Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pesto Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad Wraps are a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The creamy avocado, savory bacon, and tender chicken are all brought together with vibrant pesto, creating a deliciously balanced wrap. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and great for meal prep or on-the-go meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- Avocado (diced)
- Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Fresh spinach or mixed greens
- Pesto sauce
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Large tortillas or wraps
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced avocado, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add the pesto sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, if desired.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Lay out the tortillas and place a handful of fresh spinach or mixed greens in the center of each.
- Spoon the pesto chicken mixture on top of the greens.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly to form a wrap.
- Slice in half and serve immediately, or wrap in foil for later.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Use large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb wrap.
- Vegan Twist: Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegan pesto and plant-based bacon.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Add shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta for a cheesy flavor boost.
- Mediterranean Flair: Include cucumber slices, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the chicken salad mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble wraps just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Reheating: These wraps are best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Toss the avocado with lemon or lime juice before adding it to the salad to slow oxidation.
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, store the filling separately and assemble the wraps when ready to eat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas to make the wraps gluten-free.
What type of pesto works best?
Basil pesto is traditional, but you can also use sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a unique twist.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots add great crunch and color.
How do I prevent the wraps from getting soggy?
Keep wet ingredients like tomatoes and avocado away from the edges, and use a barrier of greens to help absorb moisture.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a leaner option that still provides great flavor.
What sides go well with these wraps?
Serve with a side of fresh fruit, chips, or a simple green salad.
Can I freeze these wraps?
Freezing is not recommended as the avocado and greens do not thaw well.
Conclusion
Pesto Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad Wraps are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines fresh ingredients with bold flavors. Perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or meal prep, these wraps are both nutritious and satisfying. Customize them with your favorite add-ins and enjoy a flavorful wrap that’s sure to become a favorite!
PrintPesto Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad Wraps
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for bacon, if not pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pesto Chicken and Avocado Bacon Salad Wraps are packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Juicy shredded chicken is tossed with creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and a vibrant pesto dressing, all wrapped in a soft tortilla or crisp lettuce for a low-carb option. Perfect for a quick lunch, meal prep, or a light, refreshing dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for extra freshness)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pesto Dressing:
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for a thinner consistency)
For the Wraps:
- 4 large flour tortillas, spinach wraps, or large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option
- Extra fresh basil or arugula (optional for added greens)
Instructions
- Make the pesto dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the pesto, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), and olive oil until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed by adding a little more olive oil.
- Prepare the chicken salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced avocado, crumbled bacon, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cheese (if using).
- Drizzle with lemon juice to keep the avocado fresh and bright.
- Pour the pesto dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the wraps:
- Lay out the tortillas or lettuce leaves.
- Add a handful of fresh greens (like arugula or basil) if desired.
- Spoon the pesto chicken salad onto the center of each wrap.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito, or simply fold the lettuce leaves around the filling.
- Serve:
- Slice the wraps in half if desired and enjoy immediately.
- For meal prep, wrap tightly in foil or parchment paper and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Notes
For extra crunch, add sliced cucumbers or bell peppers.
Make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese and using a dairy-free pesto.
Swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit for a lighter version.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *