Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps Fresh and Flavorful Meal

November 23, 2025June 5, 2025 by Chef Tavio

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1/2 cup cucumber, diced

– 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced

– 1 avocado, sliced

– 1 head of butter lettuce (or iceberg lettuce), leaves separated

– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the pesto chicken lettuce wraps, you need fresh and vibrant ingredients. Start with cooked chicken. Shred this chicken so it mixes well. Next, grab some basil pesto. You can use store-bought or make your own. This will add a rich, herb flavor.

Next, get cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Their sweetness brightens the dish. Then, chop a cucumber into small pieces for crunch. Don’t forget about red onion. Slice it finely to add a sharp taste.

An avocado brings creaminess. Slice it to place on top later. For the wraps, use butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce. This gives a crisp base for your filling.

Lastly, have Parmesan cheese ready. Grate it fresh for the best flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste. These simple ingredients come together to make a fresh meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Chicken Mixture

To start, you need to mix the shredded chicken and basil pesto. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of cooked chicken. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of basil pesto. Use a spatula to mix well. Make sure each piece of chicken gets a nice coat of pesto. This step makes the chicken full of flavor.

Incorporating Fresh Vegetables

Next, it’s time to add some crunch. Toss in 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup of finely sliced red onion. Gently fold these veggies into the chicken mixture. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes. You want each bite to have a fresh crunch.

Seasoning the Chicken Mixture

Now we’ll add some seasoning. Sprinkle salt and pepper into the bowl. Start with a pinch of each and mix well. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. This step is key to ensuring the flavors pop.

Assembling the Wraps

To prepare the lettuce leaves, rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with a towel. Use large leaves from a head of butter or iceberg lettuce. This will help hold the filling well.

Take a lettuce leaf and lay it flat. Spoon in a generous portion of the pesto chicken filling. Next, add a slice of avocado and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Now, fold the sides of the leaf over the filling. Then, roll it up from the bottom. This creates a lovely wrap. Repeat this process with the rest of the leaves and filling. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful meal!

Tips & Tricks

Choosing the Right Lettuce

When making pesto chicken lettuce wraps, pick the right lettuce. Butter lettuce is soft and has a nice cup shape. Iceberg lettuce is crispy and crunchy. Both work well. Choose large leaves that are intact. This helps hold the filling better and keeps the wrap together. Large leaves also make eating easier.

Serving and Presentation

To present your wraps, arrange them neatly on a colorful platter. This makes them look tasty and inviting. Leave some space in the center for a small bowl of extra pesto. It’s great for dipping. Add some halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves around the wraps. This adds color and makes the dish pop.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them properly. Wrap the lettuce leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a bag. This keeps them crisp. For the chicken filling, use an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you separate the components, they will last longer. This way, you can enjoy your wraps again without losing flavor.

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can switch out the chicken for turkey or tofu. Both options work well. Turkey keeps the protein high and adds a nice twist. Tofu makes this meal veggie-friendly and is great at soaking up flavors. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking. This way, it holds the pesto nicely.

Flavor Enhancements

To make your wraps even tastier, try adding spices or herbs. A pinch of garlic powder or some red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. You can also swap out the basil pesto for sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto. Each pesto brings a different flavor to your wraps, so feel free to experiment.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your wraps with a light side dish. A simple salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette works great. You can also offer dips like hummus or tzatziki for extra flavor. These sauces add a creamy touch and enhance the meal. Don’t forget to arrange your wraps nicely on a platter to impress your guests!

Nutritional Information

Overview of Nutritional Benefits

Pesto chicken lettuce wraps offer great nutrition. The main star, chicken, gives you high protein. Protein helps build muscles and keeps you full. Avocado adds healthy fats that are good for your heart. These fats also help your body absorb vitamins. Together, these ingredients create a meal that is both tasty and beneficial.

Caloric Breakdown per Serving

Each serving of these wraps is light on calories. Here’s a quick breakdown:

– Cooked chicken: About 140 calories.

– Basil pesto: Roughly 100 calories.

– Avocado: Around 80 calories.

– Lettuce: Very few calories, almost negligible.

This meal is low-carb and gluten-free. It fits well into many diets. You can enjoy these wraps without worrying about extra carbs or gluten.

Portion Control

I recommend one to two wraps per serving. This keeps your meal balanced. If you plan meals, think about making extra chicken. It can be used in salads or sandwiches later. Wraps are easy to prep ahead. Just keep the filling and lettuce separate until you serve. This way, your lettuce stays crisp!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and still tastes good. Look for a brand with fresh ingredients. Check the label to avoid preservatives. Store-bought pesto often has a nice balance of flavors. However, it may not have the same freshness as homemade.

How do I make homemade pesto?

Making homemade pesto is easy and fun. You need fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend these ingredients until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. This simple recipe gives you a bright flavor. You can customize it by adding nuts or cheese.

Can I prepare these wraps in advance?

Yes, you can prepare these wraps in advance. Keep the filling and lettuce separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh. You can store the filling in the fridge for up to three days. When ready, assemble the wraps quickly for a tasty meal.

These wraps combine delicious ingredients like chicken, veggies, and pesto. You learned how to prepare the chicken mixture and assemble your wraps step by step. I shared tips on choosing the right lettuce and serving ideas to make your dish stand out. You can even change up the proteins and flavors to fit your taste. Remember, these wraps are packed with protein and healthy fats. Enjoy making them and impress your family or friend