Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe

If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious, these Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps are exactly what you need in your life. Combining tender, savory chicken with bright burst of green peas, creamy pesto, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all nestled inside crisp, leafy wraps, this recipe transforms an everyday salad into an exciting handheld treat. Perfect for a light lunch, easy dinner, or impressive appetizer, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in the final flavor and texture. From the fresh sweetness of peas to the rich herbal notes of pesto, each component brings something special to your Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps.

• Green baby peas (1 cup): Whether fresh or frozen, they add a sweet pop of color and a tender bite.
• Cooked chicken, diced or shredded (2 cups): The hearty base that provides protein and satisfying texture.
• Homemade pesto sauce (1/3 cup): Bursting with basil, garlic, and pine nuts for that unmistakable vibrant flavor.
• Plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened coconut yogurt (1/4 cup): A creamy element that balances the pesto’s intensity while keeping it light.
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (2 tbsp): They add a slightly sweet and tangy contrast that brightens the salad.
• Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors perfectly.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little subtle heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Lettuce leaves to serve: Pick your favorite—whether soft butter lettuce, crisp romaine, or even sturdy collard greens, these hold the salad beautifully.

How to Make Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Prepare the peas

If you’re using frozen peas, rinse them under hot water for about a minute to thaw quickly, then drain thoroughly. Fresh peas work perfectly as well, lending a wonderful texture that complements the creamy ingredients.

Step 2: Combine the chicken and flavorings

In a large bowl, add your diced or shredded cooked chicken. Pour in the homemade pesto and Greek yogurt, stirring gently to coat every piece with that gorgeous green goodness. The pesto adds herbaceous depth, while the yogurt introduces a silky smooth feel that keeps the dish light and refreshing.

Step 3: Add the peas and sun-dried tomatoes

Mix in the peas and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, folding everything carefully to preserve the peas’ shape and the juicy chunks of tomato. This step balances the creamy base with fresh bursts of sweet and tangy flavors.

Step 4: Season to taste

Season the mixture with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you enjoy a hint of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to awaken the palate with a subtle kick.

Step 5: Assemble the lettuce wraps

Lay out your chosen lettuce leaves, stacking two or three for strength and stability. Spoon generous portions of the pesto chicken salad onto each, folding them carefully like little edible bowls. These wraps make the salad neat to enjoy and add a refreshing crunch with every bite.

How to Serve Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Garnishes

To elevate your Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps, try sprinkling a few extra pine nuts or fresh basil leaves on top for added texture and a burst of herbal aroma. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a little squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light sides such as a crisp cucumber salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or even quinoa tossed with lemon and herbs. These accompaniments enhance the fresh feel and keep the meal balanced without overpowering the delicate flavors of the wraps.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps as part of a picnic spread with colorful bowls of Mediterranean olives, marinated artichokes, and artisan bread for those who want an extra bite. Alternatively, turn them into bite-sized appetizers by using small lettuce cups and topping each with a single cherry tomato half or a slice of avocado.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover pesto chicken salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep your lettuce leaves separate and assemble the wraps just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe because the fresh peas and lettuce lose their texture when thawed. For best results, prepare the chicken salad in advance and refrigerate it, then assemble the wraps fresh on the day you plan to enjoy them.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If your chicken was refrigerated right after cooking, you can bring it to room temperature before assembling the wraps for a more pleasant eating experience, but avoid microwaving the salad mixture to keep the fresh flavors intact.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for these wraps?

Absolutely! While homemade pesto has a fresh, vibrant edge, quality store-bought pesto works perfectly well and keeps this recipe quick and easy.

What lettuce works best for these wraps?

Soft yet sturdy lettuce like butter lettuce or Boston bib lettuce is ideal because it holds the filling without tearing, but feel free to experiment with crunchy romaine or even collard greens for a heartier wrap.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can use unsweetened coconut yogurt or even mayonnaise if you prefer. The key is to maintain the creamy texture that binds the salad together without overpowering the pesto flavors.

Can I make these wraps vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted chickpeas for protein to enjoy a meat-free version that’s just as satisfying.

How spicy are these wraps?

They’re mild by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to customize the heat level to your preference.

Final Thoughts

These Pesto Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps have quickly become one of my favorite meals to make and share. They’re vibrant, fresh, and incredibly satisfying without feeling heavy—perfect for those days when you want something wholesome yet exciting. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and find yourself coming back to it again and again for its unbeatable blend of flavors and textures.

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