious. This chicken salad wraps recipe combines simple ingredients for a tasty dish. You start with shredded chicken, cranberries, walnuts, and crisp lettuce. The yogurt-based dressing adds flavor without too many calories. You can enjoy it as a light meal or snack. In summary, I encourage you to customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Consider different proteins, nuts, or herbs. This versatile dish is not just healthy; it’s fun to make and share. Enjoy your tasty and fresh creation!

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

A refreshing and healthy chicken salad wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.33 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 head romaine or butter lettuce, separated into leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, ensuring it's evenly distributed, then incorporate the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts, mixing gently.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly so that all ingredients are well coated and combined.
  • Taste the mixture, adjusting the seasoning if necessary. For an added crunch and freshness, consider mixing in finely chopped celery or diced apple.
  • To serve, lay out the lettuce leaves on a clean platter or serving board. Spoon a generous portion of the chicken salad mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf.
  • Carefully fold the lettuce around the filling to create a wrap, and serve immediately for a vibrant, refreshing meal or appetizer.

Notes

For added crunch, consider mixing in finely chopped celery or diced apple.
Keyword chicken salad, healthy, lettuce wraps