Southwestern Chicken Salad Wraps
Flavorful southwestern chicken salad wraps combine roasted red peppers, tender chicken, and creamy dressing for a versatile dish perfect for lunch or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 7-oz. jar roasted red bell peppers ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped cooked chicken
- 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 0.4-oz. envelope Ranch-style Buttermilk dressing mix ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped ripe olives
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 4.5-oz. can chopped green chiles, drained ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. pine nuts (optional) ⓘ
- 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain roasted red bell peppers well, pressing between layers of paper towels; chop.
- In a bowl, stir together chopped roasted peppers, cooked chicken, cream cheese, Ranch-style dressing mix, chopped olives, chopped onion, chopped green chiles, chopped cilantro, and pepper.
- Cover and chill the mixture for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld.
- If desired, stir pine nuts into the chicken mixture before serving.
- Spoon the mixture evenly onto each flour tortilla and roll up.
- Serve as sandwiches or cut each roll into 5 slices to serve as appetizers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a touch more cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a substitute. If you're looking for a kick, try using spicy pickled jalapeños instead of olives. You can also swap out flour tortillas for whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a healthier option. For easier prep, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken if available.
Serving Suggestions
These Southwestern Chicken Salad Wraps make for a great lunch or picnic item. Serve them alongside a light salad or fresh fruit for a balanced meal. For a fun appetizer, cut the rolled wraps into bite-sized slices and pair with salsa or guacamole for dipping. They also pair beautifully with Chicken Chimichanga.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the wraps from getting soggy, store the filling and tortillas separately. To reheat, you can microwave the filling gently or serve chilled for a refreshing option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwestern Chicken Salad Wraps contains roughly 591 calories, with 33g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (722% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (108% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 693mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
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 these wraps ahead of time?
Absolutely! These wraps can be prepared a day in advance. Just keep the filling and tortillas separate until you're ready to serve to prevent sogginess. Chilling the filling overnight will enhance the flavors as well.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can be used in place of cream cheese. This will give you a similar creaminess with fewer calories. You can also try a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
How spicy are these wraps?
The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. The addition of chopped green chiles gives a mild heat, but if you prefer a spicier wrap, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Taste the filling before rolling to ensure it meets your desired heat level.
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).