Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps(Easy Appetizer)
Delicious and crunchy lettuce wraps filled with sweet cranberries, toasted almonds, and savory chicken salad, perfect for light appetizers or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bake slivered almonds for 5 to 7 minutes or until toasted.
- In a small bowl, stir together chicken salad, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds.
- Cut the bottom of each butterhead lettuce leaf to make leaves about 6 inches long and discard the bottoms.
- Spread about 3 tablespoons of the mixture lengthwise down one edge of each lettuce leaf.
- Roll up the lettuce leaves and secure each with 3 wooden cocktail picks, enclosing the filling.
- Use a gentle sawing motion to cut each lettuce roll between the picks into 3 pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some diced apple or celery to the chicken salad. If you don't have slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans can be great substitutes. To save time, use store-bought chicken salad. Also, ensure the lettuce leaves are dry and crisp for optimal rolling.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken salad lettuce wraps make a refreshing appetizer or light meal, perfect for entertaining. Pair them with a side of fresh fruit or a light soup like Pumpkin-Peanut Butter Soup for a balanced spread. Consider serving with a dipping sauce, such as a tangy yogurt dressing, to elevate the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce leaves separate to prevent wilting. When ready to serve, reassemble the wraps, as they are best enjoyed fresh. You can also prepare the filling ahead of time for quicker assembly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps(Easy Appetizer) contains roughly 80 calories, with 4g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to assemble the wraps just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and crisp.
What can I use instead of chicken for a vegetarian option?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken salad with a chickpea salad or a tofu-based salad. You can also use a store-bought vegan chicken salad for a quick and easy alternative.
How can I make these wraps more filling?
To make these wraps more filling, consider adding more protein like diced hard-boiled eggs or additional nuts. You can also serve them with a side of quinoa or a grain salad to round out the meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).